Bruxism is a condition that can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as tight jaw muscles, headaches, and sensitive teeth. It is characterised by grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep, making it difficult to detect without the help of a dentist.
Grinding can wear down tooth enamel, cause chips and cracks, and even lead to tooth loss.
The exact cause of bruxism is not known, but experts believe it could be related to stress, anxiety, or having an abnormal bite.
Treatment for bruxism typically involves addressing any underlying factors that may be contributing to the condition, as well as managing the symptoms. This can include:
Not only can your dentist prevent common issues such as fractures and breakage caused by this habit, but they can also help protect against headaches, sleep disturbances and jaw problems associated with bruxism.
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms of TMJ can include pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck; difficulty opening and closing the jaw; popping or clicking sounds in the jaw; and headaches.
Treatment for TMJ can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms experienced. Dentists may recommend a combination of treatments, such as:
Dentists can also work with other healthcare professionals such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, physical therapists, and pain management specialists in treating TMJ.
Also known as Bite Splints or Night Guards, occlusal splints protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching during sleep. Generally thinner than their sporting cousins, these mouthguards are designed to prevent damage and pain caused by teeth grinding.
Occlusal splints are custom-made on-site at Smileologie to perfectly fit and protect your teeth. These splints aim to relieve pain and muscle strain in the jaw muscles and joints, reduce grinding and clenching of the teeth, protect and cushion the teeth while sleeping and equalise the forces on all teeth.
We custom-fit your occlusal splint using our 3D Printing technology. This means your splint will fit you perfectly and provide you with
It may be the key to protecting your teeth, getting a better night’s sleep and keeping your smile healthy.
Getting a custom night guard or Occlusal Splint to help treat and manage your teeth-grinding or TMJ follows this process:
Scan: We begin by digitally scanning your upper and lower teeth with an intraoral 3D scanner. This means no impression moulds or paste.
Design: We then create a digital blueprint of your teeth. This helps to ensure that the splint will fit snugly against your teeth and gum line.
Print: We 3D print the splint on-site in our lab using a medical-grade resin. Doing this results in an amazingly accurate and custom fit and a fast turn-around.
Trim & Polish: Your new occlusal splint is given a thorough trim and polish resulting in a smooth, comfortable fit.
The result is a custom-made splint matched to your needs, giving you the peace of mind that it will protect your precious teeth.
Is Teeth Grinding and TMJ the same thing?
No, bruxism and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) disorder are not the same thing. Bruxism is when a person grinds or clenches their teeth more than normal. TMD is a disorder of the jaw joint which can cause pain and other symptoms such as headaches, earaches, dizziness or limited movement of the jaw.
I’ve lost my Splint. What happens now?
If your splint was created at Smileologie, we likely have retained your digital blueprint and as such, can streamline the creation and printing of a replacement one. We may even put a bell on it, so it is harder for you to lose next time.
Book an appointment online with our dentists today.
Monday: 8:00am to 7:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am to 7:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: Closed
Smileologie
914 Stanley Street East
EAST BRISBANE, QLD, 4169
Phone: (07) 3392 1942
Email: smiles@smileologie.com.au