Why Teeth Grinding Is Easy to Miss
Most grinding happens at night, so you are asleep for it. What you notice instead is the aftermath: a stiff jaw in the morning, a dull headache, or a tooth that suddenly feels sensitive.
Clenching during the day is just as common. Many people press their teeth together while they work at a computer, drive in traffic or concentrate on something stressful. Over time, both habits put far more force on teeth than chewing does.
How We Look for Grinding at Your Exam
At our Newton office, every dental exam in Newton includes a look at your bite and your TMJ, the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. Dr. Monika Kaceli watches for signs that point to grinding:
- Flat or worn chewing surfaces
- Small chips or fracture lines on the front teeth
- Notches near the gumline
- Tender jaw muscles
- Clicking, popping or limited opening of the jaw
Our iTero and TRIOS 5 intraoral scanners show your teeth as a 3D image on screen. That makes it easier to see wear patterns that are hard to spot in a mirror.
What to Expect With a Custom Night Guard
- Talk about symptomsTell Dr. Kaceli about headaches, jaw soreness or anything your partner has heard at night.
- Record your teethWe take impressions or a digital scan so the guard can be made to match your teeth and bite.
- Made by a dental labA dental lab makes your guard from those records.
- Fit and adjustWhen the guard is ready, Dr. Kaceli checks the fit and evens out the bite on the guard so it feels balanced.
- Get used to itMost people need a few nights to get used to sleeping with a guard. Call us if anything feels tight or uneven.
Protecting Your Dental Work
Grinding is hard on natural teeth, and it is also hard on restorations. If you have porcelain veneers, crowns or a bridge, nightly grinding can chip or loosen them over time.
For patients who grind, Dr. Kaceli may suggest a guard as part of planning cosmetic or restorative work. Along with wearing it at night, it helps to avoid chewing ice, pens or fingernails.
When Grinding Comes With Snoring
Sometimes grinding shows up alongside other sleep problems, like loud snoring, gasping at night or waking up tired. If that sounds familiar, mention it.
The practice works with board-certified sleep physician Dr. Adrian Velasquez on sleep referrals. A night guard and a sleep apnea oral appliance are different devices, so it matters to figure out which problem you are dealing with first.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Newton?
Dr. Kaceli checks your bite and jaw joints at each exam, so grinding is often caught before it causes serious damage. She takes time to explain what she sees on the scan and what your options are.
Amy Orsini at our front desk can look into your insurance benefits and prepare a pretreatment estimate before your guard is made.
