Different Treatments for Teeth Grinding
You've likely heard about teeth grinding before and assume you know what it is. Many people actually have major misconceptions about teeth grinding and what it entails. The causes of teeth grinding and that dangers it poses to dental health and overall wellness are commonly misunderstood, but that's why we want to help educate patients.
When you meet with a Freehold cosmetic dentist, you'll be able to learn much more about all of these matters. We'd like to take a few moments right now to go over the basics of teeth grinding and why you should take this problem seriously.
About Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding refers to the gnashing, clenching, shifting, and gnawing of the teeth that occurs at night. Many people suffer from teeth grinding but do not realize it. Left untreated, the teeth grinding can cause tooth damage, TMJ disorders, headaches, fatigue, and other problems effecting the teeth and jaw joint.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
While many people believe that stress causes teeth grinding, it's not always the case. Stress can cause or contribute to teeth grinding, that's true, but the most common cause of teeth grinding is actually tooth misalignment, or malocclusion. When the teeth are improperly aligned, a proper resting position cannot be found, hence the constant shifting of the teeth. It's for this reason that visiting our cosmetic dentistry center in Freehold is key for proper treatment and care.
Treating Teeth Grinding with a Mouth Guard
One common way that teeth grinding is treated is through the use of a night guard. This is a specially made mouthpiece worn when the patient is asleep. It helps prevent full contact between upper and lower teeth, preventing tooth damage and easing stress on the jaw joint in the process.
Treating Teeth Grinding Through Orthodontics
Apart from the night guard, it's common for full mouth reconstruction treatments of teeth grinding to incorporate orthodontic care. By improving the alignment of the teeth, there will be fewer issues with maintaining proper dental alignment and finding a rest position for the teeth.
Treating TMJ Disorders Caused by Teeth Grinding
There are numerous therapies to address TMJ disorders caused by teeth grinding. In most cases, the TMJ disorder will be alleviated through the use of a night guard, orthodontics, or a combination of both. Other therapies can be considered if these prove ineffective.
Treating the Tooth Damage Caused by Teeth Grinding
Since teeth grinding can lead to major damage to a smile, there are plenty of restorative options that we can use at our dental health center in Freehold. Dental crowns, inlays, onlays, dental bonding, and other treatments can make a major impact on your overall smile. It should be noted that we can easily combine the various therapies mentioned above in order to help our patients achieve total wellness.
Learn More About Teeth Grinding Treatments
If you would like to learn more about teeth grinding and how it can be treated and dealt with properly, be sure to contact our Freehold cosmetic dentistry center today. During the consultation process, we will be sure to go over all of your options to achieve optimal dental health.
