What is bruxism?

It is the non-purposeful grinding of teeth in directions different from normal chewing. Bruxers usually grind teeth at night but may be unaware that they are doing so. A significant other is often the first to hear this teeth grinding at night. The teeth will wear prematurely flat over time, although the teeth may not get loose or develop gum disease.

What is clenching?

It is the non-purposeful closing to teeth in the chewing position. Clenchers are often active day and night. They tend to prematurely wear the places where teeth touch each other in the chewing position. Again, the teeth show excessive wear but the teeth may not get loose or develop gum disease.

How common is bruxing and clenching?

Approximately one in four adults have this condition.

What happens if bruxing and clenching continue without treatment?

The teeth can become pain sensitive and destroyed if enough tooth material is lost that the nerve and blood vessels in the center of the tooth are exposed to air as teeth crumble under biting stress..

What is the treatment?

Prevention of tooth wear by placing a plastic barrier such as a night guard appliance between the top and bottom teeth is the best known solution. The plastic appliance sandwiched between the teeth, absorbes the stress and wears away when the teeth start to brux or clench, rather then the teeth wearing. Night guard therapy should begin as soon as premature wear of the teeth is detected.

Is treatment expensive?

No. The majority of the night guard construction can be done by your family dentist's assistants requiring only doctor time to assure proper design and fit.

You may schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. William Trepp in his Pasadena, MD office by calling 410.696.4624 or in his Clinton, MD office by calling  301.868.6200. Written inquiries should be mailed to: 3020 Mountain RD, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA or 8918 Woodyard RD, Clinton, MD 20735, USA