Do you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw when you feel stressed or anxious?
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching may seem like a harmless habit. However, if left untreated, teeth grinding can have lasting detrimental effects on your teeth and overall oral health. In most cases, occasional teeth grinding does not require extensive treatment. In the event you develop chronic teeth grinding, it can lead to headaches, severe jaw disorders, and extensive tooth damage. Understanding the underlying reason for teeth grinding can help our team develop a treatment plan best suited for your needs.
Depending on the underlying reason for teeth grinding, patients can be treated with a range of solutions designed to address any TMJ related concerns, bite problems and malocclusion.
Signs of Teeth Grinding
Many patients do not realize they grind their teeth until they visit the dentist. Your dentist can perform a full evaluation of the teeth and surrounding areas to determine if you are exhibiting any signs of teeth grinding. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of teeth grinding:
- Earaches
- Facial Pain
- Fractured and Chipped Teeth
- Worn or Flattened Teeth
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Frequent Headaches
- Tissue Damage In The Mouth
Treating Teeth Grinding
Treating tooth grinding is heavily based on the underlying cause of teeth grinding and the extent of damage to the teeth. Treatment aims to address the root of a dental concern to help prevent further damage to the teeth. Once the root of the problem is addressed, we will correct any damage to the teeth.
We will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the underlying cause of tooth grinding and create a treatment plan based on the results from the examination.
- Orthodontics: In some cases, orthodontics is needed to realign the teeth and minimize the change of teeth grinding. At Plantation Road Dental Care, we offer Invisalign for a discreet, effective solution for straightening crooked, misaligned teeth.
- Restorative Dentistry: For teeth that have sustained extensive damage as a result of teeth grinding, Dr. Andrews offers a full range of restorative dentistry services. Dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding may be used to restore damaged teeth.
- Night Guard: A night guard is similar to a mouthguard in that it protects the teeth and gum from damage. A night guard is one of the most commonly used treatments for teeth grinding. Patients where their night guard while they sleep to protect the teeth surfaces from making contact.
Schedule A Consultation
Addressing teeth grinding in its earliest stage can reduce your risk of developing extensive damage to the teeth. When teeth grinding is left unaddressed, patients are at an increased risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and tooth pain. Contact Dr. Melanie Andrews of Plantation Road Dental care for a one on one consultation. If you would like to explore your treatment options, call (985) 231-2770 or request an appointment online.