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How Do Braces Help You To Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, is a common problem among people of all ages. Our Burien orthodontist, Dr. Jorge Peralta, often sees patients who complain of problems caused by habitual teeth grinding. He also speaks to patients who grind their teeth subconsciously, without even realizing they’re doing it, until they’re told by their dentists about the physical damage it’s done to their teeth.

What Causes Bruxism and Why It’s a Problem

While grinding the teeth can be caused by stress and anxiety, most often it occurs during sleep and is caused by having an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. Bruxism can also be caused by sleep apnea.

Clenching the teeth tightly together puts a lot of pressure on the muscles, tissues and structures around your jaw. This can lead to more serious temporomandibular joint problems or TMJ. Consistently grinding your teeth also wears down the tooth surfaces, which can lead to fractured teeth and other dental problems.

Orthodontic Treatment Can Help

If you grind your teeth and your teeth grinding habit is linked to a problem with your bite, our Burien orthodontist can help. Dr. Peralta can provide you with a thorough examination, a proper diagnosis and recommend with the right type of  treatment for you. He may recommend that you  wear a special orthodontic night guard over your teeth that will prevent any further damage to your teeth. Or Dr. Peralta may tell you that you have misaligned teeth that can be brought into proper alignment with braces to help with your teeth grinding problem.

Schedule Your Visit Today

To get the help you need for your teeth grinding problem, please schedule a complimentary exam with Dr. Peralta today. Our practice offers high quality, individualized orthodontic treatment using all the latest types of orthodontic appliances and cutting-edge technology. We look forward to seeing you soon and providing you with the treatment you need to stop grinding your teeth for better dental health!