The Crux of Bruxism
Some signs that you may be suffering from teeth grinding are:
- You may be awakened by the sound
- You may have worn tooth enamel
- You may experience tooth pain or sensitivity
- You may have tight or tired jaw muscles resulting in limited movement
- Headaches, earaches, jaw aches, are common, as well as neck, or face pain and soreness
Stress is a major cause of developing this habit, which can continue through non-stress periods once begun. But the cause can be unique to the patient. Experts are studying to determine if teeth grinding is caused by physical, psychological, or genetic influences, but causes do appear to include:
- Waking hour clenching, which is usually related to stress, anxiety, and tension or concentration
- During sleep, teeth clenching, and grinding can be caused by:
- Teeth misalignment
- Hyperactivity
- Sleep apnea (which can be a life-threatening illness)
- Acid reflux
- Certain depression medications
- Or substances like tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, or illicit drug use.
Consequences of Teeth Grinding
You may not be aware of your sleep bruxism until related problems develop. Among the more apparent problems caused by teeth grinding are sensitive teeth, a sore jaw, or a headache. In general, it is tough on the body. Teeth grinding causes several significant health problems such as fractured teeth or temporomandibular disorders (TMJ Syndrome). This includes muscle problems of the jaw and joints that inhibit chewing and restrict the range of motion.
Nightguards Are Only a Temporary Solution
Wondering if nightguards prevent teeth grinding? The problem with nightguards is that they only address the symptoms or help to prevent the resulting damage to teeth. So, a person suffering from teeth grinding will typically continue to grind their teeth, even though they wear a nightguard when they sleep.
Nightguards and other protective devices don’t work with Invisalign clear aligner trays.
Invisalign is an Effective Treatment for Teeth Grinding
During sleep, the body attempts to correct the misalignment of the teeth. Invisalign corrects misaligned teeth, addressing what has been determined to be one of the major causes of bruxing or teeth grinding and clenching.
Typically considered to be a cosmetic dentistry service, Invisalign clear aligners gradually realign teeth into their correct position based on a plan determined by your dentist. This re-alignment addresses one of the major causes behind teeth grinding.
Specifically, teeth grinding is the result of a negative involuntary response caused by irritation of the temporomandibular joint, because of teeth not fitting together or misalignment.
Yaletown Dentistry in Downtown Vancouver BC
Yaletown Dentistry is an independently owned and operated dental practice in downtown Vancouver featuring Invisalign dentistry. Our Invisalign services are just another indication of our painless dentist’s commitment to our patients, and our focus on delivering the highest quality care. Contact Yaletown Dentistry for an appointment. It’s easy and can be done from anywhere. Our complimentary consultation and evaluation will identify your issues and determine whether Invisalign aligners are right for you.