Nocturnal (Sleep) Bruxism

Are you waking up feeling fatigued after a long night of sleep? Are you waking up with facial pain or jaw discomfort? Sleep bruxism, also known as nocturnal bruxism, is the medical term for clenching or grinding teeth during sleep. A person may notice this consciously, or subconsciously, but it’s important to seek treatment immediately once you realize that this is becoming a problem. Our doctors at Advantage Dentistry may suggest a night guard to alleviate the problem.

Nocturnal bruxism can be a cause for concern depending on the frequency of the person clenching and grinding their teeth. This behavior can cause teeth to become worn down, chipped, or cracked over time, leading to costly dental procedures in the future. Wearing a night guard during sleep can eliminate pressure that is put on the jaw and reduce symptoms of bruxism.

If you have questions or concerns regarding nocturnal bruxism, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Night Guards

Advantage Dentistry offers custom night guards to help patients overcome the negative effects of bruxism. Bruxism is regular teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw. Stress can intensify teeth grinding, but it is most often caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth.

Some teeth grinders consciously grind their teeth and clench their jaw.  Some only do so while asleep, and may not even realize it. Waking up with a dull headache or experiencing pain and stiffness in your jaw are signs you may be grinding your teeth overnight, and shouldn’t be ignored.  Patients who continually grind their teeth often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals and implants. In severe cases tooth loss can occur, and partial or complete dentures may be needed.

Night guards look similar to mouth guards worn by athletes but serve a different purpose. A dentist uses an impression of your teeth to ensure a custom fit, and the night guard is manufactured in a dental lab. Wearing a custom night guard protects the surface of the teeth, and also properly aligns the jaw to improve breathing and sleep. If you think you a custom night guard could help you, please contact us.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

Night Guards for Grinding and Clenching

Grinding teeth at night is a condition that many patients do not realize they have until their partner tells them they have heard them doing it. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause serious damage to the teeth, the jaw, and facial structures. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we help our patients minimize the damage done by grinding their teeth with custom night guards.

Night guards are mouth guards specifically designed to stand up to clenching and grinding. They are custom-made so that they fit each patient’s mouth. They are a barrier between the top and the bottom teeth that provide the best protection and the best comfort. There are “one size fits all” mouth guards on the market, but they are often ill-fitting and uncomfortable for breathing.

We take impressions of your teeth so that a dental laboratory can create the mouth guard from scratch. They are made to be very durable and have the ability to be used for up to ten years. This will fluctuate with each patient, of course depending on the severity of their grinding.

Without any protection, clenching and grinding teeth can loosen fillings and other restorations, wear down enamel, and irritate the gums. Worn down or damaged teeth can create sensitivity and introduce routes for infection.

If you are a night grinder or suspect you are, come in for an examination. To schedule your appointment in our Kenmore, NY office, call Advantage Dentistry at (716) 877-2275 or visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com.