Effects of Teeth Clenching and Grinding

The majority of the population grinds and clenches their teeth on a daily and/or nightly basis and are unaware of the habit until they realize that their teeth look much shorter/flatter than it did years before.  The consequences of such a destructive habit may not be limited to giving the teeth an “aged look” but the TMJ can be severely damaged in the process as well. Which can cause chronic headaches, joint pain and sounds(clicking). The initial treatment for this is a professionally custom made “night/day guard” to be worn when the patient has a tendency to grind/clench. This appliance is also used by patients that have had extensive veneer work done because it will prevent porcelain fracture and preserve the underlying teeth. Patients, in general, report an overall improvement in quality of life when they use their night guard because they no longer wake up feeling a “tired face” or “tired jaw.”  Grinding and clenching can be the stimulus for migraine headaches.  If you have any symptoms of grinding and or clenching you should inquire with Dr. Sherri Worth and Dr. Daniele Green about obtaining a night guard or treatment–the office number is 800-878-9244.

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