Effective Treatment for Teeth Grinding with Occlusal Guards
Dr. Evan Silsby and our team in Albion, New York, take great pride in providing quality care in a setting that feels like “home.” Your family deserves the most inviting, professional dentistry. Silsby Family Dental also leans on the latest techniques and technologies; our advanced knowledge goes beyond teeth and gums. We recognize that teeth and gums are part of a complex oral system that can support or hinder our overall health and well-being. Notably, Dr. Silsby prioritizes the “occlusal” relationship, which is how the surfaces of the opposing teeth in the jaws come together. Occlusal guards or therapy may be necessary for our valued patients diagnosed with bruxism.
What is bruxism?
This term refers to chronic grinding of the teeth and jaw clenching. Bruxism is a potentially destructive condition. It may be rooted in other occlusal or bite problems and issues with how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Prompt treatment is essential to protect from damage to not only the teeth but also to those interconnected muscles and tissues. Our approach to bruxism also depends on the underlying “source” of your toothy troubles.
What could be the source of my teeth grinding?
There is still much to be learned about this condition. Partly, it’s thought that bruxism is linked to poorly managed stress and anxiety. For this reason, teeth grinding may be improved or prevented among some patients with relaxation or stress management techniques. In dentistry, imbalances caused by missing or worn teeth, misalignment, or broken or old restorations can also give rise to this destructive condition. If patients are nocturnal or “sleep” bruxers, they may not even know they clench and grind their teeth until Dr. Silsby sees the telltale signs during routine dental exams: chips, worn enamel, and excessive wear and tear.
Why should I treat bruxism promptly?
The force of chronic bruxism can be too much for your teeth to withstand. To protect your teeth and the investment you’ve made in your smile (dental restorations and tooth replacement), Dr. Silsby may recommend custom night guards or oral appliances. These appliances resemble retainers and slip in and out of your mouth effortlessly. They provide a barrier between your teeth and the excessive pressure placed on them when you bite down during sleep.
Are all guards the same?
No. We may also recommend special splints that prevent your back teeth from touching when you bite down. These splints not only protect the teeth but also reduce the impact of grinding behaviors on the tissues and jaw joints. As a result, these splints can help alleviate TMJ (temporomandibular joint) symptoms, including chronic headaches and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. TMJ disorders are another condition associated with bruxism.
Occlusal guards or oral appliance therapy at Silsby Family Dental doesn't stop here. Our team in Albion, NY, may also recommend these devices worn in the mouth to protect the teeth and tissues caused by blows to the face during sports, particularly "high-risk" contact sports like hockey and football. To learn more about these valuable preventative "helpers," call us at (585) 589-4325 today.
