WHAT IS A BITEPLATE?
A biteplate is a removable, acrylic appliance, you sleep with, made to protect your teeth’s occlusal surfaces against grinding/bruxism.
An anterior bite plate is most commonly used to correct a deep bite (when the upper front teeth greatly overlap the lower front teeth). Such cases render orthodontic treatment harder to deliver: deep bite combined with low overjet (upper front teeth sliding too close against the lower front teeth) leads to shearing off of lower brackets. Deep overbite also hinders the anterior-posterior movement of teeth (teeth moving forward and backward), leading to delays in response to orthodontic dental treatment.
WHY DO PEOPLE GRIND THEIR TEETH?
Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.
Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and most people don’t even know they grind.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I GRIND MY TEETH?
Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up is a tell-tale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.
If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and excessive wear on your teeth.
WHY IS GRINDING HARMFUL?
In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.
Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ(Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder/ Jaw Joint Disorder), and even change the appearance of your face.
THE PROCEDURE
When you come in to have a biteplate made, a simple impression of both the upper and lower jaw is taken. You will also be asked to bite on a piece of pink wax to record your bite. These are sent to the dental laboratory, where your biteplate will be manufactured, and fitted a week later.
WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP GRINDING?
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.
If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counselling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.
If a sleeping disorder is causing the grinding, treating it may reduce or eliminate the grinding habit.
Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:
- Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee.
- Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
- Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
- Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
WHAT TO DO IF MY CHILDREN GRIND THEIR TEETH?
The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times
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When their baby teeth emerge
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When their permanent teeth come in
Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.
Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies, intestinal worms, allergies, and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.
Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause wear on the teeth. Consult your dentist if your child’s teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.
No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding.