TMJ Guard
Bruxism is a paroxysmal disorder that is characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth. It is an involuntary action, observed mostly at night but may also happen in daytime. A TMJ disorder is another thing. The temporomandibular joint, found on either side of the jaw, holds the upper and the lower jaw together and permits movement. A patient who is suffering from a TMJ disorder will experience pain on the area of the joints and may find it a little difficult to move their jaws.
As they are different conditions, they are treated differently. A dentist will first make sure to assess the condition properly, so that the problem can be addressed effectively. Some similarity will be observed with the treatment of Bruxism and TMJ because the first phase of TMJ treatment makes use of a mouth guard, and the most common treatment for night grinding is also a sleep mouth guard.
The mouth guard used for treating bruxism acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
The mouth guards used for treating TMJ disorders function differently. They are always made of rigid acrylic material. Also called a splint, these mouth guards help to raise the bite and reposition the jaw in a position that helps relieve the patient of any symptoms and discomfort. Due to the precise nature of a TMJ splint, the dentist may need to make multiple adjustments in order to achieve the perfect position.
Reasons for Mouth Guards
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Prevent damage from night grinding
- Treatment of TMJ
- Treatment of Sleep Apnea
- Help to stop Snoring
Sleep Guard
Sleep Apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly, and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers often don’t realize that they have a sleep disorder. Sleep studies and a visit to your doctor can be a good place to start if you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
The basic concept of a Sleep Apnea guard is that your jaw is repositioned to a slightly more forward position. This allows your airway to stay open and for you to breath clearly through the night without any of the tissue in your throat vibrating or closing the airway.
Ideally, this can help you stop snoring (if that’s an issue for you as well), while also addressing your sleep apnea. By keeping the airway open, your breathing is regulated and you don’t suffer from those pauses or abnormally low breathing during the night.
CEREC
CEREC, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a sophisticated new method of performing dental restoration treatments. This machine can be used to take digital impressions that require absolutely no molding material, and then use these digital impressions to create precise dental fixtures in a matter of days.
The CEREC Acquisition Unit is mobile and houses a medical grade computer and the CEREC camera. Your dentist uses the camera to take a digital picture of your prepared tooth. This picture is used instead of a traditional impression. This means no impression tray or impression material. The computer and CEREC 3D software converts the digital picture to a three dimensional virtual model of your prepped tooth. This virtual model is then submitted electronically to our local lab which will fabricate the precise restoration.