Bruxism, Grinding, Clenching and Mouthguards
We all can have normal wear due to eating or because of how our teeth are aligned, but there are those that have a more significant type of wear and it is due to Bruxism. This is the habitual clenching and/or grinding of teeth.
Some people know this to only happen at night when sleeping, but it can also occur during work when sitting in front of a computer screen or when at the gym working out or simply when trying to relax watching a sporting event.
Stress is commonly associated with increased bruxism. And in the world today we have many things that can stress us. These external stresses can in turn put stress on our teeth by wearing down our enamel on the chewing surfaces of our teeth. Clenching our teeth together is another form of bruxism that can cause enamel wear closer to the root surfaces of the teeth at the gumline called abfraction. All these areas exposed the inner portion of the teeth causing increased sensitivity. Additionally, this wear can cause our bite plane to change and insignificant cases can alter the way not only our smile looks, but also our facial features around the mouth. Lastly, bruxism can cause pain in our jaw muscles and even on our TMJ joint.
To reduce the stress on the teeth, a custom Mouthguard for Bruxism is made and will protect the teeth from wearing down, help minimise tooth sensitivity, and decrease the muscle pain associated with grinding. Not all mouth guards are created equal though. It is important to have one made by a dental professional to be sure of the fit.
If you suffer from this problem or if it is diagnosed to you during your examination, this simple yet effective appliance will be a game changer for you.
Sleep Apnea Appliance / Snore Guard
Many people snore or suffer from some form of sleep apnea. This is when you do not get enough oxygen during sleep due to some obstruction by the windpipe typically causing noise. In minor cases it will be some form of snoring and in others the blockage is very significant causing the person to stop breathing all together for a moment. Many times it is self diagnosed by our spouses, partners and friends who tell us we snore or most commonly hit you to stop the snoring. In the more severe cases a person will go for a sleep study to determine the ramification of this problem.
There is a solution and it is an appliance made here at our office. It is a form of mouth guard that positions your lower jaw in a way that allows for unobstructed airflow stopping the snoring. For those who have a CPAP machine and still need additional help, this guard can be worn under the mask allowing for better positive air flow.
It will most definitely help everyone get a better sleep.
Athletic Mouthguard
We see mouthguards in sports from middle school athletes to the pros. Not only are they made to protect the teeth from accidental contact, but from the intentional contact as well. We are seeing it worn in many non-traditional sports such as basketball, baseball and soccer.
We are able to make a custom mouthguard to fit your teeth, your sport and your team colors. Many times communication is needed and a one size fit all guard just doesn’t do the trick. Let us make your next team sports mouth guard!