Getting along with your new braces might take time. As you are determined to get that perfectly straight smile, you might be surprised to find that you are grinding teeth with braces. A surprisingly familiar problem among people with orthodontics compared to others is that you may be experiencing the problem of teeth grinding due to the pressure and movement your teeth are undergoing; this might occur while you are sleeping.
As orthodontists and dentists, we notice at Reflections Dental Care that many of our patients grapple with bruxism. Sometimes, especially for anxious patients, we may discuss dental sedation in OKC to help manage their comfort during treatment. But the only way we can help people between appointments is with information.
This is true not only to improve your comfort, but to ensure that your investment in orthodontic treatment is well protected. In this short guide, we’ll discuss the causes behind teeth grinding with braces, the dangers posed by this problem, and the most effective solutions that we provide to our patients.
Why Do I Grind My Teeth with Braces?
A number of reasons might be behind teeth grinding with braces. These include stress and anxiety. One might experience stress due to the possible discomfort or sensitivity to social awareness one might feel due to the new braces.
The alignment of your bite is another critical contributor. As you undergo orthodontic treatments with your braces, the alignment of your teeth changes. The muscles in your jaw may fight to locate the ideal resting point; therefore, they tend to strain and grind. It might be one of the stages that your mouth undergoes to adjust to the change; however, it might be harmful if unattended. Understanding the underlying problem is the first step that we use to assist you with the issue.
The Dangers of Grinding When Wearing Braces
If teeth grinding is overlooked while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, various complications may arise. The pressure may damage your orthodontic appliances. For example, the brackets may break, or the wires may bend. This results in delays in your treatment schedule and may incur extra costs.
Apart from the hardware components, there is excessive pressure exerted on your teeth due to bruxism. This contributes to wear and tear on your teeth, particularly if the grinding is intense; teeth may end up chipping and even fracturing. Tooth grinding affects not only your teeth but also puts pressure on your jaw joint. You may end up with temporomandibular joint disorder, characterized by tooth pain and clicking sounds whenever you move your jaw.
How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
The good news is that there are treatments that can be taken to manage and alleviate teeth grinding. One of the best approaches we advocate, if you’re wondering how to stop grinding teeth with braces, is to use a night guard customized to your teeth. This device provides a cushion between your teeth and prevents them from grinding either one another or your braces.
To improve the results, practicing relaxation techniques can be beneficial if stress is causing the issue. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and even taking a warm bath before going to bed can aid in soothing your mind and unwinding your jaw muscles. In some instances, adjustment to the braces to stop teeth grinding might be required to improve your biting function and reduce the grinding sensation.
Protect Your Smile and Investment
Teeth grinding with braces is an issue that affects many people. Understanding more about this topic will allow you to proactively protect your smile. If you are grinding and clenching your teeth, be sure to share this with our team. We are here to offer you the best solutions that range from recommending a night guard to managing stress through techniques such as adjusting your braces.