Grinding Appliances
Protect Your Teeth from Grinding and Clenching
Many people grind or clench their teeth without even realising it. It often happens during sleep, but it can also occur during the day, particularly during periods of stress or concentration. While it may seem harmless at first, ongoing grinding can place extra pressure on your teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints over time.
We provide custom-made grinding appliances in Preston to help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. If you’ve been waking up with jaw discomfort, frequent headaches, or noticing wear on your teeth, a grinding appliance may be worth considering.
What Is a Grinding Appliance?
A grinding appliance, sometimes called an occlusal splint or night guard, is a custom-made device that fits comfortably over your teeth while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping reduce the effects of grinding and clenching.
Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, a custom grinding appliance is made specifically for your teeth, allowing it to fit more comfortably and securely.
What Are the Signs of Teeth Grinding?
Because grinding often happens during sleep, many people don’t realise they’re doing it until symptoms begin to appear.
Some common signs include:
- Waking with jaw soreness or stiffness
- Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning
- Sensitive teeth
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Tight jaw muscles
- Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint
- A partner hearing grinding noises during the night
These symptoms can also have other causes, so it’s important to have them assessed by your dentist.
Why Is It Important to Treat Teeth Grinding?
Occasional grinding may not cause significant problems, but ongoing clenching or grinding can place repeated pressure on your teeth and jaw.
Over time, this may contribute to:
- Wear of the tooth surface
- Cracks or fractures in teeth
- Damage to fillings, crowns, or other dental work
- Jaw discomfort
- Muscle tension
- Increased tooth sensitivity
A custom grinding appliance is designed to help protect your teeth by reducing direct contact between the upper and lower teeth during sleep.
How Does a Custom Grinding Appliance Help?
Ready-made night guards are available from pharmacies, but they aren’t designed to fit your teeth specifically.
A custom-made appliance offers several advantages.
Made to Fit Your Teeth
Your appliance is created using impressions or digital scans of your teeth, helping it fit comfortably and stay securely in place while you sleep.
Comfortable to Wear
Because it’s made just for you, a custom appliance is generally easier to wear than a one-size-fits-all alternative.
Helps Protect Your Teeth
The appliance acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping reduce the effects of grinding and clenching.
Designed Around Your Needs
Your dentist will assess your teeth, bite, and symptoms before recommending the most appropriate appliance for your situation.
How Can You Get Your Grinding Appliance?
Every grinding appliance is custom-made because no two bites are the same. Before recommending one, we’ll first take the time to understand your symptoms and examine how your teeth and jaw are functioning. This helps us determine whether a grinding appliance is appropriate for your needs.
Your Initial Appointment
Your appointment begins with an examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite. We’ll also ask about symptoms such as jaw discomfort, headaches, worn teeth, or disturbed sleep to build a clear picture of what’s happening.
Creating Your Appliance
If a grinding appliance is recommended, we’ll take impressions or digital scans of your teeth. These are used to create an appliance that’s made specifically for your mouth, helping it fit comfortably and securely.
Fitting Your Custom Appliance
Once your appliance is ready, we’ll make sure it fits correctly and feels comfortable before showing you how to wear and care for it at home. If any adjustments are needed, we’ll make them to ensure the appliance fits as intended.
Ongoing Care
We’ll continue to check your appliance during your routine dental visits to ensure it remains in good condition and continues to fit well. If your teeth or bite change over time, we can discuss whether any adjustments or a replacement may be appropriate.
If you’re looking for grinding appliances in Preston, we can assess your teeth and bite and talk you through what to expect from having a custom appliance made.
Caring for Your Grinding Appliance
A custom grinding appliance is designed to be used regularly, so looking after it properly can help keep it clean and comfortable to wear.
After each use, rinse your appliance with cool water and clean it gently using a soft toothbrush. When you’re not wearing it, store it in its protective case and keep it away from direct heat, as high temperatures can affect its shape.
It’s also a good idea to bring your grinding appliance to your regular dental appointments. We’ll check that it’s still fitting comfortably and inspect it for signs of wear. If your appliance no longer fits as it should or has become damaged over time, we’ll discuss whether an adjustment or replacement may be appropriate.
How Can Supreme Dental Preston Help?
If you’re experiencing the effects of teeth grinding, we’ll take the time to understand what’s been happening before recommending treatment. We’ll examine your teeth, bite and jaw, discuss any symptoms you’ve noticed, and explain whether a grinding appliance may be suitable for you.
For patients looking for grinding appliances in Melbourne, our dentists can assess the extent of grinding or clenching and talk you through the options available. As a local Preston practice, we care for patients of all ages and welcome people from the diverse communities around the area. Flexible payment options are available, and we’re preferred providers for NIB, HCF, and CBHS.
If you’d like to discuss your symptoms or find out whether a grinding appliance may be appropriate for you, you can book a consultation with our team.
Book Your Consultation Today! Book Below or Call (03) 9478 7708
Have Some Questions?
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Many people aren’t aware they grind their teeth until symptoms develop. Jaw soreness, worn teeth, headaches, or a partner noticing grinding sounds while you sleep can all be signs.
Can a grinding appliance stop me from grinding?
A grinding appliance is designed to help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. Your dentist can discuss whether it’s an appropriate option based on your individual needs.
Can I wear a pharmacy-bought night guard instead?
Over-the-counter guards are available, but they aren’t made specifically for your teeth. A custom appliance is designed to provide a more accurate and comfortable fit.
How long does a grinding appliance last?
Its lifespan depends on how heavily you grind your teeth and how well it’s cared for. Your dentist will check its condition during your regular appointments.
Is a grinding appliance comfortable to sleep with?
Most people adjust to wearing their appliance over time. Because it’s custom-made, it’s generally more comfortable than a ready-made alternative.
Do I need to wear my grinding appliance every night?
Your dentist will advise how often you should wear your appliance based on your individual situation and symptoms.