To treat sleep bruxism or teeth grinding custom-made night guards are provided.
Bruxism is common among kids and adults. It is also known as teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep. Long-term consistent grinding of teeth or bruxism can be painful and cause general wear and tear of the smile. One can easily treat bruxism by wearing a night guard.
A night guard is a transparent-thin device you wear over the biting surface of the teeth while sleeping. Night guards relax your jaws during your sleep and prevent the grinding of teeth and clenching. They create a barrier between the top and bottom teeth and are mainly used as mouth guards for teeth grinding or bruxism. Night guards are usually made up of hard, durable, heat-cured plastic. Other varieties of mouth guards for teeth grinding are also available that use regular and soft acrylic-based materials to increase patient comfort.
The exact causes of teeth grinding or bruxism are not known. But various factors may be associated with the condition.
Bruxism can be associated with occlusal discrepancies where the teeth do not meet properly when the jaw closes.
Clenching and grinding often happen due to psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, frustration, aggressiveness, or hyperactivity.
While not certain, some medications have been studied to cause bruxism or teeth grinding. These include some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and amphetamines.
Speaking with a dentist will provide the most comprehensive diagnosis for sleep bruxism. During the checkup, the dentist will ask about the patient's history and look for tooth wear, jaw discomfort, or other symptoms of teeth grinding.
Patients can often self-diagnose by detecting their teeth grinding or bruxism signs such as tooth mobility and wear, hypersensitivity, mouth abrasions, and jaw muscle soreness. Another way of diagnosing bruxism or teeth grinding is through getting feedback from your housemates and loved ones about the frequency and intensity of your teeth grinding.
In case you suspect you or your kid may suffer from teeth grinding, please consult Dr. Sonal Deshpande immediately to prevent potential problems that can arise, such as TMJ, cracked teeth, or tooth decay.
The signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism include:
Headaches (especially in the morning)
Grinding or tapping noises
Excessive tooth wear and fractures
Tooth soreness and movement
Jaw pain and soreness or full-blown TMJ disorder
Hypersensitive teeth
Insomnia
Anxiety and tension
Some night guards are available over the counter, but it is always advisable to get custom-made guards from your dentist. Because the dentist can suggest you the best-suited guards depending on your jaw measurements.
At Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield, impressions of your upper and lower teeth will be taken using Digital Dental Impressions. Then a plaster cast is created using the impressions and sent to the dental lab. The dental laboratory will build a custom-made guard out of plastic or rubber. Dr. Sonal Deshpande will check the fitting on your teeth, and any adjustments needed will be made before you carry them home. We ensure to take accurate measures to fabricate your night guard so that you can wear them with total comfort.
Opt for a custom-made night guard: Compared to other available options, a custom-made night guard will be of higher quality and fit you perfectly. Therefore, we highly recommend you opt for a custom-made guard.
Wear the night guard properly: Make sure to position the night guards properly so that they don’t slip after you wear them.
Wear the night guard at the right time: We advise you to wear the night guards at least 10 minutes before you go to bed.
Night guards are often covered under your dental insurance benefits. To determine the dental insurance coverage, do not hesitate to ask us for an estimate on your custom-made night guard.
Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. She practices comfortable, caring dentistry focused on establishing optimal oral health, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to her technical proficiency, Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a careful listener and will explain beforehand which treatment is best for your individual needs.
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If you are looking for dentists in North Plainfield, NJ, look no further than Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield for all of your dentistry needs. Whether you want a simple dental cleaning or you have a dental emergency, we are here to help. Contact us now.
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