Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) in The Woodlands, TX

Bruxism, also called teeth grinding, is the frequent grinding or clenching your teeth at night, typically brought on by anxiety or stress, which can negatively affect your teeth and TMJ (temporomandibular joints). The team at Made Ya Smile Dental knows that while this is a common habit for patients, teeth grinding can cause quite a bit of damage to your mouth, including worn down tooth enamel, flat edges, chipped or cracked teeth, broken restoration, and gum recession. If you're unsure if you have bruxism, you may show symptoms, such as tooth or jaw pain, headaches, or experience a "clicking" or "popping" sound when you open your mouth. 

This habit can be managed effectively with night guard therapy to reduce the impact on your teeth and jaw joints. Night guards are custom appliances that are made of acrylic or other types of materials worn while you sleep. They are used to keep your teeth in their proper position to prevent friction and future damage. Patients of any age can suffer from bruxism so if you or a member of your family is showing signs of teeth grinding, contact our office in The Woodlands, TX to schedule an appointment. 

The cause of teeth grinding is unknown, but there are many factors that can contribute to this habit, including lifestyle, environmental, and even medical. Candidates with broken and chipped teeth, loose fillings, or teeth with uneven edges likely have been grinding their teeth for some time already. These symptoms, along with swelling of the face and jaw, tenderness in the face, earaches, and headaches should schedule time with a practitioner at our practice in The Woodlands, TX. Made Ya Smile Dental may be able to help you understand why you grind your teeth and stop the damage before more extensive treatment is needed. An evaluation with our dentists will help you understand whether you can benefit from a custom-made night guard for clenching and grinding.

Made Ya Smile Dental offers custom treatment solutions if you are suffering from the effects of bruxism with a custom-fit night guard. When you arrive at the clinic, our dentists will take impressions of your teeth to make perfect models of your mouth, which are then sent to a special dental lab to fabricate the night guard. This laboratory is experienced in making comfortable appliances with high-end materials to make sure they protect your teeth properly. When the night guard arrives at our office, we will schedule a second appointment to try on the appliance, make sure it fits correctly, and make small adjustments as needed so it can be as effective as possible. 

The key to protecting your teeth is to carefully follow the instructions given to you by the practitioners at Made Ya Smile Dental. Wearing the appliance every night will help maintain jaw alignment and reduce the chance of further damage. Our assistants and hygienists will also provide you with instructions about cleaning and storing the device when you're not wearing it. When you schedule follow-up appointments, bring your night guard so we can make sure the fit is still serving your teeth well. Continue to get annual dental examinations and biannual cleanings with our team in The Woodlands, TX to keep your smile as healthy as possible. 

Patients with dental health insurance may have some of their costs covered, but it does depend on your specific plan and benefits. Made Ya Smile Dental will call your provider to learn more about what is covered and what must be paid out-of-pocket for teeth grinding treatment and a custom night guard. Before we take impressions of your teeth, we can review the costs with you and find a solution that fits your budget. Our staff also partners with CareCredit® as a low-interest financing option for patients in The Woodlands, TX. 

Don't let dental discomfort affect your quality of life any longer. Patients with a history of headaches, tooth damage, and jaw pain should contact the experts at Made Ya Smile Dental right away to see how we can help. Our skilled dentists can help you find a solution to your teeth grinding, fix your cracked or broken teeth, and protect your oral health with a personalized night guard. To get treatment for teeth grinding, call us at our practice in The Woodlands, TX right away.