Teeth clenching (bruxism) and teeth grinding are jaw dysfunctions that occur as a result of involuntary jaw muscles working unconsciously, usually during sleep. This habit, which sometimes occurs as a result of stress, anxiety and intense mental activity, can cause serious damage to both the teeth and the jaw joint if left unnoticed. The most common symptoms of this disorder are teeth rubbing together and making noise, waking up with jaw pain in the morning or noticeable wear on the teeth.
At İşman Dental, the problem of teeth clenching and grinding is not only addressed symptom-based, but also by examining all the factors that cause this condition. The treatment process is planned by taking into account individual differences and aims not only to eliminate current complaints but also to provide long-term comfort and protection.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Psychological factors come first among the main causes of bruxism. Stress, tension, repressed emotions or sleep disorders experienced in daily life can trigger this habit. However, not only psychological factors; incorrect bite relationship (malocclusion), missing teeth, high fillings or crowns can also cause irregular functioning of the jaw muscles. Clenching the jaw unconsciously while sleeping can turn into an involuntary behavior over time, which can lead to excessive load on the muscular system, wear on the tooth structure, and deterioration of the jaw joint.
At İşman Dental, the underlying causes of this disorder are carefully evaluated. If necessary, a multi-faceted treatment approach is applied by getting support from different areas such as psychological support, regulation of sleep habits or orthodontic treatment.
What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?
Since teeth grinding often occurs at night while sleeping, patients may not notice it for a long time. However, when symptoms such as jaw pain in the morning, a feeling of pressure around the ear, headache, tooth sensitivity, flattening or erosion of the edges of the teeth, broken fillings, or loosening of the teeth over time occur, this condition should be taken seriously.
In addition, long-term jaw clenching can also lead to jaw dysfunctions such as clicking in the jaw joint, difficulty opening and closing, and jaw locking.
At İşman Dental, symptoms are evaluated through clinical examination, complaints told by the patient and, if necessary, supported by jaw X-rays. In this way, treatment planning is made by addressing the problem not only with its surface effects but also at a deep structural level.
How is Teeth Grinding Treated?
The first goal in bruxism treatment is to stop the progression of existing damage by protecting the teeth and jaw joint. For this purpose, protective devices called night splints, which are specially prepared for the patient, are usually used. These plates balance the jaw closure, prevent the teeth from coming into direct contact with each other and help the muscles relax.
Thanks to plaque treatment, both the tooth surfaces are protected and morning pain is reduced by preventing the jaw muscles from being constantly active.
The night plates used at İşman Dental are specially prepared for the patient’s jaw structure. If necessary, the jaw opening-closing function is evaluated and the treatment process is supported with physiotherapy support, muscle relaxant applications or psychological guidance for stress-related factors. If an orthodontic problem is detected in the jaw structure, correction of the bite with clear plates or orthodontic treatment may also be necessary.
How Long Does The Treatment Last And Is It Permanent?
Since the habit of teeth grinding is a condition that develops over a long period of time, the treatment process also progresses over time. With the use of a night plate, there is a significant decrease in jaw pain and morning discomfort from the first weeks. However, if the psychological or physiological factors underlying the habit persist, these factors must also be addressed in order for the treatment to be permanent.
At İşman Dental, the patient’s development is regularly monitored throughout the treatment process and the process is supported with new supportive methods when necessary. In this way, both existing symptoms are eliminated and possible recurrences are prevented.
What Should You Pay Attention to in Daily Life?
Treatment for teeth grinding is not limited to night guards only. Regulation of daily life habits directly affects the success of the treatment. Stress coping methods, relaxation exercises, paying attention to sleep hygiene and taking care not to unknowingly tighten the jaw muscles during the day are an important part of this process.
At İşman Dental, patients are supported not only with medical treatment but also with suggestions that will improve their quality of life. Because jaw health is not only a matter of dentistry; it is also directly related to a person’s lifestyle.
Prices for Teeth Grinding Treatment
The cost of the treatment may vary depending on the method to be applied, the need for a night plate, the need for orthodontic intervention and the number of sessions. The costs of cases that can be resolved with the use of a night plate alone may differ from those that require a multidisciplinary approach.
At İşman Dental, patients first undergo a detailed evaluation. After the necessary analyses are made, the treatment plan to be implemented is shared with the patient and the treatment process is planned transparently. This way, the patient learns clearly not only the cause of the problem but also each step of the process and its cost.