Teeth Grinding Night Guards - Palm Beach Smiles

Are your teeth slowly disappearing?

• Have you been told you have "TMJ?"
• Do you have worn teeth or are they getting shorter?
• Are all your upper front teeth the same length? (They're not supposed to be.)
• Are your facial, neck, or shoulder muscles tense in the morning? In the afternoon?
• Do you catch yourself clenching your teeth during stressful times?
• Do you get frequent headaches?
  
• Do you have notches in the sides of your teeth at the gum line? You can feel them with your fingernail typically.
• Do your teeth hurt or are they sensitive?
• Do your jaw joints (TMJ) click or pop? Are they tender or sore? Has your jaw ever locked open or closed?
• Are your teeth chipping? Or are you breaking fillings and crowns?

Night grinding and clenching of teeth is major cause of tooth loss. While many patients are not aware of this nocturnal habit, the damage done can be significant. If the damage is severe, extensive reconstructive treatment may be necessary. However, if caught early, this damage can be prevented easily.

Prevention

A customized night guard is an effective way to prevent damage to your teeth, TMJ (jaw joints), and muscles. Other benefits may include reduced frequency and intensity of headaches. A night guard is a custom-fitted device that is worn similarly to a retainer while you sleep. Think of it as a "helmet for your teeth."

Many "migraine" headaches may be related to clenching at night. Some of Dr. Barr's patients have had a remarkable reduction of migraine headaches by wearing a night guard. Ask him to tell you some of the remarkable patient stories!

Treatment

A misaligned bite can cause damage and discomfort, as well. Treatment almost always begins (and often ends) with a night guard. But it may include selective reshaping of the biting surfaces, restorative treatment, orthodontics, or a combination of these.

Palm Beach Smiles 
Michael Barr, DDS
COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426
(561) 736-2377
http://palmbeach-smiles.com/