Involuntary clenching of the jaws and gnashing of teeth, as a rule, is called bruxism in a dream. This phenomenon may seem harmless, caused by uncontrolled muscle contraction or spasm. But in fact, it leads to the erasure of dental tissues and, as a result, to hypersensitivity, a high risk of developing caries, etc. problems with the jaw and jaw joints, and pain in the head and neck.
To protect your teeth, gums, and jaw, Starrett City Dental doctors recommend using mouthguards to protect your teeth from grinding. These plastic or silicone pads are worn on the upper or lower teeth, preventing them from rubbing against each other. Also, they neutralize the characteristic sound that does not interfere with the person’s sleep but can disturb his household. Thanks to a combination of highly qualified specialists, the presence of our laboratories, and the use of the most modern technologies, Starrett City Dental mouthguards are distinguished by maximum comfort in use, inconspicuous wear, and durability of materials. Here you can order designs for children and adults.
First of all, we note that these designs do not treat bruxism as such. Their job is to protect:
In addition, the caps prevent gum recession and pain in the head, neck, and shoulders.
Treatment depends on the causes of bruxism, which are quite diverse. Often its appearance is associated with severe stress, suppressed emotions, neurosis, coffee and alcohol abuse, increased excitability, etc. In such cases, complex psychological and neurological therapy is required. Also, bruxism can be caused by dental causes, such as malocclusion, disorders in the temporomandibular joint or jaw structure, etc.
Regardless of the cause of bruxism, it is helpful to consult a dentist who will monitor the condition of the oral cavity. In advanced cases, patients can erase their teeth literally to stumps. It is better to consult a doctor promptly and use protective structures to prevent damage. They are hypoallergenic and have no contraindications except for psychiatric diseases and epilepsy.
First, protective structures are divided into day and night mouthguards against gnashing teeth and clenching jaws. The former is necessary for those who constantly involuntarily grit their teeth while awake. For such models, special attention is paid to invisibility – they are made of transparent materials and put on the inside of the dentition, due to which they are not visible to others either in a conversation or in a smile. You can eat in them, but it is better to take them off when eating too hard food.
Models for sleep, as a rule, are also transparent, but this is not a necessary condition – they are made to match the color of enamel or, on the contrary, bright colors with a pattern – such options are especially in demand among young patients. Structures can be worn only on the upper jaw or on both – it depends on the patient’s characteristics. In any case, it is essential for night guards that they do not fly off during sleep and do not create discomfort, interfering with sleep.
Special repositioning models can relieve excess stress and prevent spasms if the disease adversely affects the jaw joint.
According to the manufacturing method, the following options are distinguished:
Standard and thermoplastic models are sold in pharmacies, while custom-made bruxism aligners require a visit to the dentist. Their production takes place in several stages. First, the doctor takes impressions and sends the data to the laboratory. There, a structure is made from bioplastic or silicon on special equipment. Then the patient tries it on, and if necessary, it is adjusted. On average, the whole process takes 5-10 days.
Mouthguard maintenance is easy. After use, they should be rinsed with warm water, but not hot, and, if necessary, cleaned with a regular toothbrush. When not used, they are stored in water or a special case. It protects them from mechanical damage, direct sunlight, and exposure to high temperatures that cause material deformation. Products deformed from strong compressions should not be used since they may not relieve the load from the jaws, muscles, etc., but, on the contrary, increase it. In such cases, replacing the structure with a new one is better.
Our Dental Office is conveniently located in East New York Brooklyn. Find us on the 2th floor of the building. Plenty of free parking is available.
