Grinding or clenching of your teeth (bruxism) can be a very serious problem that can result in severe damage to your teeth, damage to your TMJ’s (jaw joints), and headaches. The damage from bruxing occurs slowly over time, but if caught early can be treated to prevent the need for extensive restorative treatment or debilitating jaw joint problems.
Dr. Osborn and Dr. Conroy offer a variety of treatment options for patients who grind or clench their teeth. The most common treatment option prescribed for patients who clench or grind their teeth while they sleep is a night guard.
Night Guards
A night guard is an appliance much like a retainer used to protect your teeth while you are sleeping. This device is commonly recommended by Dr. Osborn and Dr. Conroy for people who suffer from bruxism, or excessive nighttime tooth grinding or clenching. This grinding and clenching puts pressure on the jaw, which can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, severe headaches, ear pain, and neck pain as well as causing excessive wear to the teeth.
