Do you have the wear and tear of bruxism? Teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism, is the repeated clenching of the jaw, sometimes causing tooth damage that can ultimately require restorative work. If you already have restorations, you might wonder if your bruxism will damage your new beautiful smile. Today, cosmetic dentist Dr. James Fondriest shares some helpful information about the wear and tear of bruxism and ways to minimize it.
What is Bruxism?
Almost all people clench their jaws or grind their teeth at some point, i.e., in Chicago traffic, but regular grinding can severely damage your teeth. Bruxism is typically caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth but can also be brought on by stress. Patients usually grind their teeth at night, so many people are unaware that they are damaging their teeth unless it gets noticed by a sleeping partner who hears the grinding. If a loved one notices nighttime grinding, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fondriest.
This young lady from Milwaukee had a smile that appeared much older than she actually was. Her short teeth to about half of their original length. We created these veneers for her back in 2010. They still look beautiful today!
The Wear and Tear of Bruxism
Bruxism can damage your teeth and require you to have restorative work done. Dental restorations are strong, but severe bruxism can damage them the same way grinding damages natural teeth. It is imperative to maintain regular visits with Dr. Fondriest and to wear your mouthguard or bruxism splint. Dr. Fondriest has achieved outstanding results with bruxism patients. One patient’s bruxism caused her to lose a significant amount of tooth structure, and she had broken much of her previous dental work. Dr. Fondriest created her a new smile with porcelain veneers.
How Can I Cut Down on the Grinding?
- Avoid alcohol because it can intensify bruxism.
- Try to avoid foods and beverages containing caffeine.
- Don’t chew on anything that is not food. Recreational chewing, such as gum, can train your jaw to clench and increase your likelihood of grinding.
- Know that the predisposition to grind is genetic. If you need dentistry and you grind your teeth, consider “grind proof veneers”.
Learn more about the wear and tear of bruxism on your teeth
Want to update that aging smile? Do you think your bruxism might necessitate restorative work? If you’re looking for smile enhancement to repair short or translucent teeth, we offer a wide range of long term solutions. Dr. Fondriest offers a variety of cosmetic and restorative services. To reserve an appointment at our office, contact us at (847) 234-0517. We serve the Chicago area.
Dr. Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist. He serves clients from throughout the United States