Have you ever gotten a headache and figured it was from stress alone or a long day at work? Or woken up with a sudden jaw ache? Stress could be part of the reason, but these are also implications of teeth grinding, or “bruxism”. Although it seems like one would be aware if they were guilty of clenching or grinding their teeth, it often happens while asleep or unknowingly throughout the day and affects nearly one out of every five people. Bruxing can affect the structure of your teeth and face as well as your muscles and joints, making it more than “just another headache”. This is why it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms and become familiar with the easy option that we provide to treat this condition. We can provide you with a device called an NTI or nightguard, which may be a fast solution to help you.
Bruxism can lead to the following:
- Teeth that are short/flat
- Teeth worn down until the dentin (yellow-ish color) is exposed on chewing surfaces (or, if untreated, worn down to the gum line)
- Teeth that chip easily, are sensitive, and are loose
- Teeth and gums more prone to gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Jaw muscles that are sore and joints that click (even making eating difficult)
Since the main cause of teeth grinding is stress, something that is hard to rid your life of fully, it’s most important to focus on maintaining the health of your teeth and gums through treatment. This can be done quickly, inexpensively, and painlessly with a custom nightguard. This is a plastic retainer-esque piece molded to the shape of your teeth that is worn at night. It blocks the surfaces of the teeth from hitting/harming each other during grinding and clenching. This is the most cost-effective solution as it stops the destruction of the teeth for only $427, saving you restorations down the road, such as crowns or veneers, which can amount to thousands.
If you suspect you’re grinding or clenching your teeth, you can set up a free consultation where Dr. Cirka can put your mind at ease. Call us at 215-568-6222 or use our contact form to email us and request your appointment. Get off the grind today!