Overcome Jaw Pain and Dental Damage with Teeth Grinding Appliances
Relief from teeth grinding available in Calgary
Do you wake up in the morning with sore jaws and teeth? You could have bruxism, a condition characterized by excessive clenching and grinding, especially during sleep. Grinding adversely affects your oral health and can impact your overall physical and emotional state. You can overcome teeth grinding with individualized treatment offered at Calgary Dental Centers. In Calgary, Alberta, Dr. Hanif Asaria uses custom-fitted dental devices to treat TMJ-related pain, promoting a painless lifestyle.
What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?
Up to 15% of adults are estimated to have bruxism. This condition causes individuals to clench and grind their teeth while sleeping and sometimes during the day, leading to various symptoms. Unconscious clenching and grinding can develop at any age.
Bruxism can result in:
- Abnormal wear, leading to fracture and loss of teeth
- Receding gums
- Headaches
- Muscle aches in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
- TMJ disorders
- Ear pain
- Clicking and popping sounds when using your mouth
- Sleep disorders
- Enlargement of facial muscles, distorting features, and giving women a masculine appearance
What are the treatment options for teeth grinding?
Your treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Asaria. The dentist will examine your teeth for signs of damage, including dental cracks and flattened enamel. We’ll inspect your jaw joints and muscles to determine areas of tension. After your dental exam, we’ll establish the factors that contribute to grinding—stress, smoking, consumption of alcohol or caffeine, depression, or sleep disorders.
Dr. Asaria treats bruxism with a small custom-fitted oral device. This occlusal appliance (a splint, bite guard, or night guard) is a clear plastic device that fits over your top or bottom arch. The appliance cushions teeth and reduces stress on the jaw joint.
To fabricate your bruxism mouthguard, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create an appliance that fits snugly and comfortably. The dental team will then provide thorough instructions on wearing and caring for your custom-fit appliance.
Grinding can also be a warning sign of a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. In this situation, addressing the root cause of grinding with a different type of oral appliance is essential. This mandibular advancement device holds the mouth slightly open and the lower jaw just a bit forward—as it depresses the tongue—to keep the airway open during sleep.
Why should I get a bruxism appliance from a dentist?
There are several types of oral appliances. You can opt for a stock night guard, which is available in limited sizes. It’s the cheapest alternative, available at drug and retail stores. Because of awkward fit, they are uncomfortable, may fall out at night, and don’t provide adequate protection.
Boil and bite mouthguards are also available “off the shelf” in a few general sizes. You heat the appliance in boiling water to soften the plastic, then insert it into your mouth and bite down to form the shape of your mouth. Mouth-formed mouthguards are better than their stock counterparts but aren’t the best.
Only get your bruxism nightguard from a dentist. We use durable materials to ensure your appliance lasts long despite the heavy grinding forces. The mouthguards are also personalized, offering optimal protection and a comfortable fit for natural breathing and speech.
Superior mouthguards aren’t the only reason you should seek bruxism treatment from a dentist. We develop long-term relationships with our patients. Over time, we come to know your lifestyle and daily habits. These insights allow us to suggest small changes you can make to help alleviate bruxism triggers. We discuss stress reduction techniques and dietary adjustments and evaluate whether a sleep disorder might contribute to your grinding. You won’t get that level of care at a retail store.
Do you need bruxism treatment?
Don’t wait until your teeth are damaged or the discomfort becomes unbearable. Our dentists can improve your quality of life with personalized teeth-grinding diagnosis and treatment. Please call (403) 768-1339 to reserve an appointment with Calgary Dental Centers.
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