Juno Beach Office:

Occlusal Appliance for Managing Tooth Wear
If you frequently wake up with jaw soreness, ear pain, or headaches, or notice that you clench or grind your teeth, you may be experiencing a common condition known as bruxism.
While the exact cause of bruxism is not fully understood, several factors may play a role. Stress at home, school, or work, sleep disturbances, an improper bite, and crooked or missing teeth can all contribute to this condition. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth because it often happens during sleep. If left untreated, bruxism can result in broken or cracked teeth, damaged dental restorations, and even tooth loss.
Nightguards for the Management of Bruxism
Bruxism can be treated with a simple, non-invasive solution. Nightguards are an effective way to protect your teeth from the wear and damage caused by grinding over time. Custom-made by a dentist from durable yet comfortable materials, a nightguard fits over the upper or lower teeth and prevents direct contact with the opposing teeth.
Selecting the right nightguard is important. There are three main types available: pre-made nightguards, “boil-and-bite” nightguards, and custom-made nightguards provided by our office. When choosing a nightguard, it should be tear-resistant, comfortable, properly fitted, easy to clean, and designed so it does not interfere with breathing.
A custom nightguard made in our office meets all of these standards, as it is designed specifically to fit your teeth and provide optimal comfort and protection.
Protecting Your Bite Understanding Occlusal Disease
Occlusal disease occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, a condition also called malocclusion. If left untreated, it can cause damage to your teeth, the supporting bone and gums, your jaw joints (TMJ), and the muscles you use for chewing.
Many people assume excessive or unusually fast tooth wear is just a normal part of aging. However, our office can provide treatments to relieve the pain, discomfort, and long-term damage caused by occlusal disease.
How to Recognize Occlusal Disease
- Worn or flattened tooth enamel
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Loss of bone support around teeth
- Jaw or facial muscle pain
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort or dysfunction