Bruxism affects up to 10% of the population and can cause significant damage of the teeth and disorders of the jaw. Bruxism typically involves clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth during sleep. The symptoms include sensitive and damaged teeth, tender and sore muscles in the jaw and face, plus headaches and tinnitus.
The reasons behind bruxism are varied and range from increased anxiety and stress, to mental disorders and drug use. Unfortunately there are no cures for bruxism.
The most popular treatment is the use of a mouth guard that is worn while asleep. Bruxism mouth guards come in various sizes and shapes, however they’re all designed to keep the teeth apart and protect the teeth from the damage caused by clenching and grinding.
Ideally any mouth guard that will be worn for a sustained period should be made specifically for the person‘s mouth. Each individual‘s mouth is different. People’s jaw shape, jaw size, and teeth all differ. To have the best chances of protection and comfort, the mouth guard should be made to perfectly fit the individual‘s jaw and teeth.
Almost all mouth guards, whether over the counter, or from a dentist, are made of plastic. This means that the devices are bulky and can be challenging for people to become used to wearing. The plastic has had to be bulky so as to have the necessary strength.
Other problems of the plastic material include its relatively short lifespan and the intensive cleaning required. All plastic devices quickly degrade and deform to the point at which they need to be renewed. This is particularly so with bruxism mouth guards due to the effects of the clenching and grinding.
There is another device for teeth grinding called the Somnowell that is made of chrome cobalt alloy. Chrome cobalt has been used for over 50 years in dentistry to make partial dentures. It’s use in devices for bruxism is new however. The benefits are that the device is much smaller, many times more durable, and long lasting. The drawbacks are that it can only be obtained from a dentist. The clinical records required are more extensive, and the design and production is more complicated.
Loran Simon is a director at Somnowell (http://www.somnowell.com). The Somnowell is the first chrome cobalt alloy bruxism guard used the professional management of teeth grinding. For more information please go here.
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