Bruxism is a common condition of teeth grinding, which is often associated with sleep. Although some teeth grinding is normal, it can damage parts of the teeth's enamel, cause tension in the jaw muscles, and impact oral health. Often, individuals do not realize that they have teeth grinding until they start to notice a sensitivity, headache or discomfort in their jaw.
If left untreated, the damage can become more severe over time. Luckily, there are a number of repair choices for teeth that have suffered damage that can help to repair the tooth and stop additional wear and tear. Knowing the symptoms and treatment solutions can prevent your smile from being harmed and pose no long-term problems. Learn about signs and risks of grinding teeth.
Signs & Risks of Teeth Grinding
A variety of symptoms are associated with teeth grinding, because of the excessive pressure that is placed on the teeth and jaw. It is frequently asymptomatic, and may be diagnosed only after patients have seen alterations in their oral health.
Teeth grinding can be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Flattopped teeth that are worn down.
- Enamel chips and cracks
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain, stiffness or tenderness
- Morning headaches
- Clicking or pain at the jaw joint
- Disrupted sleep
There are some patients who think that grinding only leads to minor cosmetic problems. If not treated, untreated bruxism can, however, gradually change the bite, put pressure on the jaw joint and cause more far-reaching damage to the teeth.
One mistake people make is to think that grinding at night does not harm much, as it is a sleeping disorder. In fact, the forces involved with grinding can be much higher than chewing forces and early intervention will be important.
Repair Options for Grinded Teeth
The following are some repair options to consider when your teeth have been grinded. Treatment will vary based on the severity of the damage and cause of the grinding. Protective and restorative treatments are often used together to get the best outcomes.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
Conservatives treatment is often considered the first choice of treatment in situations of mild to moderate damage.
Non-surgical treatments include:
- Custom night guards/mouthguards
- Occlusal splints
- Stress management techniques
- Strategies for decreasing triggers of grinding behavior.Lifestyle changes to decrease triggers for grinding.
- To correct minor enamel loss, cosmetic bonding can be used.
A dentist for grinding teeth can assess the severity of the grinding problem and offer a special device that will safeguard teeth while you are sleeping. One of the best ways to avoid further wear and decrease pressure on the jaw is to use night guards.
Cosmetic bonding can be used for patients who have minor chips or worn edges and restore the cosmetic appearance and function without extensive treatment.
2. Surgical / Cosmetic Procedures
If the grinding has resulted in a lot of damage or bite issues, more advanced treatment may be required.
Possible options include:
- Crown for severely worn teeth
- Filling of gaps and strengthening the enamel with veneers.Restoring appearance and protecting the enamel by veneers.
- Treatment for correcting bite problems for orthodontic purposes.
- Full-mouth rehabilitation in complicated cases
- To correct teeth grinding due to physical jaw problems, surgery may be necessary.
Surgery is not needed in most cases, but may be an option in very rare cases of severe bite and/or jaw issues leading to chronic grinding.
Treatment Comparison
Non-Surgical Treatments |
Surgical/Cosmetic Treatments |
| Night guards | Dental crowns |
| Occlusal splints | Veneers |
| Stress management | Orthodontic correction |
| Cosmetic bonding | Bite correction surgery |
| Prevents future damage | Restores extensive damage |
The correct answer is dependent on the factors that have led to the grinding habit and the degree of wearing.
When it comes to Oral Wellness, selecting the right dentist and treatment is essential.
Treatment is successful only after a proper diagnosis. Teeth grinding can be caused by many factors such as stress, sleep disorders and bite issues, and therefore, a customized approach is sometimes required.
During the consultation at EMD, Dr. Nitin Jaggi examines the condition of the teeth, jaw and bite and then makes a treatment recommendation. This is a comprehensive evaluation that can not only help identify the damage that has been done, but also the cause of the damage and why it has occurred. Treatment might involve protective appliances, restorative procedures, and/or monitoring over time to make sure that the condition is controlled.
Patients often find that they have a lot more improvement when grinding is managed properly. These are the most frequent advantages: less discomfort when biting, better sleep and no more harm to the teeth.
Book a Consultation with Our Experts to learn which treatment option is right for you.
FAQs
What is the time period for grinded teeth repair?
Treatment timelines will vary from case to case, depending on severity of the damage. Depending on the type of repair, it can be done in a single trip, or it may take several appointments for the crown or orthodontic work.
Do you want to keep grinding following repair?
Deters the grinding behavior of damaged teeth does not necessarily mean it will stop. A dentist for grinding teeth can suggest night guards, bite adjustments or other treatments to prevent future damage.
Do dental guards get covered by insurance?
Coverage will be dependent on your insurance carrier and policy. Your dentist's office can assess benefits available before treatment is started.
What are the dangers of not treating promptly?
Postponing treatment of a grinded tooth can cause further enamel erosion, chipping and cracking of teeth, chronic jaw pain and future more complicated tooth restoration.