Teeth grinding can exert up to 250 lbs of force per square inch of the tooth surface.
Dr. Schmidt will examine your teeth and take x-rays to look at any significant damage that’s been caused to the teeth. Any damaged teeth will need to be restored.
We will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom-fit plastic night guard that molds to the exact curvatures of your teeth and gums.
It may take a few weeks for your night guard to be ready. We’ll give you a call when it’s time to pick them up and then you can begin your treatment by wearing the night guard as instructed each night.
We may ask you to return for follow-ups to see if you’re experiencing any improvement in Bruxism or TMD or if you need a replacement night guard.
Strain in the joints of your jaw as a result of teeth grinding can lead to TMJ/TMD. This results in pain in the jaw and face, headaches, popping or clicking sounds when opening your jaw, lockjaw, swelling, and difficulty chewing. By wearing a mouthguard, we prevent your jaw from clenching, which alleviates the strain that causes lockjaw, jaw tension, and headaches.
Bruxism is a common problem that many people face but are unaware of it. Because teeth grinding occurs in your sleep, it may never be brought to your attention unless a dentist notices damage to your teeth or a partner who sleeps next to you tells you about it.
By wearing a mouthguard, your teeth are cushioned and the plastic guard absorbs the force from your clenched jaw. This prevents your enamel from being worn down or your teeth from becoming seriously damaged.
Occlusal guards are different from occlusal splints, which are used to treat sleep apnea.