Don’t “grit and bear it”! Protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism with hassle-free appliance therapy 

You no longer have to grit your teeth and bear the pain of bruxism! There is effective, hassle-free, and no-risk relief from the effects and potential complications of chronic teeth grinding at the office you trust for complete, family-centric dentistry: Williams Dental Studio in Stockbridge, Georgia. 

Candidates for bruxism treatment with nightguards

This common condition is characterized by “semi-voluntary” or involuntary gnashing and grinding of the teeth and often intense clenching of the jaws. Bruxism and related disorders are associated with poorly managed anxiety and negative stress (distress). Similarly, due to the pressure that is placed on the jaw muscles from these habitual behaviors, patients with bruxism may present with TMJ symptoms. The temporomandibular joints on either side of the face behave as hinges to support jaw movements. Disordered TMJs manifest as: 

  • Facial and jaw soreness
  • Chronic tension headaches and migraines 
  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain 
  • Referred pain 
  • Earaches and tinnitus
  • Jaw stiffness and locking

These potential complications also accompany the myriad dental consequences associated with bruxism. In fact, many patients do not know they “brux” until after our dentist, Dr. Jessica Williams, points out the telltale signs of teeth grinding to them during their check-ups. These signs include “flattened teeth,” thin and weak enamel, excessive wear and tear to both natural tooth structure and restorations (like fillings and crowns), chipped teeth, craze lines, fractures, and loss of both soft and hard tissues (gums and bone). 

The effects of bruxism do not improve on their own. Patients can experience symptoms more frequently or for them to manifest with greater severity over time. Fortunately, nightguards present an easy-to-use, low-maintenance, portable, safe, non-invasive, durable, and effective way to prevent the loss of tooth structure and tissues and to restore the quality of your life. 

There are numerous designs and types of oral appliances to choose from. All are generally inserted in the mouth when you go to bed. When worn consistently, they protect the teeth, muscles, and other oral structures and dental work from the often extreme forces that are placed on them from grinding, gnashing, and clenching. Additionally, some designs also prevent the back teeth from touching when you bite down. This helps to ease headaches and other TMJD symptoms by relieving the pressure that can take such a toll on this intricate oral and maxillofacial system. 

Unlike OTC guards, our appliances are made to fit your mouth and your mouth only, based on impressions or models of the oral cavity. This custom-fit helps with compliance. Since our guards fit comfortably and precisely, they are more likely to be worn and to be effective at protecting and providing symptom relief. They are also made from premium materials. So, they are strong and can last a long time. 

Williams Dental Studio welcomes any questions that you may have about this life-changing therapy. Call (770) 506-2443 to reach our team in Stockbridge, GA.