I have had a pretty serious tooth grinding problem

Q. I have had a pretty serious tooth grinding problem for some years now which is starting to affect the size of my teeth - I am noticing that some of them are shortening and the backs of them are very worn down and also they don’t seem to fit together properly anymore. Also I have the usual headaches and pain in my facial muscles which are also often swollen. I have had treatment for grinding for quite a few years and I have a mouthguard tanner appliance but I am concerned that my teeth may start to disintegrate. Is the best thing to thing about veneers now or is there any other form of mouthguard which stops the teeth actually touching? Is there any proven method for minimising bruxism? Any advice gratefully received… Many thanks

A. There is no known way orf stopping bruxism.  The best thing that can be done is to reduce the possibility of you damaging your back and front teeth by using restorations to reorganise how your teeth work and to regain the vertical dimension that you have probably lost.  This treatment usually requires a full arch ( uper or lower) and sometimes both arches to be crowned, overlayed or veneered.  After this a night time appliance is usually required to protect the final restorations.  As a general rule no treatment should be completed until your muscle pain has been relieved - probably with a new appliance to reequiibrate your occlusion prior to commencement of treatment.

Dr Julian Caplan
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.avivacosmeticdentistry.co.uk
101 St. Peters Street
St. Albans Hertfordshire
AL1 3EN

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