Some people grind their teeth only during sleep. This condition is called “nocturnal bruxism” or “sleep-related bruxism.” This happens because during sleep, the reflex part of chewing is still active while the higher control is inactive, resulting in teeth grinding. Teeth Grinding often occurs during sleep and can even occur during short naps. In fact, bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders: 30 to 40 million Americans grind their teeth during sleep. Teeth grinding can even be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner!

Others grind their teeth during the daytime as well, most often during situations that make them feel tense or anxious. In most people, teeth grinding is mild enough not to be a health problem; however, some people suffer from significant teeth grinding that can become symptomatic.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism can have a variety of psychological and physical causes. In many cases, it has been linked to stress, but it can also simply be the body’s reaction to the teeth being aligned wrong or a poor bite.

What Can Occur With Severe Teeth Grinding?

White fillings, also known as composite resin material, are made of tooth colored mixture of plastic and glass particles. The composition of composite material differs; percentages of resins, silane and glass fillers vary in the types of composite material. Generally, composite materials have light sensitive agents that are bonded to teeth via an intense light beam. Upon increasing the bond strength, the strength of the restoration increases as well. It is possible to experience some temperature sensitivity for a day or two but should disappear shortly after.

Prevention of micro-leakage is crucial; proper acid etch technique is used to ensure proper seal of the margins. Composites fillings are extremely aesthetic; there are many shades available to color match the tooth being restored. Current technology has developed composite materials with increased strength and longevity to withstand day to day forces while satisfying the demand for superior aesthetics.

Mouth Guard Treatment For Teeth Grinding:

Ongoing management of teeth grinding is based on minimizing the abrasion of tooth surfaces by the wearing of an acrylic dental guard or splint, designed to the shape of an individual’s upper or lower teeth from a bite mold. Mouth guards are obtained through visits to a dentist for measuring, fitting, and ongoing supervision.

White fillings, also known as composite resin material, are made of tooth colored mixture of plastic and glass particles. The composition of composite material differs; percentages of resins, silane and glass fillers vary in the types of composite material. Generally, composite materials have light sensitive agents that are bonded to teeth via an intense light beam. Upon increasing the bond strength, the strength of the restoration increases as well. It is possible to experience some temperature sensitivity for a day or two but should disappear shortly after.

Prevention of micro-leakage is crucial; proper acid etch technique is used to ensure proper seal of the margins. Composites fillings are extremely aesthetic; there are many shades available to color match the tooth being restored. Current technology has developed composite materials with increased strength and longevity to withstand day to day forces while satisfying the demand for superior aesthetics.

There are four possible goals when treating teeth grinding with a dental guard or splint:

• Constraint of the grinding pattern such that serious damage to the temporomandibular joints is prevented
• Stabilization of the occlusion by minimizing the gradual changes to the positions of the teeth that typically occur with grinding
• Prevention of tooth damage
• The enabling of a grinding practitioner to judge — in broad terms — the extent and patterns of grinding, through examination of the physical indentations on the surface of the splint. A dental guard is typically worn on a long-term basis during every night’s sleep.

Dr. Mishaan and his staff would be happy to discuss your options to alleviate the stress and pain caused by teeth grinding. Please feel free to call (212.730.4440) our office for a private consultation or any questions you may have. Or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mishaan. The investment you make in caring for your mouth, teeth and gums will pay dividends for years to come.

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