Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, affects millions of people, often without their knowledge because it’s done at night while asleep. At Serenity Dental Spa, Dr. Naghmeh Pashmini provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for bruxism in Springfield, helping patients protect their teeth from damage while addressing the underlying causes of this common but destructive habit.
Left untreated, bruxism can cause significant damage to the teeth and jaw pain that affects your overall quality of life. Our team is here to help you protect your smile and feel your best with professional treatment.
Bruxism, which involves teeth grinding or jaw clenching, occurs when you unconsciously grind, gnash, or clench your teeth, typically during sleep but sometimes during waking hours. This involuntary habit places enormous pressure on your teeth and jaw structures, far exceeding the normal forces of chewing. As such, bruxism has the potential to cause chips, cracks, and fractures in the teeth, as well as loose teeth, gum inflammation, and jaw pain.
Visible Teeth Damage
Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth are often the first visible signs of bruxism. Teeth may appear shorter or flattened from excessive grinding. Bruxism can also destroy existing dental work like fillings and crowns. Damage from bruxism can lead to worn-down tooth enamel, which causes tooth sensitivity and discoloration as well.
Jaw and Facial Pain (TMJ)
Jaw soreness, sore facial muscles, or pain that radiates to the ears are signs of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Additionally, the strain on jaw muscles and joints can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, creating chronic pain and limiting jaw function.
Headaches and Migraines
Frequent tension headaches, particularly upon waking, often result from the muscle strain caused by bruxism. Bruxism can cause both tension headaches and migraines in certain patients.
At Serenity Dental Spa, we treat bruxism by providing immediate protection for teeth and addressing underlying causes:
Lifestyle modifications. In addition to protective appliances, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce bruxism, including limiting caffeine intake, avoiding alcohol, and managing stress. Dr. Pashmini will discuss all options with you.
For patients who have completed Invisalign treatment and also suffer from bruxism, Vivera retainers offer an innovative dual-purpose solution. They serve as both orthodontic retainers to maintain your newly aligned teeth and protective night guards to prevent grinding damage. This combination approach is ideal for patients who need both functions without wearing multiple appliances.
Made from the same advanced material as Invisalign aligners, Vivera retainers are 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials. The precise fit achieved through digital impressions ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness for both retention and bruxism protection.
Rather than managing separate retainers and night guards, Vivera provides comprehensive protection in a single, comfortable appliance. This simplifies your oral care routine while ensuring both your alignment results and natural teeth remain protected.
Protecting your teeth from bruxism damage preserves your smile and prevents the need for extensive restorative work. If you experience any symptoms of teeth grinding or clenching, contact Serenity Dental Spa at (703) 313-7000 to schedule your comprehensive bruxism evaluation with Dr. Pashmini. Keep your teeth beautiful and healthy with our professional treatment options!
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