Teeth Grinding Treatment
In Richardson, TX
Protect your teeth from nighttime damage. Dr. Morgan provides custom night guards in Richardson to stop teeth grinding, relieve jaw pain, and prevent costly dental repairs.
UNDERSTANDING TEETH GRINDING
Normal chewing results in brief intervals of contact between teeth. Under normal circumstances, your teeth should only contact for about 5 minutes each day. Slight amounts of wear over years of use is common, and bite edges can chip a little.
Sometimes teeth develop a flattened, worn appearance, even in young patients. X-rays may reveal unusually thin layers of enamel as if sandpaper has been drawn across the chewing surfaces of the teeth. A few minutes of chewing daily simply shouldn't erode the enamel so much.
This excessive wear comes from grinding or clenching your teeth far beyond normal use. The medical term for this is bruxism, and it can cause serious damage to your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles if left untreated.
The Silent Damage of Nighttime Grinding
Some patients develop a subconscious habit of grinding their teeth, either during the day or night. In many cases, the abrasive action occurs only during sleep, and for only a few seconds at a time. If you wake up with a sore jaw or a morning headache, chances are you're grinding your teeth during the night.
In some patients, enlarged jaw muscles develop on the sides of the face from this nighttime grinding. These muscles are, ounce for ounce, the strongest in the body, which means they can do a lot of unnecessary damage. The forces involved in grinding can be 5 to 10 times stronger than normal chewing.
Because grinding often happens while you're sleeping, you might not be aware of it at all. A partner might hear grinding sounds during the night, or you might notice the symptoms without connecting them to teeth grinding.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Watch for these warning signs that indicate you might be grinding or clenching your teeth.
Worn or Flattened Teeth
Teeth that look shorter or have flat chewing surfaces instead of natural peaks and valleys are clear signs of grinding.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Small chips on the edges of teeth or vertical cracks can result from grinding forces.
Morning Jaw Pain or Soreness
Waking up with a sore, tired jaw is one of the most common symptoms of nighttime grinding.
Morning Headaches
Tension headaches, especially at the temples, often result from clenching jaw muscles during sleep.
Jaw Joint Pain or Clicking
Pain, clicking, or popping in your jaw joints (TMJ) can develop from grinding.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity
As enamel wears away, teeth become more sensitive to cold, heat, and sweets.
Ear Pain
The jaw joints are close to your ears, so grinding can cause ear pain even though nothing is wrong with your ears.
Damage to Dental Work
Crowns, fillings, or other dental work that repeatedly breaks or comes loose might indicate grinding.
Enlarged Jaw Muscles
Bulging muscles on the sides of your face near your jaw are a sign of chronic clenching or grinding.
THE NIGHT GUARD PROCESS
Creating a night guard at Ellem Dental is straightforward and ensures the best possible fit.
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Step 1: Examination
Dr. Morgan will examine your teeth, looking for signs of wear, chips, or cracks. She'll check your jaw joints and muscles for tenderness or clicking. This helps determine the extent of damage and the type of guard you need.
Step 2: Impressions
We'll take precise impressions of your teeth. These are used to create a model that ensures your night guard fits perfectly.
Step 3: Fabrication
Your night guard is crafted by a dental lab using high-quality materials. This takes about one to two weeks.
Step 4: Fitting and Adjustment
When your night guard is ready, you'll return to have it fitted. Dr. Morgan will make sure it's comfortable and doesn't interfere with your bite. She'll provide instructions on how to wear and care for it.
Step 5: Follow-Up
We'll schedule a follow-up visit to see how you're adjusting and check for any wear patterns on the guard. Minor adjustments can be made if needed.
CARING FOR YOUR NIGHT GUARD
roper care keeps your night guard clean, comfortable, and effective for years.
Clean it daily
Rinse your night guard with cool water each morning. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
Store it properly
Keep your night guard in its case when not wearing it. This protects it from damage and keeps it away from pets, who love to chew on them.
Bring it to appointments
Bring your night guard to your regular dental visits so Dr. Morgan can check its condition and look for wear patterns.
Watch for damage
If you notice cracks, holes, or thin spots, the guard may need repair or replacement. Heavy grinders may wear through a guard faster than others.
Keep your teeth clean
Always brush and floss before putting in your night guard. Don't trap food and bacteria against your teeth all night.
Deep clean weekly.
Soak your night guard in denture cleaner or a vinegar solution once a week for a deeper clean.
With proper care, most night guards last 3 to 5 years. Heavy grinders may need replacement sooner.
DENTISTRY THAT feels different
At Ellem Dental, exceptional care is our standard. Discover how Dr. Morgan's advanced expertise, personalized service, and commitment to your comfort can transform not just your smile, but your entire dental experience.
We use advanced digital X rays and intraoral cameras with comprehensive screening protocols to detect problems early. This preventive approach helps identify issues before they become painful, complex, or costly.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
Diagnostic Precision
We use digital imaging and comprehensive screening protocols that catch problems early. Think of it as preventive intelligence, identifying issues before they become painful or expensive.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
faqs
Common questions about teeth grinding treatment in Richardson, TX
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is often triggered by stress/anxiety, sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), misaligned bite/jaw, medications, or habits like caffeine/alcohol. It happens unconsciously during sleep or daytime clenching, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ issues.
Custom night guards for teeth grinding at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX typically range from $400 to $900 without insurance (average $500–$700 for high-quality, precisely fitted guards including impressions, fabrication, fitting, and adjustments). Some insurance plans cover part as preventive/medical; affordable financing starts at $49/month with CareCredit. Call (972) 231-7104 for your personalized estimate.
Common signs include flattened/worn tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, chipped/cracked teeth, jaw soreness/stiffness (especially mornings), frequent headaches (temple/ear area), facial muscle fatigue, disrupted sleep (partner hears grinding), and TMJ clicking/pain.
A custom night guard (mouthguard) creates a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth, absorbing force to prevent wear, fractures, and damage. It also reduces jaw muscle strain and alleviates related pain/headaches. Custom-fitted ones are comfortable, thin, and allow normal breathing/talking.
Most people adjust within a few nights to 1-2 weeks. Initial excess saliva, slight discomfort, or feeling "full" is normal and fades quickly. We make minor adjustments at follow-up visits to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.
Yes. Children who grind their baby teeth usually stop on their own, but if grinding is severe or affecting permanent teeth, a night guard can help. Dr. Morgan will evaluate whether treatment is needed.
Have more questions?
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Morgan .
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702 West Arapaho Road Ste. 100
Richardson, TX, 75080
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