Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) in Missouri City, TX

If you wake up with a headache or pain in the jaw, there's a chance you may be grinding your teeth at night. The habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, called bruxism, often turns into TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and other issues like worn or broken teeth and gum recession. At Made Ya Smile, our skilled dentist can help determine the cause of your teeth grinding and manage the effects on your teeth. We can recommend a personalized night guard made of high-quality acrylic to protect your teeth and keep them from rubbing together.

Our dentist can treat the effects of teeth grinding early to minimize damage to the teeth and jaw joints and improve your oral health. If you are suffering from worn or flattened teeth, chipped teeth, broken restorations, or a receding gumline, Made Ya Smile wants to treat these symptoms as soon as possible. If you are unsure if you have bruxism, you may be experiencing a popping or clicking sound when you open and close your mouth, or if you find it difficult to open your mouth all the way. If you or a family member would like to know more about teeth grinding, contact us for a consultation at our clinic in Missouri City, TX.

There is a range of factors that can lead to the unfortunate habit of grinding your teeth at night, and for many the cause is unknown. Nail-biting, gum chewing, certain sleep disorders, genetics, bite misalignment, and high-stress events can also affect bruxism. Individuals of any age can have this condition, and it normally occurs while sleeping. Teeth grinding can lead to other dental issues such as TMJ disorders, broken or damaged teeth, dislodged restorations, chronic headaches, and pain or discomfort in the head, neck, and jaw. Our dentist offers an assessment for teeth grinding at Made Ya Smile to identify what your symptoms are and how we should address them. You could benefit from a custom night guard if you are experiencing any of the following: 

• Pain, tension, or sensitivity in the teeth, face, or jaw
• Discomfort when eating or opening your mouth 
• Frequent headaches or migraines 
• Loose or broken restorations
• Earaches or ringing in the ear

At your custom consultation, our dentist will review your teeth and jaw and ask about any issues that may contribute to your clenching and grinding. A custom-fit night guard is created to protect your teeth from the long-term damage it causes. These fit comfortably over the lower and upper arches while you sleep to prevent your teeth from grinding together, serving to protect your smile. To make this dental appliance, our dentist will make molds of your teeth and send them to a special laboratory that uses high-quality acrylic or other material. During your next scheduled appointment, Made Ya Smile will provide instructions for storage and maintenance so it lasts for as long as needed. To ensure the best fit, our team may make several small adjustments in-office. Depending on the condition of your teeth, Made Ya Smile can also discuss additional orthodontic options to restore them back to perfect health and function. 

Night guard appliances will help minimize damage to your gums and teeth while improving your overall comfort. It is important to wear the night guard every night so you can see a reduction in symptoms such as tooth pain and headaches. Based on the condition of your teeth, our dentist may suggest implementing a palliative care routine at home, including the use of cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, and simple exercises for your face and neck. You should also avoid chewing ice, gum, and hard or chewy foods that tend to put pressure on the jaw. Our skilled staff may give you additional recommendations to relax your mouth and jaw. Continue to visit Made Ya Smile with your night guard for examinations and cleanings so we can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. 

Dental appliances such as custom night guards may be covered by a dental insurance provider, but it depends on your plan and coverage. Made Ya Smile's administrative team will review these amounts and try to maximize your benefits so your teeth can get the care they need. We accept many methods of payment and offer third-party financing options as well as an in-house plan to make treatment for bruxism more affordable. 

Because of the damage it causes, teeth grinding ultimately gets in the way of achieving a healthy smile. It's crucial to take steps to prevent these problems, including getting a custom night guard from Made Ya Smile. Grinding and clenching your teeth, when left untreated, cause damaged teeth and restoration, migraines, and other issues that impact your quality of life. Our dentist is experienced in treating this issue and can determine if a night guard is right for you. To learn more about the available treatment options for teeth grinding, contact our office in Missouri City, TX  to schedule a consultation today.