Millions of people of all ages, approximately eight percent of all adults and nearly a third of all children, grind their teeth at night. This practice of bruxism is the source of many problems, and not just dental issues.
Treatment for teeth grinding begins with diagnosis. Identifying bruxism as an issue is the first step in getting it resolved. Most children outgrow the habit, and many adults experience it intermittently, usually when they are under unusual stress. For others, bruxism is an ongoing problem. For these individuals, help comes in the form of effective treatment.
There are several dental treatments available to help stop or lessen teeth grinding. The method your dentist recommends depends on the extent that you’re grinding your teeth. Through conversation and testing, your dental professional will design an effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
The dentists at Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry of Atlanta are prosthodontists. This branch of dental specialty uniquely qualifies them to make well-informed decisions pertaining to the best treatment options for your bruxism. The extra training they receive includes studying the bite or articulation of the teeth and jaws. This allows them better insight into how your specific issue with teeth grinding is affecting your teeth and the muscles of your jaw, head and neck.
There are dental treatments, therapies or exercises that work for some people, and there are patients that require medication. Sleep apnea is a factor for many patients who suffer from bruxism. Once the apnea is addressed, usually the bruxism ceases. Splints or mouth guards are an effective dental treatment for some patients. These devices prevent the teeth from rubbing together. They can be made from acrylic or a softer material that provides cushioning for the teeth. Misalignment of the teeth is another factor that can cause teeth grinding. Often, when the alignment is corrected, so is the bruxism.
After diagnosis of the extent of your teeth grinding, your dentist will determine the most appropriate path for treatment to eliminate it. Diagnosis by a prosthodontist can ensure that you receive the most effective treatment. Contact Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry of Atlanta to schedule your consultation appointment.
