Dental Services

Nightguard for Bruxism

Bruxism, or sometimes referred to as teeth grinding, is the clenching together of both the upper and lower teeth. Clenching can cause pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other surrounding structures of the jaw, and can cause jaw joint disorders, headaces, neck pain, jaw pain, ear pain, tense muscles, and excessive wear on the teeth. Bruxism can cause damage to the temperomandibular joint (the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw) if not treated, and is a common problem, with an estimated 30-40 million Americans affected by it.

Stress reduction and anxiety management are methods used to treat bruxism and reduce the symptoms, but the effective treatment method from Dr. Cassidy are dental night guards. A night guard is a horseshoe-shaped, retainer-like, plastic appliance with shallow borders that can be worn on either the top or the bottom arch. It is designed to protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding by providing a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth. A night guard from Dr. Cassidy can be an effective solution for protecting your teeth and jaws from the damaging effects of Bruxism, and can help reduce clenching, grinding, and TMJ problems by helping to relax the muscles in the jaw.

For any questions on Bruxism or night guards, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 703.370.2333 or email us, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

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