Of all the things that can threaten your smile, you might not consider your own teeth among them. However, if you consistently grind your teeth together, a condition known as bruxism, then your teeth may be on a path to self-destruction if you don’t seek appropriate treatment. When bruxism wears your teeth down, it can lead to a number of subsequent dental health issues. You might experience a discrepancy in your bite pressure that increases your risks of TMJ disorder, or trauma to one or more of your teeth that grows increasingly worse.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the clinical term for constant, often uncontrollable teeth-grinding. It’s often uncontrollable because many patients experience bruxism while they sleep at night and are unaware of their condition. Also, patients with bruxism may grind so often during the day that they don’t even realize it most of the time. Though there are several potential contributors to bruxism, some of the most common include an existing bite imbalance, such as crooked teeth, excessive stress, or an injury to your jaw joints and/or muscles.
Your Options for Restoring Worn Teeth
If your dentist notices that your teeth are worn, then he can suggest an appropriate treatment to restore your bite while preserving a maximum amount of remaining healthy tooth structure. For instance, porcelain veneers are popular for their ability to reestablish worn teeth without having to prepare them for complete dental crowns. If your tooth wear is significant, however, then one or more dental crowns may be necessary, depending on your dentist’s recommendation.
About Your Birmingham, MI, Dentist
Dr. Mitchell Milan is a cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentist whose goal is to enhance your smile and improve your dental health. Celebrating over 25 years in practice and serving the Birmingham community, Dr. Milan and his experienced staff offer porcelain veneers, bridges, crowns, bonding, root canals, gum disease treatment, and more. Take your first step toward smile improvement today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Milan by calling our office in Birmingham, MI at (248) 644-2136.