teeth grinding bruxism treatment Los Angeles CA

Teeth Grinding & Bruxism Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

Waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or teeth that look shorter than they used to? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth. Trident Dentistry diagnoses bruxism and provides custom solutions to protect your teeth, jaw, and sleep.

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What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. It can happen during the day, often as an unconscious reaction to stress or concentration, or at night while you sleep. Sleep bruxism is especially common and difficult to notice on your own; many people only learn they grind when a partner hears it or their dentist spots the wear patterns.

The forces generated during grinding can be many times greater than normal chewing, and over months and years they can cause serious damage to teeth, restorations, and jaw joints.

Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

  • Flattened, worn, or shortened teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth and broken fillings
  • Increased tooth sensitivity from worn enamel
  • Jaw soreness, tight jaw muscles, or TMJ pain
  • Dull morning headaches that start near the temples
  • Earache-like pain without an ear infection
  • Indentations on the tongue or damage to the inside of the cheek
  • Disrupted sleep for you or your partner

What Causes Bruxism?

Research shows a strong connection between nighttime grinding and airway problems, so we evaluate your sleep and breathing along with your teeth.

How We Diagnose Teeth Grinding

At each dental exam, Dr. Gorelik checks for wear facets, cracks, and receding gums, and evaluates your jaw muscles and joints. Our intraoral camera allows you to see the wear on your own teeth, and digital X-rays help us assess any damage beneath the surface.

Treatment for Bruxism

  • Custom night guards that cushion your teeth and absorb grinding forces while you sleep
  • Bite adjustment to correct uneven contacts that trigger clenching
  • Invisalign® to correct misalignment that contributes to grinding
  • Restorative care such as CEREC crowns, bonding, or veneers to rebuild worn teeth
  • Oral appliance therapy when grinding is linked to sleep apnea
  • Stress-reduction strategies, jaw exercises, and limiting caffeine and alcohol

Protect Your Investment

If you have crowns, veneers, or dental implants, managing bruxism is essential to help your restorations last. A properly fitted night guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile. See all conditions we treat.

Teeth Grinding FAQs

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Common signs include morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, and a partner hearing grinding sounds. Your dentist can also spot wear patterns during an exam.

Can teeth grinding damage my teeth?

Yes. Grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, break fillings and crowns, and cause sensitivity and jaw pain.

Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?

Yes. A custom night guard fits precisely, is more comfortable, stays in place better, and offers more effective protection than over-the-counter options.

Is teeth grinding related to sleep apnea?

Often, yes. Nighttime grinding can be associated with airway problems during sleep, so we may screen for sleep apnea.

Can stress cause teeth grinding?

Yes. Stress and anxiety are among the most common causes of both daytime clenching and nighttime grinding.

Can children grind their teeth?

Yes. Many children grind their teeth, and most outgrow it. We monitor wear at regular checkups and recommend treatment if needed.

Can worn teeth be restored?

Yes. Worn teeth can often be rebuilt with bonding, CEREC crowns, or veneers once the grinding is under control.

Stop Grinding From Damaging Your Smile

Protect your teeth before grinding causes lasting damage. Call Trident Dentistry at (310) 444-1445 or request an appointment online.

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