One of the best things that you can do for your smile is to minimize harmful dental habits that, at first blush, may not seem like big deals, but that actually compound damage over time. Bruxism is a prime example of a surprisingly common condition that can cause all kinds of oral health problems. The good news is that our Orland Park dentists offer effective treatment options to help you manage bruxism.
When we talk about bruxism, we’re talking about chronic dental grinding and clenching. This condition can develop for a number of different reasons. For some people, bruxism is short-term and episodic; this is often the case for bruxism which is caused by stress and anxiety. Other people suffer from chronic bruxism. These patients may have TMJ problems, or they may be dealing with uneven bite, meaning that their top and bottom teeth do not come together naturally and comfortably.
Our dental team will tailor bruxism treatment to ensure that it addresses the underlying cause of your dental grinding. Patients suffering from episodic bruxism may benefit from incorporating stress-reduction techniques into their daily routines. In order to treat bruxism that occurs due to structural oral health problems, our dental team may recommend that you undergo orthodontic treatment, or receive customized restorations in order to bring your smile into balance.
There are also protective oral appliances that you can wear to help you protect your smile from nighttime grinding. These mouthguards help to alleviate pressure on your teeth and temporomandibular joints, and they serve as a protective barrier to minimize enamel damage due to grinding.
The best way to get started is to call our Orland Park bruxism dentists for more information and to schedule a personal consultation. We are here to help! Give us a call, or use the Contact Us page on our website to reach out to our team!