Problems Caused by Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding and clenching can be the cause of a host of oral health problems and discomfort in the mouth and jaw, including:

• Worn enamel
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Deteriorating dental work
• Gum recession
• Popping jaw joints
• Tenderness when chewing

Pressure, inflammation, and pain can develop from issues like these, with bruxism carrying on through the night and the side effects staying with you throughout the day.

Reasons for Teeth Grinding

Determining why the teeth-grinding problem exists is the first step to getting the right dental treatment. Most people suffer from chronic bruxism, but others develop this habit because of:

• TMJ problems
• Misalignment
• Abnormal bite
• Extreme stress
• Crooked teeth
• Missing teeth
• Sleep apnea

Your oral health can deteriorate quickly because of untreated bruxism, so diagnosing the source and getting the right kind of dental care as soon as possible is your best course of action. Typically, the most efficient, long-lasting course of action will be a customized night guard, though some patients may benefit from Invisalign treatment or the replacement of missing teeth.

Benefits of a Customized Night Guard

A customized night guard for bruxism is a valuable method of preventive dental care. This one appliance, worn nightly, can protect your teeth from deterioration and prevent painful side effects of grinding and clenching teeth. Without treatment, bruxism will result in dental problems that demand to be treated, a timely and costly endeavor. Imagine being able to avoid the discomfort of oral health complications and the associated costs to repair them, all through one simple appliance. A customized, full-coverage night guard protects upper and lower teeth from each other and requires only an impression of your teeth to get it started. The molds are sent to a dental lab for creation and your personalized guard will return with the following characteristics that offer immediate relief from teeth grinding:

• Made of clear plastic
• Smooth
• Durable
• Snug-fitting
• Comfortable

Affordable, over-the-counter night guards are available and many people start with this option. However, these boil-and-bite guards are a short-lived, ineffective treatment. The appliance is flawed in both fit and function and can lead to additional oral health problems. A customized night guard for bruxism from your Healdsburg dentist can last for decades with proper cleaning and storage.

Cost Factors for Night Guard for Bruxism

There are several types of customized night guards available and the cost factors for your unique night guard will vary based on whether you are paying out of pocket or using dental insurance. Other cost factors include:

• Type of night guard (soft, hard, hybrid, ultra-thin, daytime)
• Materials used
• Dentist’s experience
• Location of dental office

Remember, night guards can save you thousands of dollars in dental work as a preventive measure that guards against damage from grinding your teeth.

Get a Customized Night Guard from Your Healdsburg Dentist

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but the power of your teeth is just as real and, sometimes, your teeth need to be protected from themselves. If you recognize the symptoms or side effects of sleep bruxism, it may be time to consider a customized night guard. At Healdsburg Dental Spa in Healdsburg, CA, we are happy to help our patients find relief and save their teeth from avoidable damage – while also helping you get better sleep. Contact us to schedule your consultation to discuss night guards, sleep bruxism, and any associated problems that may have developed because of teeth grinding.