If you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or headaches that seem to come from nowhere, there’s a good chance that bruxism could be the culprit. But what is bruxism? Put simply, it’s the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, and it often happens at night without people even realising they’re doing it.
Over time, bruxism can cause serious wear and tear on teeth, leading many people to wonder whether dental crowns might be able to help them protect their smile. If this is a question you’ve been asking yourself, you’re in the right place! Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about dental crowns and their role in protecting your teeth from bruxism.
What is Bruxism and Why is it a Problem?
Bruxism is the grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, most commonly during sleep. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, and even lifestyle factors can all contribute to bruxism, and because it happens unconsciously, many people only discover they grind their teeth after a dentist points out signs of damage.
It might seem like a small thing, but if left untreated, bruxism can wear down enamel, flatten teeth, cause cracks or fractures, and lead to jaw pain or temporomandibular joint issues (the joints on each side of your jaw). In more severe cases, teeth may also become weak or damaged enough to require restorative treatment.
How Bruxism Affects Your Teeth Over Time
Constant grinding puts enormous pressure on teeth. Over time, this pressure can shorten teeth, create chips, and expose the softer inner layers of the tooth, which not only affects how teeth look but also how they function. Sensitivity, pain when chewing, and an increased risk of decay are all common side effects of bruxism.
But that’s just half the story of how bruxism affects your teeth. When a tooth has already been weakened by grinding, it may struggle to cope with normal daily use, causing a great amount of distress and discomfort. This is where dental crowns might be the answer.
What Role Do Dental Crowns Play in Bruxism Treatment?
Dental crowns are designed to restore and protect damaged teeth. They do this by covering the entire tooth, reinforcing its structure, and helping it withstand biting and chewing forces. For people with bruxism, this means crowns can be used to repair teeth that have already suffered significant wear or cracking.
Crowns can also help restore proper tooth shape and height, which may be altered after years of grinding. By doing so, they can improve how teeth come together when biting, potentially reducing uneven pressure in the mouth.
However, it is important to note that crowns don’t stop bruxism itself. They play a part in protecting the teeth, but the grinding habit still needs to be addressed properly.
Are Dental Crowns Strong Enough to Handle Tooth Grinding?
Modern dental crowns are made from strong materials that are designed to handle everyday forces, such as porcelain and ceramic. This usually makes them strong enough to withstand grinding caused by bruxism, while also providing excellent aesthetics by blending with the natural colour and translucency of the surrounding teeth.
That said, even the strongest crown may wear down over time if the tooth grinding continues unchecked. This is why dentists often recommend combining crowns with other treatments, such as night guards, to protect both the natural teeth and restorations.
Combining Crowns with Other Bruxism Treatments
But what is a night guard? Put simply, it’s a custom-fitted mouth guard that acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the pressure from grinding and reducing damage to the teeth and any dental work, including crowns.
Night guards are commonly recommended for people with bruxism, but it’s also important to address any underlying causes that are causing it in the first place. Stress management, improving sleep habits, and correcting bite issues can all play a part in reducing grinding over time.
The Cost of Dental Crowns
Crowns are undoubtedly a good way of helping protect your teeth against the grinding and clenching of bruxism. However, because they’re a relatively big dental procedure, you’ll need to consider the costs before deciding if having crowns installed is the right choice for you.
Pricing can vary based on the materials being used and the complexity of your individual circumstances. For people dealing with damage already caused by bruxism, it’s definitely worth getting some dental crown pricing information upfront. So you’ll have a realistic view of how much it might cost.
Are Dental Crowns the Right Choice for Bruxism?
Dental crowns can be a very effective solution for protecting and repairing teeth. Especially those damaged by bruxism. But they’re not a standalone answer to the bigger issue. Instead, they work best as part of a broader treatment plan. That focuses on protecting teeth and addressing the cause of grinding.
Do you suspect you grind your teeth at night or have already noticed signs of wear and tear? A dental assessment is the best place to start. The right combination of restorative treatment and preventative care. It’s possible to protect your teeth and keep bruxism from doing further harm.