Advanced Dental Care For Teeth Grinding in Morristown, NJ
Are your teeth worn down due to teeth grinding? Address the root cause and fix the appearance of worn teeth all in one location.
Repeated trauma to your teeth can affect their health, function, and appearance. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, occurs when the biting surfaces of the teeth come together. The repeated pressure and trauma to your teeth can cause tooth wear, breakage, and tooth sensitivity.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry near you, Dr. Victor Gittleman can assess your teeth and determine if you have experienced tooth grinding. Our goal is to prevent further grinding, correct any damage that your teeth and jaw have suffered, and reduce the risk of future grinding. Teeth clenching is also related to grinding and can be addressed in the same way. Teeth clenching and grinding are just one of the common dental concerns Dr. Gittleman treats at his Morristown, NJ, office.
What Causes Tooth Grinding?
It is natural to grind your teeth to some extent. However, when tooth grinding is done frequently, it can cause damage to your teeth and lead to pain or discomfort in the face, neck, and jaw.
Before any treatment is recommended, it is important to understand the underlying cause of tooth grinding. Some potential causes of tooth grinding might include:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Missing teeth
- Misaligned bite or abnormal bite
- Daily stress and anxiety
- Certain types of medication
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding typically occurs unconsciously during sleep. Many patients don’t realize they grind their teeth until someone else tells them or they visit their dentist.
Symptoms of teeth grinding may include:
- Chronic headaches, especially in the morning
- Pain, tightness, or discomfort in the jaw or face
- Earache
- Worn or damaged teeth
In advanced cases, teeth grinding can lead to dysfunction in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). When left untreated, TMJ disorder can compromise the function and balance of your bite and lead cause uncomfortable symptoms. Finding a solution for teeth grinding is key to restoring health to your smile.
Treatment For Teeth Grinding
For patients dealing with signs of teeth grinding, Dr. Gittleman can Examine your teeth and jaw for any signs of dysfunction. In many cases, we can work with patients to alleviate their symptoms and repair damage to their teeth and jaw.
Treatment options depend on the unique needs of the patients as well as the underlying cause of tooth grinding. After a completed dental examination, Dr. Gittleman may recommend one or more of the following treatments for teeth grinding:
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an effective treatment for mitigating the effects of teeth grinding. We can custom design a crown to fit over a tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength.
When we apply crowns to teeth that have been weakened or damaged by grinding, they act as a protective layer. The crowns will shield the underlying tooth structure from further wear and tear. Teeth crowns also distribute the force exerted during grinding more evenly across the teeth, reducing the risk of fracture or additional damage.
Dental crowns can also help correct bite issues that may contribute to bruxism. Crowns can restore teeth to their optimal shape and size, fixing the bite. While dental crowns do not stop the act of grinding itself, they play a critical role in protecting teeth from the adverse effects of this habit and preserving overall dental health. To learn more about the dental crown process, see Dental Crown.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can also be a beneficial solution for people who grind their teeth. A bonding treatment involves applying a durable resin material to the tooth’s surface, which is then hardened with a special light. This process restores the tooth to its original shape and provides a protective layer that can withstand grinding forces.
For patients with bruxism, bonding can serve as a preventive measure or a repair technique. It helps by rebuilding and restoring the integrity of teeth worn down due to constant grinding. Also, the added layer of resin reduces the direct impact on teeth during grinding episodes, which can lessen your risk of further damage.
Dental bonding is an effective solution for alleviating the effects of teeth grinding, however we suggest using it along with a custom mouthguard. Wearing a night guard will provide additional protection against bruxism. To learn more about the tooth bonding process, see Dental Bonding.
Custom Mouthguard
Dental splint therapy is a highly effective solution for people who suffer from teeth grinding. We offer dental devices that we will craft to fit precisely over your teeth and the contours of your mouth. The custom mouth pieces provide an optimal level of comfort and protection. Dental splint therapy for bruxism includes wearing a night guard while you sleep to protect your teeth, when grinding most often occurs and damages teeth.
A night guard creates a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth and absorbs and distributes the forces you generate when you grind your teeth. This custom mouthguard will significantly reduce your risk of worn-down teeth, tooth fractures, and enamel wear.
Oral splint therapy can also alleviate jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. For individuals experiencing chronic bruxism, investing in a custom night guard represents a proactive step toward preserving long-term oral health and overall well-being. To learn more about night guards, see Custom Mouthguard.
