Night Guards & Bruxism Treatment Ann Arbor, MI
 Waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache isn't always a random occurrence. For many people, it's the result of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. Because it often happens during sleep, patients rarely catch themselves in the act. Instead, they notice the aftermath: tension in the jaw muscles, worn tooth surfaces, or a partner mentioning the sound of teeth grinding in the middle of the night. At Everwell Dentistry, we help patients throughout the area identify bruxism early and manage it before it causes lasting damage to their smile.
Signs And Symptoms Of Bruxism To Watch For Bruxism doesn't always announce itself clearly, which is part of why it goes undiagnosed for so long. Some patients live with mild symptoms for years before connecting the dots. Paying attention to the following signs and symptoms of bruxism can help you recognize the condition sooner rather than later.
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Jaw soreness or tightness, especially first thing in the morning
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Frequent headaches that originate near the temples
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Teeth that appear flattened, chipped, or unusually short
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Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
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Clicking, popping, or discomfort in the jaw joint
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A sleeping partner reporting teeth grinding noises at night |
If several of these symptoms sound familiar, it's worth bringing them up at your next visit. A clinical exam can often confirm bruxism through visible wear patterns on the enamel, even before a patient reports any discomfort.
What Causes Teeth Grinding And Clenching? Bruxism has several possible origins, and identifying the underlying cause helps guide the right treatment approach. Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers, with the jaw acting as a place where the body holds physical tension. A bite that isn't properly aligned can also contribute, as can certain sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Some patients grind their teeth as a side effect of specific medications, while others simply have a genetic predisposition toward clenching during sleep. Because the causes vary so widely, a thorough evaluation is the best starting point for effective treatment.
Why Untreated Bruxism Becomes A Bigger Problem The forces generated during grinding and clenching episodes are far greater than the pressure applied during normal chewing, and that repeated pressure adds up. Over months and years, untreated bruxism can wear away enamel, crack or fracture teeth, loosen restorations like crowns and fillings, and place ongoing strain on the jaw joint. Some patients develop chronic facial pain or notice their teeth shifting slightly as the bite changes in response to the added stress. Addressing bruxism early helps protect the natural teeth and prevents the need for more extensive restorative work later on.
Custom Night Guards In Ann Arbor One of the most effective and conservative ways to manage bruxism is with a custom-fitted night guard. Worn while you sleep, a night guard creates a cushioned barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of grinding and preventing the teeth from making direct contact with one another.
Unlike generic guards sold at a pharmacy, night guards in Ann Arbor made through our office are built from an exact impression of your bite. This means the fit is secure, comfortable, and unlikely to shift or fall out during the night, which makes patients far more likely to wear it consistently. A well-fitted guard also distributes pressure evenly across the jaw, reducing strain on the joint rather than concentrating it in one spot.
What To Expect When Getting A Night Guard Getting started with a custom night guard is a straightforward process. During your visit, we'll take detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth, along with information about your bite alignment. This data is used to design a guard that fits your mouth precisely, rather than a one-size-fits-all shape. Once the guard is fabricated, we'll check the fit at a follow-up visit and make any small adjustments needed for comfort. From there, most patients simply wear the guard nightly and bring it in periodically so we can check for wear and confirm it's still doing its job.
Protecting Your Smile Starts With A Conversation If jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth have become part of your routine, it may be time to talk with an Ann Arbor dentist about bruxism treatment. A custom night guard is a simple, non-invasive way to protect your teeth from further damage while easing the discomfort that comes with chronic teeth grinding and clenching. Contact Everwell Dentistry at (734) 973-0000 to schedule an evaluation and find out whether a night guard is right for you. |
