TMJ and TMD

We are Proud to be a Invisalign Gold Provider

Stop Grinding and Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep

Mouth guards (also referred to as bite splints or nightguards) are protective devices made to protect your teeth, muscles and temporomandibular joints from the effects of tooth grinding and clenching.  These custom-made appliances work by dispersing forces to avoid damage to the enamel of your teeth.   Please let us know if you think you may be clenching or grinding or have been told by a sleep partner that they hear you grinding in your sleep.  There is a simple solution to protect your mouth, muscles and joints from this often unconscious, but severely destructive habit.

Why do I clench?

We aren’t sure why some people do and others don’t. Most of the research suggests that the repetitive muscle activity is related to stress.

While there are appliances that can be worn discreetly during the workday, treatment is usually focused on posture awareness, jaw exercises and behavior modification over appliance fabrication.

This is where an appliance is usually recommended as the first line of treatment due to the unconscious nature. Most patients report a reduction in muscle and joint pain, and a more restful night’s sleep very shortly after wearing a bite guard during their sleep.

Unlike bone, enamel and dentin (the inner hard structure below the enamel) do not have the ability to reform. Once the tooth structure is lost, it can only be restored with dental treatment such as crowns or bonding to restore the missing tooth structure. A bite guard is a non-invasive appliance that can possibly eliminate these procedures before irreversible damage occurs.

Comprehensive dental care services tailored for every smile

Book Appointment

Call (312) 263-5090

Trusted Dental Experts in Chicago

Contact us

We are conveniently located in Chicago’s Loop next to Macy’s, at the southwest corner of Washington & Wabash.

Chicago Dental 312
25 E Washington St # 1211, Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 263-5090

info@chicagodental312.com

Monday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am – 12:00pm (bi-monthly)
Sunday: Closed