Orthodontics
In some cases, orthodontics may be necessary to address teeth grinding. Misaligned teeth can cause bruxism. Various orthodontic treatments, such as clearn aligners or braces, can correct teeth alignment, alleviating patients from the side effects of teeth grinding.
Orthodontic interventions help to redistribute the forces exerted during biting and chewing, promoting a more balanced occlusion. This lessens the risk of teeth grinding and prevents potential damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw joints. Ultimately, timely orthodontic treatment can significantly improve oral health and enhance the quality of life for anyone suffering from bruxism.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
If you are concerned about your teeth grinding, read through these answers to frequently asked questions about it. Please contact us if you have further questions or concerns.
How do I know if I’m grinding my teeth at night?
Do you wake up with a mild headache sometimes or every morning? Does your jaw feel weird or hurt when you wake up in the morning? Chances are that you suffer from some level of nighttime bruxism. The most apparent sign of teeth grinding is worn down teeth and missing enamel.
How much damage can tooth grinding cause?
Teeth grinding can cause noticeable damage to your teeth, jaw, and gums. Your tooth enamel is worn down, your teeth can become chipped, and you can develop permanent tooth sensitivity. Leaving teeth-grinding issues unaddressed can cause irreversible symptoms such as tooth loss.
Is teeth grinding linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
In certain cases, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be the cause of teeth grinding at night. There are many symptoms associated with sleep apnea. By addressing the root cause, teeth grinding can be managed and stopped. Consult with our dentist near you to help you find the root cause of your teeth grinding.
What issues can teeth grinding cause?
Teeth grinding can lead to many dental and health issues. Chronic grinding can cause significant wear and tear on the enamel that causes tooth sensitivity and increases your risk of cavities. Over time, this habit can result in cracked or chipped teeth requiring restorative dental treatment.
Additionally, bruxism can cause jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, whose symptoms include frequent headaches, earaches, and difficulty chewing. The muscle tension from grinding can also contribute to facial pain and tension headaches. Addressing bruxism early is crucial to prevent these complications and maintain oral health.
Can my teeth shift out of place from bruxism?
It is possible for teeth grinding to cause your teeth to shift. The excessive force and pressure exerted during grinding can lead to tooth movement, misalignment, and other dental issues over time. This is one of many reasons why you need to address your tooth grinding habit.
Can teeth grinding cause nerve damage?
Yes, teeth grinding can cause nerve damage. The excessive pressure and wear on teeth from grinding can lead to cracks or fractures, exposing the nerves and causing pain, sensitivity, and potential nerve damage.
How do I break the habit of teeth grinding?
Breaking the habit of teeth grinding requires several strategies and treatments. In most cases, teeth grinding is caused by underlying stress and anxiety. As a dentist, I can fix and help protect your oral health with various treatments and night guards. However, we strongly recommend that you engage in stress-reducing activities. Activities such as meditation, exercise, or counseling can be beneficial. If possible, eliminate the stresses in your life.
How effective are mouthguards for treating bruxism?
Mouthguards are a fantastic solution for teeth grinding, especially while you sleep. We can create a custom nightguard just for you, which acts like a soft cushion between your teeth. This cushion prevents your teeth from grinding against each other, reducing damage and easing the strain on your jaw. Although it won’t stop the grinding completely, it will protect your teeth and provide some relief. Our custom mouthguard can help prevent your teeth from wearing down and give your jaw some much-needed comfort.
Can teeth grinding cause headaches or facial pain?
Teeth grinding can absolutely cause headaches and facial pain. When you grind your teeth, it puts a lot of pressure on your jaw muscles, which can make your face sore and give you tension headaches. This is often worse in the morning when you wake up. Constant grinding can also make your jaw feel really tired and stiff. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a dentist, as they can help treat the problem and provide relief.
Contact Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry for Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Morristown, NJ
With over three decades of experience, Dr. Victor Gittleman has seen his fair share of dental issues. He takes a comprehensive approach to your dental care to ensure you get the diagnosis and treatment you need to improve your dental health.
If you are experiencing any signs of tooth grinding or have not visited the dentist recently, visit our Morristown, NJ dentist office for routine screening. We offer a full range of treatment options for patients who grind or clench their teeth. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.