What is bruxism?
It is the non-purposeful grinding of teeth in directions different from normal chewing. Bruxers usually grind teeth at night but may be unaware that they are doing so. A significant other is often the first to hear this teeth grinding at night. The teeth will wear prematurely flat over time, although the teeth may not get loose or develop gum disease.
What is clenching?
It is the non-purposeful closing of teeth in the chewing position. Clenchers are often active day and night. They tend to prematurely wear the places where teeth touch each other in the chewing position. Again, the teeth show excessive wear but the teeth may not get loose or develop gum disease.
How common is bruxing and clenching?
Approximately one in four adults have this condition.
What happens if bruxing and clenching continue without treatment?
The teeth can become pain sensitive and destroyed if enough tooth material is lost that the nerve and blood vessels in the center of the tooth are exposed to air as teeth crumble under biting stress.
What is the treatment?
Prevention of tooth wear by placing a plastic barrier such as a night guard appliance between the top and bottom teeth is the best known solution. The plastic appliance, sandwiched between the teeth, absorbs the stress and wears away when the teeth start to brux or clench, rather than the teeth wearing. Night guard therapy should begin as soon as premature wear of the teeth is detected.
Is treatment expensive?
No. The majority of the night guard construction can be done by one of our assistants requiring only doctor time to assure proper design and fit. We offer several different types of night guards, including the extremely comfortable Hard/Soft Appliance as well as the NTI-TSS appliance for clenching and headache prevention.