People grind their teeth when anxious, tense, or under
stress. However, it can also happen at night due to an abnormal bite, sleep
disorders, or when you have crooked or missing teeth, causing your teeth to
wear or incur serious damage. Continuous grinding causes damage to your tooth
enamel in the form of cracks, chips, and fissures that are not only painful,
but also lead to additional damage if no corrective measures are taken.
If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist can recommend
that you wear night guards. These dental devices are usually the first and
easiest solution to control grinding and tooth injury that may affect your
smile.
When to Visit Your Orthodontist
When you notice these symptoms, you should consult with your dentist immediately:
- grinding
- fractured teeth, loose or painful teeth
- dull headaches
- gum irritation
- jaw soreness
Your Las Vegas orthodontist will examine your teeth and collect the facts, like your symptoms,
times when your grind your teeth most, and recent changes in your personal life
that may cause severe anxiety, before providing a suitable solution depending
on the severity of the condition and whether you have suffered from any dental
trauma.
Using Night Guards
A night guard is a dental device, similar to a mouth guard
worn by athletes, which is typically made from acrylic or hard plastic and
designed to fit snugly in either your upper or lower jaw. It covers all your
teeth, in either jaw, providing a barrier between your top and bottom teeth
while sleeping. This protects your teeth from unnecessary pressure and wear,
and also rests your jaw. All night guards are personalized to ensure a perfect
fit and comfort.
Custom-made night guards are helpful for bruxism – the habit
of grinding or clenching teeth – caused by sleep disorders, missing teeth, or
crooked teeth. While it is possible to get over-the-counter night guards, their
materials and fit may not be as comfortable, or last as long as a custom device
from your dentist.
Using the proper night guard will not only preserve your
smile for years to come, but also protect you from costly dental restorations.
