At Alpha Plus Dental Center, patients have the ability to address a variety of dental health needs. In addition to general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, Dr. Stan Kovtun in Brookline, MA also provides services such as oral appliance therapies. This includes mouth guards for the treatment of bruxism, which can cause unwanted clenching and grinding. Our practice, located in the community, offers patients oral appliances that can help in protecting the smile when this condition is present.
What is bruxism?
This condition is commonly characterized by clenching and grinding of the teeth when patients sleep. It is done without the patient really knowing they are doing it or that it is a problem. However, patients with bruxism may wake up in the morning with sore, tense jaw muscles or morning headaches. When this occurs, it can be an indication that bruxism is happening while they sleep. Dr. Stan Kovtun of Alpha Plus Dental Center is a Brookline, MA area dentist who can oftentimes notice just from a physical examination that bruxism may be occurring in a patient. Bruxism often causes damage to dental restorations or the natural teeth, including wearing down of the enamel on the teeth when the bite does not properly align. If the condition is diagnosed, treatment often requires an oral appliance.
Oral appliance therapy for bruxism
Using an oral appliance will not stop bruxism, as it is something that cannot be controlled. However, it can help patients protect their teeth and reduce the tension that can cause headaches and pain the following day. Oral appliance therapy is the use of a special mouth guard that patients wear when they sleep. It fits perfectly within the smile and is comfortable for patients to wear. It can provide dramatic results when patients use it and can reduce expensive dental problems that can occur down the road.
What can oral appliances do for bruxism?
Oral appliances can provide:
- Comfort
- Protection
- Reduced headaches
- Reduced pain
- Reduced dental costs
Many patients who have bruxism are unaware of how much damage the condition can cause to the mouth. Wearing down of the enamel caused by clenching and grinding can cause tooth enamel to become incredibly thin and result in sensitivity. The condition may also cause patients to break or chip their teeth, especially if their bite is not properly aligned. This often requires dental treatments to resolve, such as composite resin bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns. When patients have bruxism, they may also notice that they wear down or break restorations in the smile that require them to be constantly replaced. If patients are noticing this and have not been diagnosed with bruxism, they should speak with their dentist immediately about getting a proper diagnosis and seeking treatment with oral appliance therapy. This way, patients can avoid continued problems and expenses with their oral health and wellness.
How much does oral appliance therapy for bruxism cost?
In most situations, the oral appliance needed to treat this condition is relatively affordable. Patients who have dental insurance benefits may want to ask our front office team to check their plan to determine if part or all their dental appliance may be covered in the cost. We also work with patients to help them break down the cost of expensive treatments with payment plans to ensure their treatments are attainable.
How do I care for my oral appliance?
When patients receive their mouth guard for bruxism, they will be educated by their dentist on the ways in which they can keep it clean. Cleaning the oral appliance daily will help extend its longevity and reduce the time in which it may need to be replaced.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stan Kovtun today to discuss the benefits of treatment for bruxism
Don’t let clenching and grinding cause problems such as worn-down teeth and broken restorations. Contact the team at Alpha Plus Dental Center in Brookline, MA to speak to our professionals about using night guards for protecting the smile. Call the office, located at 185 Harvard Street, at [phone] to schedule your visit with our dental staff. We work regularly with new patients who are seeking comprehensive dental care solutions for themselves and their family.
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