Don't live with constant teeth grinding that could ruin your beautiful smile. Contact Total Care Dental for bruxism treatment and prevention. We offer effective dental health care services to eliminate bruxism. Our specialists will devise a plan to prevent further damage and save your precious smile.
Bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding, is a condition involving involuntary teeth clenching (bruxing) and jaw clenching. Frequent in sleep but possible during waking hours, Bruxism wears down teeth, increases tooth sensitivity and jaw pain, and causes headaches and earaches. Repetitive grinding can even cause gum recession and jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
During bruxing, the facial muscles around the jaw and sides of the skull experience overexertion. This overuse can cause tenderness, muscle spasms and painful headaches. Ground teeth are more likely to crack and fall out. Initial signs of bruxism can be hard to notice, so you may be unaware of your condition. Our comprehensive dentists are specialists in spotting the early warning signs of teeth grinding. Regular dental visits will allow our dentists to monitor signs of grinding and accurately diagnose.
Some people do not realize they clench their teeth at night until told. If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dentists right away.
Most people are unaware they grind their teeth since most clenching and grinding occur during sleep. You might wake up with a sore jaw and not know the cause. Regular visits to TCD Madison will allow us to spot changes in your teeth caused by nocturnal teeth grinding. Bruxism is considered a sleep disorder since the symptoms can lead to restless nights and insomnia. Treatment will protect your teeth and improve your ability to sleep!
There are several possible causes of bruxism, including stress, anxiety and certain medications. In some cases, bruxism may be related to sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Having a family history of bruxism can increase your chances of developing this condition.
Many dentists fail to diagnose and treat bruxism because the process of grinding down teeth takes place over many years. At Total Care Dental, we use dental X-rays and 3D imaging for accurate diagnosis. Digital images allow our dentists to track the changes in your teeth caused by grinding.
The key to preventing bruxism is treatment when the first signs appear. Prepare for your dental appointment by listing symptoms and possible causes, and gathering relevant medical records. You may have a few questions to ask about where to go from here as well.
The treatment you receive will depend on the cause and type of bruxism you have. If you grind due to misaligned teeth, Invisalign clear braces may correct the problem. If you have sleep bruxism, you may need a night mouth guard. You may be recommended other forms of treatment like medication to relax your jaw muscles.
If diagnosed at an early stage, our dentists will recommend a fitted occlusal guard for you to wear at night to relax the jaw muscles and prevent teeth from wearing down. High-performance mouthguards will help reduce grinding during the day. When significant wear occurs, we may recommend building your teeth back to their original size for proper functioning.
While our treatment options will protect your teeth and jaw, bruxism can be a side effect of other health conditions. After receiving a bruxism diagnosis, check with your primary care physician to see if you have any related disorders. Sleep apnea can lead to night bruxism while ADHD can cause awake bruxism.
Teeth grinding can cause damage to dental crowns and veneers. Getting treated early will prevent many of these issues. If your teeth are damaged from grinding, our restorative dentists will go over potential options to restore their appearance.
Before your appointment with Total Care Dental, see if you can relieve your symptoms at home. Trying a few at-home remedies can make determining the cause of your teeth grinding and jaw clenching easier. See our guide on the best home remedies to prevent and cope with teeth grinding from bruxism.
A: No, grinding your teeth is not normal. Bruxism, a condition of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can occur when you are awake or asleep. Either version can cause damage to your teeth as the repetitive grinding motion wears down your teeth. Sometimes grinding is a result of stress; other times it is related to disorders like TMJ. Treatment ranges from stress relief to wearing a mouth guard.
A: An occlusal guard is a u-shaped piece of plastic, much like a traditional sports mouth guard. They are used to treat bruxism (grinding of the teeth). Occlusal guards are typically made of clear acrylic plastic and are custom fitted to your mouth by your dentist. Having a dentist fit your occlusal guard to your mouth ensures the guard fits comfortably and doesn’t fall out during the night.
A: Bruxism can often be managed and controlled, but it is not typically a condition that can be completely cured. But with proper treatment, the symptoms of bruxism can be significantly reduced and well-controlled to where they are no longer noticeable.
Work closely with your dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual bruxism. With proper treatment and management, achieving effective control of bruxism and reducing the risk of complications is possible.
A: The type of treatment most effective for your case of bruxism will depend on the severity and uniqueness of your condition. Common bruxism treatment options include mouthguards or splints, cognitive-behavioral therapy, jaw-relaxing medications or lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine intake and avoiding alcohol.
A: Untreated bruxism can lead to the development of unwanted pain points in your mouth, jaw and head including:
A: Night guards in many cases will be covered by your insurance if they are deemed medically necessary. Check with us for the full details of your insurance plan’s coverage for accurate confirmation.
Total Care Dental accepts most dental insurance providers and has many payment plan options. We want all of our patients to be able to afford the care they need. We even accept cash as payment! Learn more about our dental financing today or call our offices for more information on low-cost bruxism treatment.
Total Care Dental offers multi-level payment options for a variety of dental care services at our Madison, WI location. Enjoy routine checkups, cleanings, x-rays, periodontal preventative care and more without the hassle of dealing with insurance companies that don't value your time or health needs.
Benefits include:
Low-cost monthly payments 10% off additional treatments Immediate Benefits Un-enroll any timeOur team of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals create a warm, inviting atmosphere, ensuring patients of all ages feel welcome. At TCD, we treat every patient like a member of our family.
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