Night Guards
Our jaws can generate a tremendous amount of force, and sometimes our teeth need a little help bearing that load. Grinding your teeth at night (medically known as “bruxism”) can not only cause pain and discomfort, but can damage your teeth and any dental work that you’ve had done in the past.
Depending on a your size, grinding can exert 400-600 pounds of force per square inch of tooth surface, and our teeth just aren’t built to withstand this constant force and abrasion over an extended period of time. You may clench, gnash, or grind your teeth—often without being completely aware of your actions - particularly at night.
These forces can have many negative consequences for your dental health, including:
Attrition, or the flattening and shortening of the incisal edges and occlusal surfaces of the teeth
Recessed gums due to loss of bone at the neck of the tooth.
Abfraction is the loss of tooth structure at the gingival margin.
Fractured teeth or fractured dental fixtures (crown, bridge, implant).
Sensitivity of teeth to heat or cold
Premature loss of enamel, which weakens the tooth and can also increase risk of decay and cavities.
Premature aging of teeth, which can also lead to premature yellowing of teeth.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): TMD is also sometimes called TMJ, and the disorder can cause ongoing pain in the joint, clicking or popping of the jaw, as well as difficulty chewing.
A proper diagnosis and a properly fitted night guard may help reduce the impact of bruxism. Don’t be fooled by promises of inexpensive “one-size-fits-all” nightguards. Proper application of a dental night guard appliance requires an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan, and Dr. Phillip has received extensive training in both the diagnosis and treatment of bruxism, including intensive study at the L.D. Pankey Institute.
First, a complete dental exam is required to help identify the cause of the bruxism. A misaligned bite, joint problems in the jaw, and even sleep apnea can all be causes of bruxism. Understanding the root cause of the problem is key to identifying the right solution. If a night guard isn’t the right solution, then buying a night guard - particularly a generic, poorly-fitted one - won’t solve the problem and might even mask or exacerbate symptoms, leading to more serious problems.
Next, Dr. Phillip will discuss with you all potential treatment options, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, discuss trade-offs, and decide what treatment works best for you. A custom-made, properly fitted night guard may be the answer. However, if the cause of the bruxism first requires treatment of an underlying condition, it makes sense in the long run to treat the real problem and not just the symptom.
Finally, if the determination is reached that a night guard is appropriate, Dr. Phillip and her team will take the necessary impressions and fabricate a custom-fit appliance that will do the job it is intended to do.
As always, our primary concern is to make sure that you are making an informed decision on the treatment that is right for you, so if you are waking up with a sore jaw or exhibiting other symptoms of possible bruxism, give us a call or mention the concern during your next office visit.