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Dental treatments for teeth grinding, or bruxism, focus on preventing damage to teeth and alleviating discomfort.
The primary treatment is the use of custom-fitted night guards or splints, which are worn during sleep to cushion the teeth and prevent them from grinding against each other. These devices should be made and fitted by dentists to ensure a comfortable and effective fit, instead of the commercially available/ homemade devices.
In addition to night guards, stress management techniques are often recommended, as bruxism is frequently linked to stress and anxiety. Relaxation exercises, therapy, or medications may help reduce stress levels and, consequently, grinding.
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Depending on your severity of grinding, for some patients, wearing a soft guard is enough. However, if you have any symptoms such as headaches, eacrache, referred pain to the neck, back or shoulders, limited opening or severe tooth wear, then a soft guard can sometimes make the habit of grinding worse.
There are different devices available to assist with the level of tooth wear and the severity of grinding based on your symptoms. A hard nightguard can be helpful in reducing the forces of grinding on the teeth such as an Upper B Splint which helps with the reduction of clenching and grinding.Â
This aims to cushion the bite from the forces of clenching and grinding from being transmitted to the teeth and supporting muscles.Â
A more sophisticated device which is used in patients with symptoms such as those listed above is a device called a Michigan splint.
This is a fully calibrated device that requires adjustment over multiple visits and aims to relax the jaw and associated muscle apparatus to improve symptoms, well-being, and mouth opening.
Sometimes Botox can also be administered to relax muscle groups in the jaw neck back and shoulders however this should be done on its own with caution as without correcting the bite and addressing the symptoms sometimes Botox can worsen the severity of clenching and grinding as it can lock you into an unfavorable bite.
Further calibration required for the Michigan splint treatment due to ongoing deprogramming of the jaw muscles for symptomatic relief
5 visits, 12 weeks
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Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, or certain medications. Lifestyle factors such as caffeine or alcohol consumption can also contribute.
Night guards are custom-fitted devices worn over the teeth during sleep. They provide a protective barrier that prevents the upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, reducing wear and preventing damage.
Custom-fitted night guards made by a dentist are designed for comfort and effectiveness. While it might take a few nights to get used to wearing one, most users find them comfortable after the initial adjustment period.
The duration varies depending on the severity of bruxism. Many people need to wear a night guard long-term, especially if stress or symptoms persist. Regular dental check-ups help determine the necessity and effectiveness of the treatment.
Yes, bruxism can lead to tooth wear, fractures, and even tooth loss. It can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Using a night guard can prevent these complications.
Some users may experience initial discomfort or increased salivation, which usually subsides with regular use. If discomfort persists, consult your dentist for adjustments.
TMJ disorders involve pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. Some anti-snoring devices can exacerbate TMJ issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a dental professional evaluate whether a device is suitable if you have TMJ problems.
Tooth wear and damage refer to the gradual loss or breakdown of tooth structure due to factors such as friction, chemical erosion, or physical trauma. Tooth damage can also occur from fractures, chips, or cracks due to injury or biting hard objects.
Headaches and migraines are common neurological conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Although they share some similarities, they differ in terms of causes, symptoms, and severity.
