Occlusal guards

Maintaining optimal oral health goes beyond regular cleanings and check-ups. Protecting the teeth from excessive wear and managing the jaw's alignment are essential for patients who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. One of the most effective solutions for these issues is using occlusal guards provided by our skilled dentist in Sterling, IL. These custom-made appliances provide relief by protecting your teeth from grinding and adjusting your bite, preventing long-term damage.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how occlusal guards in Sterling, IL, can benefit those suffering from bruxism and TMJ disorders and discuss their role. We'll also cover occlusal equilibration, an additional treatment that can improve bite alignment, reduce discomfort, and preserve the health of teeth.

Understanding Occlusal Guards

Occlusal guards, known as night guards or bite splints, are custom-fitted dental appliances worn over the teeth. They are primarily used to protect the teeth from the harmful effects of bruxism, a condition in which patients grind or clench their teeth, often during sleep. Bruxism can cause dental problems, including worn-down enamel, fractured teeth, and increased sensitivity. It can also lead to headaches, facial pain, and discomfort in the jaw.

Occlusal guards are recommended to prevent further damage to teeth and alleviate the symptoms of bruxism. These guards create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces generated by grinding and clenching and reducing the risk of wear or fractures.

Occlusal guards are also beneficial for patients with TMJ disorders, where the jaw joint becomes misaligned or overworked. These appliances help realign the jaw, reduce tension, and minimize the strain on the TMJ, promoting overall oral health. Contact us to learn more.

Why Choose Custom-Made Occlusal Guards?

While over-the-counter options for night guards exist, custom-made occlusal guards in Sterling, IL, offer superior comfort and effectiveness. Our dentist in Sterling, IL, will take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure the guard fits snugly and comfortably. This custom fit is crucial for the appliance's effectiveness, as it will be molded to your unique bite, ensuring maximum protection and relief.

Additionally, if you're experiencing gum issues or have been recommended root planing and scaling, a custom occlusal guard can complement your treatment by reducing the strain on your gums during sleep, promoting overall oral health.

Custom occlusal guards are made from high-quality, durable materials that provide long-lasting protection. Unlike store-bought guards, which may wear down quickly, custom guards are designed to withstand the forces of grinding for an extended period. They also allow for better airflow and are less likely to cause discomfort or interfere with sleep.

The Role of Occlusal Guards in Treating Bruxism and TMJ Disorders

Bruxism and TMJ disorders can significantly affect your oral health and overall well-being. Here's how occlusal guards in Sterling, IL, help address these issues:

• Protecting Teeth from Wear: Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, making them more susceptible to cavities and fractures. Occlusal guards create a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the teeth, reducing the risk of damage.
• Alleviating Jaw Tension: For patients with TMJ disorders, occlusal guards help alleviate jaw tension by promoting proper alignment. This can relieve jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.
• Reducing Muscle Fatigue: Bruxism can cause the muscles around the jaw to fatigue, leading to soreness and discomfort. Wearing an occlusal guard reduces the strain on these muscles, allowing them to relax and recover.
• Preventing Long-Term Damage: Left untreated, bruxism and TMJ disorders can lead to serious dental problems, including tooth fractures, gum recession, and tooth loss. Using occlusal guards early can prevent these complications and maintain your oral health.

Occlusal Equilibration: Achieving a Balanced Bite

In addition to using occlusal guards in Sterling, IL, some patients may benefit from occlusal equilibration. This procedure involves adjusting the surfaces of the teeth to create a more balanced bite, which can help reduce stress on the teeth, jaw, and surrounding muscles.

What Is Occlusal Equilibration?

Occlusal equilibration is a dental procedure that carefully reshapes the biting surfaces of your teeth to ensure that they come together evenly when you close your mouth. This treatment can help distribute biting forces evenly across all teeth for patients with an uneven bite, also known as malocclusion. An uneven bite can cause excessive pressure on certain teeth, leading to problems such as tooth wear, gum recession, and TMJ pain.

Our dentist in Sterling, IL, performs occlusal equilibration using precise dental instruments to gently remove small amounts of tooth enamel. The goal is to achieve harmony between the upper and lower teeth so that the jaw can close naturally and comfortably. This adjustment can reduce the risk of bruxism, alleviate jaw pain, and protect your teeth from further wear.

The Benefits of Occlusal Equilibration

Occlusal equilibration offers several benefits, particularly for patients with an uneven bite or TMJ disorders:

• Improved Comfort: By eliminating high spots on the teeth and ensuring that all teeth come together evenly, occlusal equilibration can reduce discomfort and pain associated with biting and chewing.
• Reduced Tooth Wear: An uneven bite can cause excessive wear on certain teeth, leading to enamel erosion and potential fractures. Occlusal equilibration helps to prevent this by evenly distributing the forces of chewing.
• Relief From TMJ Pain: For patients with TMJ disorders, occlusal equilibration can help relieve tension in the jaw joint by promoting proper alignment. This can reduce symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

Combining Occlusal Guards and Occlusal Equilibration

For patients with more complex cases of bruxism or TMJ disorders, a combination of occlusal guards and occlusal equilibration may be recommended. While occlusal guards protect the teeth from grinding and clenching, occlusal equilibration ensures the bite is properly aligned, reducing the risk of future problems.

By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of bruxism and TMJ disorders, this combined approach can provide long-lasting relief and improve overall oral health.

Conclusion

Whether you're dealing with bruxism, TMJ disorders, or an uneven bite, occlusal guards in Sterling, IL, offer a practical and effective solution for protecting your teeth and relieving jaw pain. Custom-made occlusal guards, combined with occlusal equilibration, can prevent long-term damage, improve your bite, and enhance oral health.

If you're experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding, jaw pain, or discomfort when chewing, it's essential to consult our dentist in Sterling, IL. They can evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it's an occlusal guard, occlusal equilibration, or a combination of both, to ensure your teeth and jaw remain healthy for years.

To schedule an appointment at Dental Care of Sterling, located at 2000 Locust St., Ste. B, Sterling IL 61081, call (815) 625-6842. You can also visit our official website to learn about the various services we provide.