Now that the holidays are over and a new year has started, it’s a great time to get back on track with your oral health. Whether your 2025 resolution is to improve your oral hygiene routine or seek treatment for oral health issues, your team at Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, is here to help. In today’s blog, we’re here to talk about oral appliance therapy for TMJ and bruxism.
Understanding TMJ & Bruxism
Bruxism and TMJ dysfunction are two common problems that dental patients may face. Your temporomandibular joints help you chew, talk, and swallow. When they do not work together properly, it can lead to chronic discomfort that can take a toll on your physical health. Patients with TMD may also experience bruxism, which is the chronic grinding of the teeth. This often happens when you are asleep or otherwise unaware. Patients may experience sensitivity when eating or disruptions in their sleep due to the disorder.
How We Help Treat These Conditions
Many patients can find relief from TMJ, bruxism, and sleep disorders with the help of an oral appliance. This device looks similar to a mouth guard and is worn at night to protect you from TMD and damage from chronic teeth grinding. For patients with TMJ, the appliance can pull your jaw forward and allow it to rest properly. In the morning, you may notice that you experience less headaches and discomfort because your jaw is properly balanced. This device can also help patients with bruxism by protecting the teeth from grinding against each other. As a result, you can experience less sensitivity and avoid harming your pearly whites. We may recommend an oral appliance to help alleviate symptoms of sleep disorders, like snoring or sleep apnea. Many patients with sleep disorders may experience a combination of these other conditions, so the device can help treat several of your concerns at the same time.
Restoring Your Smile After Damage
Chronically grinding your teeth can have serious consequences on your oral health. Your teeth may have become worn down and are at a higher risk of cavities and breakage. After you have found the right treatment to protect your smile, your dentist may recommend additional restorations such as fillings or dental crowns to refresh your pearly whites. Dental crowns can be used to repair and protect a broken or worn down tooth from further damage. These tooth-shaped caps can be made of porcelain, zirconia, or other materials that are durable and life-like. Without a crown, the area could be further damaged, which can later require extraction to relieve discomfort.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
Oral appliance therapy could help relieve your symptoms of TMJ and bruxism. Learn more by calling Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at 319-364-7108.
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