grinding

clenching and bruxing

Grinding the teeth can be related to stress, medications, irregular sleep patterns, excessive caffeine and alcohol and other factors. Most grinding occurs during sleep and over time it can cause a variety of dental problems. There are two types of teeth grinders.

Clenchers

Will unconsciously apply 3 to 12 times more bite-down pressure. This extreme pressure bends the tooth and loosens the bone. It causes wear at the gum line in the shape of a “V”. People who clench are often told that they brush too hard.

Bruxers

Actually move their jaw around and grind their teeth against each other, wearing down the chewing surface. The aesthetics of the teeth and smile change over time, as well leading to changes in the bite, possible tooth loss and gum recession. Bruxing may also be connected to TMJ issues.

The treatment for any grinding is the use of a custom-made mouth guard that is worn at night. 

• Much like TMJ treatment, we work to find the proper jaw alignment and the optimal bite position.
• We then create top and bottom molds of the teeth from which your mouth guard will be fashioned.
• In a follow-up appointment, we ascertain the proper fit and teach you how to insert, remove and care for the mouth guard.

Bruxers may also consider cosmetic treatments such as veneers or porcelain crowns to repair teeth damaged by grinding and enhancing the aesthetic of the smile.

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