Bruxism(teeth grinding)

Teeth grinding & clenching are common among people and can be defined as unwanted excessive tooth contacts. The most important cause of grinding & clenching is stress; however, it may occur depending on orthodontic disorders Many people are unaware of their excessive tooth contacts because this habit occasionally occurs during sleep. However, grinding & clenching can also occur during the day.
Long-term effects of teeth grinding & clenching:

• Wearing, fracturing, loosening and sensitivity of the teeth
• Gingival recession
• Muscle and headaches
• Growth in the masticatory muscles and facial asymmetry
• Irritation of cheek mucosa
• Jaw joint disorders

Jaw joint disorders are observed in a variety of situations:

• Sound and pain from jaw joints during eating
• Limitation of mouth opening
• Discomfort during lower jaw movements

Night guards and protective plates are prepared according to the severity of grinding & clenching disorder, thus, protection of jaw joints and oral tissues is aimed.