TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding
Do you grind your teeth in your sleep? Telltale signs that you may do so include:
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An aching jaw
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Chronic headaches |
In addition to these painful symptoms, chronic teeth grinding can damage your teeth.
League City, TX dentist Dr. J. Derek Tieken and our capable team can provide a special test for bruxism—the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching. The test measures how much you clench or grind your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism, we can relieve your pain and save your teeth by providing you with a custom-made night guard.
Think you might have bruxism? Call Tieken Smiles Dentistry at (281) 942-0444.
Teeth Grinding and TMJ
Your temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is the scientific name for the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. A number of factors, including tooth grinding, can cause a TMJ disorder (TMD). Some symptoms include:
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An aching jaw
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Difficulty or pain while chewing
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Locking of your joint, making it tough to open or close your mouth
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A clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth |
A Custom Night Guard Can Help
Wearing a custom night guard relieves the pressure being put on your TMJ and gives it a chance to heal. Headache sufferers also can get relief by wearing a night guard, since tooth grinding can cause chronic headaches.
For headaches, we might also suggest orthodontics to correct any bite issues contributing to TMJ.
Repairing Teeth Grinding Damage
Over time, teeth grinding wears down your teeth. Grinding can even crack, break, or loosen teeth. Fortunately, our cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry services can repair your teeth, restoring their appearance and function. We may use:
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Dental veneers. These thin porcelain “shells” are custom made to fit over the entire front surface of your teeth, strengthening and beautifying them. They can be used to repair minor cracks or chips, and they can also make ground-down teeth look longer.
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Dental crowns. For more severe cracks or breaks, a porcelain dental crown covers your whole tooth, fortifying it against further damage. |
As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Tieken has proven expertise in cosmetic dentistry. You can trust him to fix your teeth!
To relieve your aching jaw or TMJ headaches, call Tieken Smiles Dentistry at (281) 942-0444 or contact us to book a visit to our League City, TX dentist office. |