Wake Up to the Protective Powers of Customized Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Nightguards
Wish you could stop chronic teeth grinding (medically called bruxism)? You’re in good company. About 10-15% of Americans suffer from bruxism. When anxious or stressed, people tend to grind or clench their teeth, resulting in headaches, dental damage, and other unpleasant symptoms. The good news is that Lifestyle Dentistry inSmyrna, Georgia, offers custom nightguards and more to help you overcome teeth grinding.
Bruxism explained
Bruxism is chronic grinding or clenching of teeth. While most patients grind their teeth when sleeping, a good number grind their teeth during the daytime (awake bruxism). Stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, and sleep apnea are some risk factors for teeth grinding. Whatever the cause, bruxism is bad for your teeth.
Bruxism exerts constant pressure on your teeth, wearing down your enamel. If untreated, bruxism “eats away” your enamel until the damage reaches the pulp chamber. At this stage, you experience debilitating pain, and your dentist may consider root canal treatment or extraction, or other treatment to relieve pain and restore your dental health.
Besides dental damage and tooth loss, the other common symptoms of bruxism include:
- Jaw pain
- Constant headaches
- Sleepiness during the day
Bruxism shouldn’t be taken lightly — on top of it being a possible indicator of sleep apnea or a breathing disorder, it can significantly reduce your quality of life and increase the need for extensive restorative dental work. Instead, take action by talking to Dr. Aja Nichols for prompt treatment.
Bruxism treatment with a customized nightguard
Dr. Nichols helps you overcome teeth grinding with a nightguard, worn at night when sleeping. A nightguard forms a protective barrier between the lower and upper teeth. So, when you grind your teeth, your teeth meet the protective material, reducing bruxism-induced pressure.
Getting a custom dental splint requires at least two dental appointments. During the initial visit, we take your bite impressions to be used by the lab to custom-make your nightguard. Your second appointment comes a few weeks later after your dental device has been delivered to us. Dr. Nichols will have you wear your nightguard and make any necessary adjustments to fit comfortably. A well-fitting mouthguard protects your teeth and keeps you comfortable all night.
Order your nightguard for teeth grinding today!
Avoid dental damage and extensive restorative care by treating bruxism promptly. If you want to overcome chronic teeth grinding in Smyrna, GA, please dial (678) 884-4494 to schedule an appointment with Lifestyle Dentistry for a bruxism nightguard. Soon, you’ll get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling fresh and without pain.
