Thirty to forty million children and adults suffer from bruxism in the United States. Chronic grinding or clenching can lead to temperature sensitivity in your teeth, wear that extends to the nerve of the tooth, cracks in teeth, receding gums, faster wear on fillings and crowns, and even tooth loss. Damage caused by grinding and clenching may require dental treatments such as root canal therapy and crowns that would otherwise not be needed.

Do I have TMJ from grinding my teeth at night?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (often known as TMJ) is a direct result of a grinding or clenching habit. Wearing a dental night guard can bring relief to patients who chronically grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep. This thin, clear appliance will be custom designed to suit your bruxism habit. The night guard we design for you will be high quality, superior fit, and custom-made by a laboratory from impressions we carefully take in our office. Dental night guards available in local pharmacies over the counter may be used for a temporary measure but often are the cause of increased TMJ discomfort due to the less-than-perfect fit. 

A custom-fitted night guard can be the answer to a good night’s sleep, decreased frequency of headaches, and protecting your beautiful teeth from damage done by grinding or clenching. Ask us about one today.