Clenching & Grinding

Clenching & Grinding

Signs of Clenching & Grinding

Early warning signs of clenching & grinding include: sensitive teeth, waking up with headaches, teeth darkening, worn-down teeth, and gum recession. If untreated, these issues can lead to more severe problems down the road.

Over time, clenching & grinding causes thinning of the tooth enamel, which may generate irreversible damage. This long-term friction can result in severe gum recession, damaged crowns & bridges, fractured teeth, and in extreme situations – temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ syndrome is a muscular problem that causes pain, difficulty chewing, a limited range of motion, and a ‘clicking’ sound within the jaw.

Causes of Clenching & Grinding

Clenching & grinding are common problems that many people experience. Some patients are fully aware that they are clenching & grinding, but most have no idea. These issues are often caused by stress and anxiety. We provide our patients with methods to best manage these causes during their daily lives, and while they sleep.

How we Treat Clenching & Grinding

During your dental exam, to help prevent further damage, our dentists will thoroughly inspect your mouth for any irregular signs of friction. If there are indications that you grind your teeth, a nightguard may be the solution for you. By using a nightguard while you sleep, your teeth are fully protected from all clenching & grinding. Built from strong acrylic plastic, our nightguards remain protective for many years.

How we Create a Perfectly Fitting Nightguard for You

Your dentist will use our CEREC Omnicam to scan your entire mouth and produce a 3D impression of your teeth. This model is then shared with a local dental lab where a perfectly fitting nightguard is created. Once we receive your nightguard, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure it fits properly. If there are any problems with your nightguard, we will make any necessary adjustments. Our patients’ comfort is our top priority, which is why we guarantee your nightguard will fit seamlessly.