Orthodontics
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Other Treatable Conditions Bruxism (teeth clenching) Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is often viewed as a harmless, though annoying habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability to deal with stress or anxiety. However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite relationship and worse, severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods of time. Teeth grinding can cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your teeth, and open them to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing your dentin.) Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches. If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few clues that you may suffer from bruxism:
Bruxism is somewhat treatable. A common therapy involves use of a special appliance worn while sleeping. Less intrusive, though just as effective methods could involve biofeedback, and behavior modification methods such as tongue exercises and learning how to properly align your tongue, teeth and lips. Orthodontic treatments for bruxism may include placement of a splint or removable mouth guard. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to repair the jaw joint and restore teeth that have become damaged. Tooth replacement Lost teeth can, over time, cause complex problems with your remaining teeth, and can adversely affect your bite relationship or ability to chew properly. An orthodontic procedure can be performed to replace a missing tooth or teeth, or straighten a tooth that has tipped in one direction or another. Crooked teeth Crooked teeth can be straightened by an orthodontic procedure to restore your appearance, as well as bite relationship. |
