Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Teeth Grinding & Night Guard

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Therapy

Do you awaken with a sore jaw or experience unexplained earaches or headaches? You may unknowingly grind your teeth, a condition known as bruxism.  Dr. Michaelson creates custom mouthguards to eliminate bruxism and restore comfortable function.

Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaw as a reaction to stress, sometimes during the day, but more often at night. Left untreated, bruxism can damage teeth and compromise proper jaw alignment, which leads to temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  Dr. Michaelson will examine your jaw and inspect the wear patterns on your teeth to determine the root of the problem. He may suggest a personalized mouthguard to alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage.

How long will my guard last?

Mouthguards typically last 3-5 years. You will need to consider a new one when you have begun to wear thru the biting surface.  Mouthguards can’t always stop patients from grinding but they protect the teeth and restorations from the unconscious forces exerted.  The wear that occurs on your night guard would have taken place on your teeth. Wearing a guard will preserve healthy tooth structure.

Mouthguards are traditionally worn at night while you sleep. If sleeping with an appliance is a concern we may be able to customize the guard to fit your needs. Another option is daytime wear. Either way, consistency with wear is crucial to symptom alleviation and tooth protection.