Bite Guards at Highland Smiles
Do you suspect you might grind your teeth? Do you wake up in the morning with jaw pain or headaches? Symptoms like these can be signs of teeth grinding, known as bruxism.
People with bruxism often do this while sleeping and have no awareness of the condition. Although some individuals brux during the day hours, most often this phenomenon occurs at night. A person with bruxism may wake up in pain because of repeated grinding or clenching of the teeth during the night. Not only is this disruptive to a good night’s sleep, but it can actually cause lasting damage. Teeth subjected to the stresses of bruxism can endure up to 250 pounds of force per square inch—a lot of pressure to be placed on your teeth!
If you know or suspect you are grinding your teeth, visit Dr. Jennifer Rohleder and her team at Highland Smiles. Find out if a bite guard might be the solution for your bruxism. You may just find yourself experiencing a better night of sleep and protecting your teeth and jaw at the same time!
Causes of Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Although certain individuals might be more prone to teeth grinding and jaw clenching for a variety of reasons, one of the major causes of teeth grinding is something quite common: stress. Other causes of teeth grinding can include pain, smoking, caffeine, alcohol, some drugs, and habit. Young children can even grind their teeth, although many will outgrow this as they age.
Jaw Problems from Grinding Your Teeth and Clenching Your Jaw
Teeth grinding can cause pain, but it can also cause fractures in the teeth, broken fillings or crowns, sensitivity and even nerve damage. Often time, people with prolonged bruxism trigger the need for a root canal somewhere in their mouth. Periodontal or gum issues can also be a result of bruxism. Teeth can even become loose due to clenching and grinding over time. Long story short, bruxism can cause a lot of problems!
How a Bite Guard Can Help with Bruxism
A bite guard is a simple device that protects the teeth from grinding against each other. It fits between the upper and lower teeth. Night guards are available at the corner drugstore, but they are often ill-fitting and uncomfortable. At Highland Smiles, we will custom make a bite guard that will fit you securely and comfortably. We will ensure that your jaw is properly aligned with the bite guard and that it will not push uncomfortably onto your gums. A proper fitting guard is very important to remediating the issues triggered by clenching and grinding.
There is no reason to put up with jaw pain, headaches, or lasting damage to your teeth. Contact Dr. Rohleder and the team at Highland Smiles to find out how a bite guard can help you! Give us a call and make an appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are grinding your teeth, a bite guard might be the answer. This simple device protects the teeth from grinding against each other. It fits between your upper and lower molars. We can make a custom bite guard that will fit you securely and comfortably. The bite guard is worn at night. Patients generally sleep better and wake up with no headache or jaw pain.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while they are sleeping, and they aren’t even aware they are doing it. Often it is their dentist who uncovers the habit because they can see teeth that have worn down. If your Denver dentist recommends a bite guard after an evaluation of the wear on your teeth, wearing it at night can help protect your teeth from further damage.
If you continue to grind or clench your teeth at night without intervention, you may start feeling pain in the jaw joint (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ). You might also begin to experience headaches and pain that radiates along the jaw.
A custom-made bite guard is different from the mouthguards you can purchase over the counter to protect your teeth while playing sports. These soft guards are not made to run interference with the act of grinding or clenching.
We will make a bite guard in Denver for you from an impression of your teeth and bite registration. After you wear it for a week, we will see you again to adjust it as needed. A bite guard that fits you properly can last for a very long time. And it will eliminate the grinding motion—protecting your teeth and keeping you pain-free.
Featured Blog Posts - Bite Guards
November Night Guard Special
Come in during the month of November for a custom night guard and receive $100.00 off. If you purchase a Dental Pod (small, personal appliance cleaner) with your guard, receive $20.00 off.
June Specials
Do you feel like you are clenching and/or grinding? Have you noticed a sore jaw when you wake up in the morning or when you are stressed? Are your teeth flat? Do you break teeth/fillings or pop off crowns? Has anyone told you it sounds like you chew rocks when ...
June Special
Our June special is almost here....
Schedule for a custom nightguard between 6/1/23 and 6/30/23 to receive $100 off!