Untreated, it can cause tooth wear (clinically known as bruxism), along with unpleasant symptoms, including jaw pain and headaches.
At Hove Dental Clinic, we offer several specialised splints to curb the symptoms of tooth grinding, which may include significant wear and tear on your teeth.
What is bruxism (tooth grinding)?
For many people, teeth grinding does not cause significant issues. However, for those who regularly grind their teeth, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the effects can be damaging to their mental and physical well-being.
Most cases of tooth grinding occur subconsciously during sleep, whilst anxiety and stress can also be factors.
What are the effects of bruxism?
There are several debilitating effects of grinding your teeth, such as:
- Headaches and jaw pain.
- Facial myalgia.
- Tooth wear.
- Damaged fillings and crowns.
- Gum recession and inflammation.
- Clicking or popping a joint.
- Tooth loss and cracked teeth.
Treatment for tooth grinding
We offer three types of treatment to resolve teeth grinding:
- Michigan splints & Tanner splints
- Conventional Nightguard – These splints are usually worn overnight and offer full coverage. They are made using a dual laminate material, maximising comfort and rigidity, and are a good option for patients with dental restorations such as crowns. They are fully customised for your teeth.
- Sleep Clench Inhibitor (SCI) – Developed for the treatment of bruxism and medically diagnosed migraines, the SCI splint is a ‘click fit’ appliance that stays solidly in place when you sleep. Like our Tanner and Michigan splints, it’s made from a dual-laminate material and has a soft inner lining for increased comfort. The simple fitting procedure is an advantage with the SCI split, allowing you to be treated in very little time.