Nightguards
Do you grind your teeth in your sleep? Excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching can accelerate tooth wear and joint inflammation. Imagine the amount of damage you could do to your teeth by doing this every night for months, years, decades. Our teeth are definitely not indestructible, and a nightguard is one way to both protect teeth from further wear as well as a way to prevent grinding and clenching from reoccurring. There are different types of nightguards, such as one that acts as a cushion between the top and bottom dental arches and another that creates space between the front teeth to prevent the top and lower jaw from touching.
During your consultation, Dr. Hsieh will determine which type of appliance might be the most effective in your unique situation. Sometimes, joint pain can be a result of a malfunctional bite, so every situation is different!
What are some causes of teeth grinding?
Stress or anxiety
Impaired breathing during sleep
Certain medications