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Do you ever wake up with headaches? Do you have excessive wear on your teeth?
You may be clenching and grinding your teeth while you sleep and not even know that you are doing so. If you are experiencing symptoms or suspect that you may be grinding your teeth, we strongly encourage you to see your dentist as soon as possible to help prevent future problems and irreversible damage to your teeth.
Why Am I Grinding My Teeth?
There are many reasons that people may grind their teeth. Stress or anxiety can cause teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Crooked teeth or bite misalignment can also cause clenching or bruxism. When you are missing one or more of your teeth, without a replacement, your remaining teeth may begin to shift into the open space, which also causes bite misalignment.
Grinding your teeth may not seem like such a big deal, but over time it will continue to cause wear to your teeth and compromise your jaw joint (TMJ). TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, results when your bite is compromised leaving your jaw joint to adapt and compensate. TMD can cause headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and jaw dysfunction. You may experience popping or clicking in your jaw when you talk or eat, and severe cases of TMD may cause your jaw to lock open or closed.
How is TMD Treated?
The first step in successfully treating TMD is proper diagnosis. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Owens to have an evaluation done so that he can recommend the best treatment for your situation. He may create an oral appliance, or mouth guard for you to wear at night while you sleep. This can help alleviate clenching and grinding, while also protecting your teeth from fractures or wear.
If your bite is causing your TMD, Dr. Owens may recommend other treatment such as porcelain crowns to restore or repair damaged teeth. Invisible braces may be needed to straighten teeth and align your bite. Dental implants can also be used to correct your bite by replacing missing teeth. The good news is that the modern treatment options offered by Owens Dental will not only restore your smile, but also correct your bite and help alleviate symptoms of TMD.
Dr. Owens has been providing quality dental care in Fort Collins, CO for many years. He and his team are caring and dedicated to making your dental experience comfortable and excellent. When it comes to TMD diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Owens has a Masters’ degree in Phyiscal Therapy as well as advanced training by the AACP (American Academy of Craniofacial Pain). Don’t suffer from headaches or jaw pain any longer! Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you.
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