« TMJ Nightguards

If you’ve been told that you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, you’re a bruxer – you suffer from bruxism. Grinding your teeth, consciously or subconsciously, can lead to extensive tooth wear and breakage. This, in turn, may cause malocclusion, which occurs when top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly. Malocclusion can put stress on the temporomandibular joints – the jaw joints. And this leads to TMJ disorder. As a result, headaches, earaches, face and jaw pain, and an inability to fully open and close your mouth may occur.

Whether you have bruxism or TMJ disorder, a simple oral appliance may relieve your pain. Dr. Lawson offers custom-fitted mouthguards that prevent top and bottom teeth from touching. Worn while you sleep, the nightguard eliminates the ability to grind or clench teeth. If you have TMJ disorder, a nightguard will allow your strained jaw muscles and nerves to recuperate, and symptoms may subside. Some people only have to wear a nightguard for a defined period, and the results last a lifetime. Others should wear a nightguard indefinitely.

If you suffer from the symptoms mentioned above, or if you know that you clench and grind your teeth, call to schedule an examination with Dr. Lawson. Our Urbandale, IA dental office welcomes patients from Johnston, Grimes, Waukee, and the surrounding areas.