Treatment to Correct Your Bite’s Function
Preventing common issues like tooth decay and gum disease by cleaning away plaque and tartar is important to the health of your smile. Yet, dental diseases aren’t the only thing that could affect it. Conditions that impact how your bite functions can also be a significant concern. For example, if you constantly grind your teeth (especially at night) or experience difficulty and discomfort when your jaw moves, then it could also have an impact on the rest of your oral health. Chronic teeth-grinding (bruxism) and jaw dysfunction (TMJ disorder) are often related to each other. If either condition is left unaddressed, then the comfort and function of your bite will continue to suffer.
Addressing Teeth-Grinding and Jaw Pain
Bruxism can occur for a variety of reasons, though it’s most commonly caused by an imbalance in your bite such as crooked teeth or malformed oral structures. It can also be caused by excessive levels of stress, which can keep your jaw muscles in a prolonged state of stress and tension. The constant grinding can gradually damage your jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints (TMJs), leading to some form of TMJ disorder. The discomfort related to bruxism and TMJ disorder can range from tooth sensitivity and jaw pain to chronic headaches, jaw and facial pain, tooth damage, and much more. Fortunately, we can often alleviate these symptoms by addressing bruxism and TMJ disorder with a custom-designed oral appliance.
Learn if You Can Benefit from Bruxism or TMJ Treatment
If bruxism and/or TMJ disorder are disrupting your bite’s function, then we may be able to correct it with a customized appliance and treatment plan. For more information, schedule a consultation with us by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, today at (515) 244-9565. We also proudly serve patients from West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, and all surrounding communities.