Even if you do not realize it is happening, spending your nights grinding and clenching your teeth can take a real toll on your smile and oral health. This is why those who suffer from bruxism are encouraged to arrange treatment as soon as possible. Our Greenville, TX dentist can provide protection with a custom oral appliance that will keep your smile safe from further harm. When appropriate, we can also talk with patients about restoring your smile if you already have issues with wear and tear, even if you need more than just cosmetic work to resolve problems.

How Much Damage Can Bruxism Really Do?

If you are clenching and grinding your teeth during the night, you can wear down your enamel to the point where your smile no longer looks attractive. Friction can make certain teeth uneven, and it can give your smile a flattened, unflattering look that looks older and less healthy. If the problem continues to wear down your teeth, you can chip or crack your enamel and make restorative dental work necessary!

Using A Custom Guard To Protect Your Teeth From Further Harm

An appliance that you wear each night can protect you from the harmful wear and tear related to bruxism. The appliances that we supply our patients are custom-made to ensure that they provide the right fit, and that they guard you against potentially serious trouble. This corrective appliance can also help reduce the strain on your jaw joints and muscles that occur when you clench or grind your teeth.

Restoring Teeth That Are Worn, Chipped, Or Cracked

Unfortunately, not everyone who has problems with bruxism will make it to their dentist before they have noticeable dental damage. We can offer two different approaches based on your condition: For some, we can still move forward with cosmetic dental work, but others will need restorative dental treatment.

• Cosmetic services focus on improving your appearance by targeting flaws, but your care will not make changes that improve your oral health or dental function. These options include services like treatments with porcelain veneers, or you can proceed with tooth bonding and contouring to make changes with a more discreet approach.
• Restorative treatment with dental crowns can provide cosmetic as well as oral health benefits. A lifelike crown that caps your tooth can absorb bite pressure to preserve your dental function and help you avoid further problems.

Talk To Your Greenville, TX Dentist About Treating Bruxism

When you do not take care to address ongoing difficulties with nightly teeth grinding, your smile can pay the price. Over time, wear and tear from bruxism can lead to noticeable cosmetic changes, and it can even result in your enamel becoming chipped or cracked! Our Greenville, TX dental office is here to help if this problem impacts you. For more information, call Smith Family Dentistry today at 903-455-5750.