Bruxism is a sneaky, damaging condition that can have long-lasting consequences for a patient’s smile. Our Orland Park dentists provide effective, patient-friendly treatment for bruxism, so that our patients can enjoy healthy and stable smiles for years to come. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition characterized by chronic dental grinding and clenching. Bruxism can manifest day or night. In fact, many people do not realize that they are grinding their teeth, precisely because they are grinding at night while they are asleep.
Because bruxism can be caused by a number of different things, it’s crucial that you undergo a thorough assessment before beginning treatment. Once our dental team determines why you’re grinding your teeth, we can tailor treatment to fit your needs.
How do you treat Bruxism?
Essentially, the answer to this questions depends on the underlying cause of the person’s bruxism. If, for example, the patient is grinding his or her teeth during times of stress, our team may recommend some stress-reduction and muscle relaxation techniques to deter grinding.
Sometimes, however, bruxism occurs because the patient’s smile is poorly aligned—the top and bottom teeth do not come together in a natural way. In these cases, dental bonding, personalized restorations, orthodontic treatment, and protective nighttime oral appliances can all be helpful.
Our dental team is here to evaluate your oral health, and help you choose a bruxism treatment that truly meets all of your needs. Regardless of the type of bruxism you experience, you want to make sure that you seek treatment for this issue in a timely manner. Bruxism-related damage compounds over time, so prompt treatment is key.
As always, you can reach out to our Tinley Park dentists for additional information and to schedule a personal consultation. Give us a call, or use the Contact Us page on our site to get started!