Teeth grinding and clenching, a.k.a. bruxism, not only wears down your smile but can also cause a cascade of dental problems. However, you don’t have to accept those consequences. Wear and tear, chips, and cracks can all be mitigated with the help of Bethesda Dental Associates. Let’s dive into ways to reclaim your smile from bruxism.
Custom-Made Night Guards
Our sleep mouth guards are plastic trays molded specifically to the unique shape of your mouth. When you wear a night guard, your upper and lower teeth don’t come in contact, protecting them from the effects of grinding or clenching. Your jaw may even automatically relax.
As a result, using a nightguard can help alleviate jaw pain and reduce the risk of developing more serious dental issues, like cracked teeth or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign® clear aligners can correct misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite, which could be part of the reason you’re suffering the ill effects of bruxism. By having a more aligned smile, you get an even pressure distribution across all of your teeth.
These treatments not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile but also enhance your oral health by relieving pain and chewing and speech difficulty, leading to better overall well-being and confidence.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dental procedures are essential for repairing and rehabilitating teeth damaged by bruxism. This is the course we’ll take if you suffer tooth fractures from the pressure of clenching or grinding.
Depending on the severity of the damage, we may recommend dental fillings or tooth crowns. Both restore the usefulness and aesthetics of your teeth as well as prevent further damage. After repairs, we’ll equip you with a night guard for additional protection.
Cosmetic Care
If part of your concern about bruxism is its negative effect on the look of your smile, we can use our considerable cosmetic options. For instance, porcelain veneers—thin shells that bond to the front of teeth—can cover up chips and asymmetrical tooth shape.
Dental bonding offers both cosmetic and restorative benefits. We apply a composite resin to a tooth’s surface to repair chips, cracks, or minor wear. Bonding can also whiten your teeth and make your smile more even.
Lifestyle Changes
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that bruxism is often attributed to stress or frustration. Taking steps to reduce your stress can, therefore, be part of the treatment regimen we recommend at Bethesda Dental Associates. Some suggestions we might make:
- Food and Drink: Reducing your caffeine intake can reduce grinding and clenching.
- Tobacco Use: Quit smoking or other tobacco product use for myriad health benefits.
- Stress-Relief Options: Meditation or yoga can quiet your mind and relax your muscles.
- Sleep: Keep a regular sleep schedule (and wear your night guard) for less stress.
- Exercise: Get up and moving to produce endorphins and get better rest.
Learn to recognize your triggers for bruxism to find the best proactive steps to manage your condition.
Our Bethesda Dentists Ensure No More Broken Bruxism Smiles
Don’t wait to address teeth grinding’s effects on your smile. Bethesda Dental Associates can both treat the damage caused by bruxism and prevent additional issues with protective and preventative tools. Contact us today for a customized rehabilitation and treatment plan.
We accept most PPO Insurances.