Nightguards – Boston, MA
Solutions for Your Jaw and Tooth Pain
Life stress during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have contributed to a dramatic increase in teeth clenching and grinding, as reported by many dentists across the country and globally. This habit known as bruxism has resulted in our office seeing patients with cracked teeth, jaw and muscle pain, and frequent headaches more than ever before. Unfortunately, there are many cases in which cracked back teeth need to be extracted and replaced with bridgework or dental implants, which can be a costly and time consuming process.
As a proactive measure, our office recommends nightguards to manage pain caused by teeth grinding and clenching as well as reduce the risk of needing restorative or emergency services later. To learn more about receiving a personalized nightguard, give our office a call!
What Can Cause Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding and clenching, whether done at night when you sleep or during the day, can also be caused by sleep disorders, a bad bite, and missing or crooked teeth. This combined with higher than normal levels of stress and anxiety makes for a perfect storm of pain and damage to teeth and the TMJ (temporomandibular jaw) joints. These are the joints that attach the lower jaw to the skull and allow you to open and close your mouth. Each joint is located just in front of your ear, and damage to these joints can lead to many more uncomfortable symptoms.
What Symptoms Should I Keep in Mind?
Some of the symptoms of teeth clenching or grinding include:
- dull headaches related to the TMJ
- jaw and muscle related soreness near your ear around your jaw joints, the muscles around your cheeks, sides and back of your head.
- teeth that are painful or loose
- cracked teeth
Treatments to Address Bruxism
A brace called a nightguard can be custom-fitted and worn to protect your teeth during times that you most often clench and grind, whether it be at night when you sleep or during the day. This medical-grade plastic appliance can protect your teeth and joints from further damage. In some cases, relaxation therapy and exercises can offer added support to the problem.
At Boston Smile Center, we are here to help. If you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, please contact us for an in-person consultation. We’re happy to offer an initial screening online from the comfort of your home for added convenience. While our practice is happy to help patients craft radiant smiles, it’s also our mission to guide you along a path that keeps your teeth and smile healthy for a lifetime.