Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headache? Do you clench your teeth?
You may not realize that you have a condition called “bruxism,” which means a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth because they do it at night while they sleep. Grinding and clenching often occur early in the night and can disturb sleep partners. The clenching and grinding may be even audible. Others make no sound while bruising their teeth and do not realize they are doing it. The dentist, however, can discover unusual wear spots or surfaces on their teeth. Bruxism may be mild and occasional or intense and more frequent. People who grind or clench their teeth may wake with a headache, earache or toothache. Besides the soreness of their facial muscles and tenderness of the jaw joints, which causes discomfort or even pain, grinding can eventually damage or loosen dental restorations and may weaken teeth. Bruxism can cause damage to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), which is the joint on each side of the mouth that connects the jaw to our skull.
The pressure and load from clenching and grinding can result in cracks or fractures in the teeth or restorations. Once the tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying layer of dentin may be exposed. This causes the tooth to become sensitive. The causes of bruxism are not known. However, several factors may be involved. Stressful jobs, sleeping problems, a disturbed bite and crooked or missing teeth may contribute to or initiate it. Regular oral checks are essential to detect damage in the early stages. Your dentist may suggest a night guard that can be worn while sleeping. There are different forms of mouthguards which are made for other problems. They are custom-made by dental laboratories based on dentist prescriptions.
The aim is to prevent contact between teeth and opposing ones. Finding ways to relax and deal effectively with stressful situations may be helpful. Other ways to deal with TMJ problems are special splints (Michigan), amending the bite, reducing high spots, reconstructing the bite with overlays, or improving the bite with better guidance. If you routinely grind your teeth, see your dentist.
A Michigan splint is made using precise measurements in the clinic and laboratory using a face bow to transfer all proportions to an artificial joint. Michigan splint acts as a barrier between upper and lower teeth and positions the lower jaw in the most healthy relationship with the scull (centric position). It maintains harmonic contact between the upper and lower teeth.
A Face bow to patients’ mouth and jaw proportions and positions to the artificial joint
