Bruxism is an involuntary oral habit that manifests in most individuals at some point in their lives, typically characterized by grinding teeth or clenching of the jaw. These actions deviate from the intended use of these body parts, leading to additional strain. Often occurring during sleep, individuals are usually unaware of these activities.
As one of the prevalent sleep disorders, bruxism affects a significant number of people. Chewing, a subconscious muscular activity, continues during sleep when conscious thought is dormant, contributing to bruxism. Common symptoms encompass earaches, headaches, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic stress, and even depression.
To diagnose bruxism at home, we utilize a device known as BiteStrip®, which can detect and monitor even subtle jaw muscle activity during sleep. This valuable information enables us to comprehensively assess the issue, facilitating the development of a tailored treatment plan to address and alleviate bruxism.
While there is currently no known cure for bruxism, there exists a diverse range of services and devices aimed at treating the issue.
Mouthguards, designed to mitigate damage caused by grinding during sleep, prove effective in preventing harm when worn consistently over an extended period.
The NTItss device, customized for each individual at our office, exclusively covers the front teeth. Its purpose is to curb the grinding of rear molars by limiting the contraction of the temporalis muscle, thereby restricting jaw movement.
Botox® injections can also be administered into the muscles responsible for bruxism, reducing their movement and preventing grinding. Notably, the amount used is carefully controlled to avoid affecting normal functions such as speaking or chewing.
Once bruxism is successfully addressed, we can proceed with restorative dental work to restore your smile, including crowns, gum grafts, and crown lengthening.