Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, is more than a bad habit – it can destroy your teeth and cause expensive dental problems. The exact cause of bruxism is not known, but those who grind their teeth in their sleep can wear down their enamel and may even crack their teeth under the pressure. At Hollon Dental, we want to help our patients protect their teeth and prolong the lifespan of their smiles. We can create a customized nightguard for bruxism-teeth grinding to protect your smile at our dental center in Mobile, AL.
Your jaw muscles are very strong and can exert extreme pressure when you clench your jaw or chew. When there is nothing between the upper and lower teeth, that pressure is directly placed on the teeth. A grinding motion, like what occurs with bruxism, can wear down teeth over time, changing their appearance. If enamel is worn away, it increases the risk of decay and other dental problems. The best way to prevent tooth fractures or damage from jaw clenching or bruxism is to wear a nightguard that keeps the teeth from touching.
Customized Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding
A nightguard or mouthguard can help with a few different oral health disorders. For bruxism, or teeth grinding, it separates the upper and lower teeth to keep them from rubbing against each other while you sleep. This can protect your teeth from wear or damage from bruxism at night. Nightguards can also help those who snore or have sleep apnea or TMJ/TMD, especially when customized to fit correctly.
While there are generic mouthguards you can buy, they do not fit the same as a nightguard customized for your teeth and mouth. Our nightguards for bruxism and teeth grinding are designed from a 3D digital impression of your teeth to ensure it is a perfect fit. This makes your nightguard more effective and comfortable for protecting your teeth while you sleep.
If you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, treatment is available at Hollon Dental. Contact our office in Mobile, AL, to schedule a bruxism consultation to discuss treatment options like a customized nightguard to protect your smile.