Wake up to the value of custom nightguards at the dentist’s office! FAQs about teeth grinding treatment
Dr. Bryce Westmoreland has the expertise and on-site technologies to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy in numerous and dynamic ways. Notably, Dr. Westmoreland and our Wes Park Family Dentistry team offer custom nightguards as your solution to destructive chronic teeth grinding. This condition can threaten the beauty and structure of your teeth and other parts of your mouth and body.
What happens if I don’t treat this condition?
Known as “bruxism,” teeth grinding often occurs when patients are at rest. So, you may not even realize you are grinding your teeth in your sleep. This fact underscores the importance of seeing Dr. Westmoreland for check-ups. He can spot the telltale signs of bruxism to prevent further damage. Left untreated, bruxism may result in a variety of dental issues, including broken or cracked teeth, compromised restorations, and potentially lead to the loss of teeth. Furthermore, it can place undue stress on the facial, jaw, head, and neck joints and tissues. You may experience TMJ-like symptoms, for instance, chronic tension headaches and migraines and frequent earaches and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
What causes bruxism?
While the exact causes of bruxism remain unknown, various factors are thought to contribute to this significant oral health issue. These include stressful environments, whether at school, home, or the workplace, sleep disturbances, dental occlusion anomalies, and crooked or absent teeth.
How do you treat bruxism?
We can treat bruxism easily and non-invasively with nightguards. These oral appliances are a hassle-free way to prevent the wear and tear of teeth caused by bruxism over time. Custom-made by Dr. Westmoreland from a soft yet durable material, these nightguards only fit your teeth and mouth. They are placed on either your upper or lower arch to prevent contact with the opposing teeth. In turn, nightguards function like cushions to ease the blow from teeth grinding and reduce the stress on the jaw joints and other tissues.
Why should I get a nightguard at the dentist’s office when I can buy one at the store?
Selecting the appropriate mouthguard is important. Three primary kinds of mouthguards are available: the pre-made nightguard, the “boil-and-bite” nightguard, and the custom-fit nightguard tailored by our Wes Park Family Dentistry team.
When choosing a nightguard, ensure it is durable, comfortable, and fits your mouth accurately. It should be easy to clean without posing any additional difficulties, allowing for unimpeded and unrestricted breathing throughout the night. Our nightguards, designed in our Perry, GA office, fulfill all these criteria by providing a truly customized fit for your mouth.
If you are due for a check-up or simply have more questions about professional and dentist-approved guards, call us today at (478) 488-3561.
Bryce Westmoreland, DMD
Dr. Bryce Westmoreland earned his BSA in Biological Science with Honors from the University of Georgia and completed his DMD at the Dental College of Georgia, where he also served as Chief Resident during his General Practice Residency. He specializes in implant placement surgeries and restorations and has furthered his expertise through the AAID MAXI course. He and his team are known for their friendly, gentle, and empathetic care, creating a welcoming atmosphere where patients receive the highest quality treatments.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.