Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem.

Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower

• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing
habits (pens, pencils, gum)

• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling Dr. Valeriano. Dr. Valeriano can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit. To schedule your complimentary exam, please call our office at 704-364-6544.

Is it Time to Schedule a Check Up?

Even with braces it's important to remember to still visit your dentist every six months for a regular checkup and teeth cleaning! At Valeriano Orthodontics we recommend our patients visit the dentist regularly to help give them the brightest, healthiest smile during and after their treatment with us.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Even during your orthodontic treatment, your dentist can examine your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue to check for problems you might not see or feel including cavities and tooth decay. Before beginning any orthodontic treatment remember to schedule a dental checkup with your dentist for any neccessary dental work you may need. Then, once you begin your orthodontic treatment remember to continue scheduling reglar dental checkups every six months!

We are always on time!

An on-time office – It's always the perfect time to discover your perfect new smile, and by running on time, we make it simple to stay right on schedule. From on-time appointments to accommodate your busy life to completing treatment as expected, we make your time with us easy and amazingly efficient. Why wait for the smile you've always wanted when you can witness the transformation in perfect time?

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Better function of the teeth
• Increase in self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment