Bruxism (Clenching/Grinding)
and
Jaw Joint (TMJ) Problems
Clenching and grinding of teeth affects most of the population and is often a habit that occurs during sleep, times of stress or made worse by teeth that do not fit comfortably together. For most people, this habit causes no significant problems.
TMD (temporomandibular disorders) refers to a group of conditions, often painful, that affects the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) and the associated muscles used in movement of the jaw and neck. Discomfort from TMD is usually temporary and often occurs in cycles. Most of the time the pain goes away with little or no treatment. A small percentage of people develops significant, long-term symptoms.
How can I tell if I brux my teeth? What are the signs and symptoms?
On
occasion, patients themselves are unaware of a buxist habit. Partners often complain of hearing ‘teeth clashing’ during the
night. Your dentist will often see wear facets forming on your tooth surfaces and a flattening of the edges and tips of your teeth.
Sensitivity to cold, pain around the cheeks, mobile teeth or a generalised feeling of ‘loose teeth’ is often a symptom given by patients.
Repeated fracture of teeth, fillings and crowns are a tell tale sign of a bruxist habit.
Pain in the muscles of mastication (jaw muscles)
and pain in the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) are the most common symptoms of jaw problems. Pain can also be referred from other
sources such as the neck and teeth. Other symptoms include:
· Limited movement or locking
of the jaw
· Radiating pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
· Painful clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
· A sudden, major change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
· Unexplained headaches
or facial pain including dull, aching, constant pain
Occasional discomfort in the joint and muscles is common and is not usually
a cause for concern.
Jaw joint
What are the problems that can be caused by my clenching or grinding habit?
The most significant problem caused by a bruxist
habit is wear on the surfaces of teeth leading to sensitivity, mobility and fracture of teeth or restorations i.e. filling or crowns.
Pain
and tenderness around the muscles of the jaw and jaw joint can lead to an alteration in the way in which you bite your teeth together
in turn leading to untoward stresses being placed on the teeth themselves and can cause headaches and neck pains.
Is there anything that can be done to prevent this or alleviate my symptoms?
Avoidance of clenching or grinding is the best preventative
method to cure the symptoms. However, in most cases the habit is an unconscious one and requires intervention by your dentist.
Diagnosing
the cause is the key to successful treatment, and in most cases alleviating the symptoms is all that is needed. Using models of your
teeth taken from impressions can help to assess how your teeth fit together and can be used to provide mouth guards to help prevent
further damage to teeth and jaw joints.
What is a soft bite raising appliance?
A soft bite raising appliance is a soft
rubber mouth guard worn over your upper teeth and helps by separating your upper and lower teeth. This prevents you from clenching
your teeth and protects your teeth and jaw joints. However, the rubber is relatively weak and will wear down quickly with continued
use. It is successful for a short period of time. It is preferable to produce a Michigan Splint for long term use.
What is a Michigan Stabilisation Splint?
A Michigan splint is a hard acrylic guard custom made to fit over the biting surfaces
of your upper teeth. The splint allows free and smooth movement of your upper teeth over your lower teeth whilst helping your muscle
to break the habit of clenching or grinding.
Stone models are produced from the impressions
The dental laboratory fabricates the custom Michigan splint using the articulated models
Your dentist fits and adjusts the splint over a period of up to two months at weekly intervals
Treatment Time
The total treatment time is dependant on the diagnosis and will require a minimum of 4 to 6 appointments
and specialist diagnostic tests and instruments
Results of Treatment
A Michigan splint will help to prevent tooth wear,
fracture of teeth and fillings, and help to reduce or eliminate pain caused by a bruxist habit
Patient Maintenance
The
appliance must be worn either nightly or full time depending on the severity. Care must be taken to look after your oral hygiene and
regular visits to the hygienist are recommend to prevent bacterial growth that can cause gum disease and tooth decay becoming established
in the mouth.
Cost
The cost of treatment can is between £250 - £500. This cost includes all impressions, models, diagnostic
tests, assessments and adjustments which may be required at weekly intervals for a period of up to two months, and the provision of
a custom Michigan Splint.
