Waking With Sore Jaws Or Chipped Teeth?
If mornings greet you with jaw soreness, headaches, or worn edges on your teeth, you may be dealing with bruxism—unconscious clenching or grinding, often at night. Left untreated, bruxism can crack teeth, break fillings, contribute to gum recession, and aggravate TMJ discomfort. At New Smiles in Sherwood, OR, we combine custom night guards with careful bite rehabilitation to protect your smile and restore comfort.
Why Grinding Happens
Stress, sleep disturbances, airway issues, and certain medications can increase clenching. A misaligned bite or worn teeth can also trigger muscles to overwork as they search for a stable position. Understanding your triggers helps us craft an effective plan.
The First Step: Accurate Diagnosis
We start with a thorough exam, photos, and digital scans of your bite. Signs include flattened chewing surfaces, enamel craze lines, chipped edges, gum recession, and neck or shoulder tension. If sleep apnea is suspected, we coordinate evaluation with your physician—addressing airway health often reduces grinding.
Custom Night Guards: Your Daily Defense
A lab-made guard fits precisely over upper or lower teeth, providing a stable surface that distributes forces and reduces wear. Unlike boil-and-bite guards, custom devices are durable, comfortable, and designed to keep your jaw in a healthier position. We’ll guide you on cleaning, storage, and periodic checks to maintain fit.
Daytime Clenching? Consider A Light Day Guard
Some people clench while concentrating. A slim daytime appliance can protect teeth during work or workouts without affecting speech. Pair it with posture awareness and jaw relaxation techniques for the best results.
Bite Rehabilitation: Fixing The Underlying Mechanics
If years of grinding have shortened teeth or collapsed your bite, we may recommend conservative rebuilding with onlays or crowns to reestablish proper height and guidance. Restoring the bite can reduce muscle overwork and protect your joints—often improving jaw comfort and chewing efficiency.
Complementary Strategies That Help
- Stress Management: Breathing exercises, stretching, and sleep routines calm the nervous system.
- Physical Therapy Or Massage: Targeted therapy reduces head and neck tension.
- Botulinum Toxin In The Masseters: In select cases, this can reduce muscle strength and protect restorations.
- Orthodontics Or Aligners: Correcting bite relationships can stabilize jaw position and reduce wear patterns.
Protecting Restorations And Implants
If you have veneers, crowns, or dental implants, a night guard is essential insurance. Bruxism can chip porcelain and overload implant components. We’ll design a guard that accommodates your restorations comfortably.
FAQs
Will a night guard stop grinding completely?
It protects teeth and absorbs forces; some people also grind less over time. Combining it with relaxation and airway evaluation yields the best results.
How long will my guard last?
It depends on grinding intensity. Many last years; very heavy grinders may need periodic replacement.
Can I use a store-bought guard?
It’s better than nothing, but custom guards are safer and far more comfortable—especially for long-term wear.
Long-Term Confidence For Your Smile
Bruxism is manageable. With a thoughtfully designed guard and, when needed, bite rehabilitation, you can protect your teeth, feel better in the morning, and extend the life of your dental work.
Ready to protect your smile? Contact New Smiles in Sherwood, OR at (503) 925-9595 to Book an Appointment and get a personalized plan for bruxism relief.
