Nightguards for Bruxism – Lakewood, CO
Stop Teeth Grinding Once and For All
Do you frequently wake up with a headache? Do your teeth feel sore in the
morning? If so, you might be grinding your teeth together in your sleep, a
condition known as bruxism. Left untreated, bruxism can result in teeth
chipping, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and general wear and tear of
your enamel.
Dr. Vinnie
offers a solution known as a nightguard. This comfortable tray cushions your
teeth to prevent them from making harmful contact while you sleep. To learn
more about nightguards for bruxism in Lakewood, keep reading below.
Why Choose Lakewood Complete Dentistry for Nightguards for Bruxism?
- Kind, Compassionate, and Gentle Team
- Perfect for Patients of All Ages
- A Comfortable Solution to Teeth Grinding
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is estimated to affect nearly one-third of the population at some point in their lives. Because it’s so common, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and schedule an appointment with your dentist if any of the following sound familiar:
- An aching, clicking, or popping jaw
- Waking up with headaches or migraines
- Pain in your face, ear, or neck
- Weak or worn-down tooth enamel
- Tooth sensitivity
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
What Causes Bruxism?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to bruxism. The most common one is stress or anxiety, which is why the habit is so common among today’s adults. Bite alignment issues, like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, can also cause teeth grinding. Excessive caffeine consumption and certain medications, such as those used to treat depression and attention disorders, can exacerbate teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Talk to Dr. Vinnie about all the medications you take to see what the culprit might be.
How We Can Treat Teeth Grinding
The most effective method of treating bruxism is with a customized nightguard that fits your unique dentition. While you can find one-size-fits-all nightguards at the drugstore, they won’t provide as snug a fit. Not only will they not be as comfortable, but they won’t provide nearly as much protection from the damages of teeth grinding.
To create your custom nightguard, we’ll begin by taking detailed impressions of your teeth. This mold will be sent to our partnered dental lab. The team there will get to work on crafting your nightguard from smooth, comfortable, and high-quality plastic.
Nightguards create a cushion of sorts between your top and bottom teeth, preventing them from forcefully coming together while you sleep. In addition, nightguards remove some of the pressure from your jaw muscle, reducing the likelihood of TMJ disorder.
Besides wearing your nightguard to bed, it helps to make healthy lifestyle changes to naturally decrease the chances of teeth grinding occurring. Since bruxism is often caused by stress, you may want to engage in habits like meditation, journaling, yoga, and reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Are you currently suffering through the harmful effects of nighttime teeth grinding? Contact our Lakewood office today to book a consultation with Dr. Vinnie. A nightguard might be just the thing you need to protect your smile!