Grinding and clenching…. sound like the newest dance craze? Unfortunately, these two oral
habits are responsible for the highest amount of tooth loss throughout life. What’s more, these
words are often commonly associated with the three most dreaded letters in dentistry, “TMJ”.
Grinding is usually associated with sleep time. While our bodies shut down and refresh, we
routinely dream. As you might imagine, some of these dreams can be quite stressful. Grinding
involves squeezing the mouth muscles like you are biting into food and then sliding the teeth
from side to side. Often very loud and obvious to those who are awake, this process causes
premature wear and breakage of teeth that are touching. Jaw muscle and joint stress from this
action can also lead to pain and loud joint noises. Although short periods of grinding are generally
harmless, longer periods can lead to loss of the outside and inside layer of tooth structure, breakage
of previous restorations, as well as jaw pain.
action can also lead to pain and loud joint noises. Although short periods of grinding are generally
harmless, longer periods can lead to loss of the outside and inside layer of tooth structure, breakage
of previous restorations, as well as jaw pain.
Clenching commonly occurs during waking hours. Described as strong biting without food in
the mouth, the habit can also lead to the above symptoms. If done during daytime hours, this falls
under conscious behavior and is easier to control.
under conscious behavior and is easier to control.
Treatment for both includes focusing on both the cause and result. Night time grinding is generally
caused by unique signals from the brain and is difficult to fully control. Stress can be a contributing
factor, so stress relief treatments are important. Destructive biting forces on your teeth can be five
times the biting forces when awake, so it’s important to limit the damage. A Prosthodontist plays a
large role in helping to protect your teeth from these habits. Worn teeth sometimes need to be
restored and “bite guard” appliances can be made to protect the remaining tooth structure during
susceptible times. This can help save teeth from needing more extensive restorations, and even
tooth loss. It’s important to be professionally evaluated as extensive tooth wear can occur
without any pain or other symptoms.
caused by unique signals from the brain and is difficult to fully control. Stress can be a contributing
factor, so stress relief treatments are important. Destructive biting forces on your teeth can be five
times the biting forces when awake, so it’s important to limit the damage. A Prosthodontist plays a
large role in helping to protect your teeth from these habits. Worn teeth sometimes need to be
restored and “bite guard” appliances can be made to protect the remaining tooth structure during
susceptible times. This can help save teeth from needing more extensive restorations, and even
tooth loss. It’s important to be professionally evaluated as extensive tooth wear can occur
without any pain or other symptoms.
While some people think seeing a Specialist will be more costly compared to a general dentist,
it’s affordable to see a Prosthodontist. All fees for treatment with Dr. Haas at Prosthodontic
Dental Associates are calculated to be fair and affordable, consistent with the skills and attention
to detail that a Specialist provides. Payment plans and 0% financing are available to help make the finest treatments available to everyone. It takes time and skill to make your mouth
as close to perfect as nature intended.
We are confident you will be very happy with the result - a new healthy smile.
it’s affordable to see a Prosthodontist. All fees for treatment with Dr. Haas at Prosthodontic
Dental Associates are calculated to be fair and affordable, consistent with the skills and attention
to detail that a Specialist provides. Payment plans and 0% financing are available to help make the finest treatments available to everyone. It takes time and skill to make your mouth
as close to perfect as nature intended.
We are confident you will be very happy with the result - a new healthy smile.
Contact Dr. Ronald Haas at Prosthodontic Dental Associates to consult with a Prosthodontist who is
a specialist in replacing and restoring teeth so you can feel healthy again and smile with confidence.
a specialist in replacing and restoring teeth so you can feel healthy again and smile with confidence.
Click below to schedule an appointment.
Or call us at (631) 243-2929 or visit us at mynewhealthysmile.com to schedule an appointment!
Our doctors focus on Dental implants. Whether it’s replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth or full upper and lower arches, the specialists of our dental care offer patients a world-class level of expertise and care. To learn more about it and get your personalized treatment plan, simply schedule a consultation. It’s the best way to find out how dental implants can change your life.
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