Malocclusion is a condition in which teeth are misaligned. When the teeth are misaligned there is abnormal friction between the teeth, and when the patient grinds or clenches his teeth the results are more severe.
There are several types of Malocclusion. These types differ in the way the teeth are misaligned. These types are:
Spacing
Spacing is a condition where there is a gap between the teeth. This occurs when the teeth are very small compared to the available space within the jaw.
Crowding
Crowding is a condition where there is a lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally side by side within the jaw. In case of crowding the teeth are positioned one on top of the other.
Over bite
Over bite is a condition where the front teeth overlap the lower teeth in an excessive manner.
Under bite
Under bite is a condition where the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth.
Deep bite
Deep bite is a condition where the upper/lower teeth touch the lower/upper gum tissue instead of the lower/upper teeth.
Open bite
Open bite is a condition where there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth even when the jaw is clenched closed.
All types of Malocclusion might lead to Bruxism or make Bruxism worse. Malocclusion can be treated by tooth extraction, dental braces or dental surgery. Bruxism resulting from Malocclusion can be avoided by applying a night guard.
In most cases Malocclusion should be treated for esthetic reasons even if no Bruxism is caused.
Disclaimer:
The information and advice published here is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
More complications – TMJ Disorder
Bruxism has a formidable array of problems that it can cause. This array includes damage to teeth, headaches, earaches, facial pain and an unwanted transfer of money from your bank account to your dentist.
Just as we thought this summarizes all the problems with Bruxism, another complication pops up from nowhere. The additional complication is called Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder also known as TMJD, TMJ or TMD.
Fact 1:
Temporomandibular joints are sets of joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull.
Fact 2:
Temporomandibular joints are the most complex set of joints in the human body.
Muscular disorder of the temporomadibular joints often occurs among TMJ patients. Common causes for this disorder include Bruxism and other biting, grinding and clenching habits.
TMJ disorder, which is caused by other conditions, such as arthritis, dislocations, injuries, developmental anomalies, can lead to Bruxism. Hence, you cannot determine which came first, the chicken (Bruxism) or the egg (TMJ disorder), unless you interrogate the patient.
TMJ disorder may be represented only by joint sound such as clicking and popping. In severe conditions the patient feels a limitation in the jaw movement and pain.
Before applying medication or surgery, a review of the para-functional jaw habits must be conducted. There is no point in applying surgery when the cause for the problem is still present. In other words, if the patient bruxes then first deal with the Bruxism and only then move to the TMJ disorder.
Bottom line: If you brux then solve it now before you have further complications.
Disclaimer:
The information and advice published here is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Just as we thought this summarizes all the problems with Bruxism, another complication pops up from nowhere. The additional complication is called Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder also known as TMJD, TMJ or TMD.
Fact 1:
Temporomandibular joints are sets of joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull.
Fact 2:
Temporomandibular joints are the most complex set of joints in the human body.
Muscular disorder of the temporomadibular joints often occurs among TMJ patients. Common causes for this disorder include Bruxism and other biting, grinding and clenching habits.
TMJ disorder, which is caused by other conditions, such as arthritis, dislocations, injuries, developmental anomalies, can lead to Bruxism. Hence, you cannot determine which came first, the chicken (Bruxism) or the egg (TMJ disorder), unless you interrogate the patient.
TMJ disorder may be represented only by joint sound such as clicking and popping. In severe conditions the patient feels a limitation in the jaw movement and pain.
Before applying medication or surgery, a review of the para-functional jaw habits must be conducted. There is no point in applying surgery when the cause for the problem is still present. In other words, if the patient bruxes then first deal with the Bruxism and only then move to the TMJ disorder.
Bottom line: If you brux then solve it now before you have further complications.
Disclaimer:
The information and advice published here is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Next Generation Teeth Grinders (Bruxers)
Every year
newborn Bruxers
enter our
world…
And here they are:
Usually Bruxism appears when baby teeth arrive. It stays for a little while and comes again for a short visit when the permanent teeth come out.
When Bruxism becomes a common habit it is usually accompanied by other sleep disorders such as bed-wetting, drooling, sleep talking and cramps.
Bruxism levels in children may be reduced via relaxation. Relaxation can be achieved by applying warm baths, back rubs, soothing music and camomile tea.
Better safe than sorry…
Consult your physician whether the Bruxism levels are high or when Bruxism lingers on too long. A night guard may be required to reduce the grinding levels of the child’s teeth.
Disclaimer:
The information and advice published here is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
newborn Bruxers
enter our
world…
And here they are:
Usually Bruxism appears when baby teeth arrive. It stays for a little while and comes again for a short visit when the permanent teeth come out.
When Bruxism becomes a common habit it is usually accompanied by other sleep disorders such as bed-wetting, drooling, sleep talking and cramps.
Bruxism levels in children may be reduced via relaxation. Relaxation can be achieved by applying warm baths, back rubs, soothing music and camomile tea.
Better safe than sorry…
Consult your physician whether the Bruxism levels are high or when Bruxism lingers on too long. A night guard may be required to reduce the grinding levels of the child’s teeth.
Disclaimer:
The information and advice published here is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
King Bruxer
Do you know who is King Bruxer?
Actually there is a whole family of King Bruxers. The family’s name is: Rattus.
WHAT?
The best known members of this family are: Rattus Rattus and Rattus Norvegicus.
WHO?! And WHO?!
Don’t tell me you don’t know them. You must have met one of them at least once or twice, or at least heard about them from friends and relatives.
OK! To prove it to you here is a picture of two of the family members:
Fact 1:
Rats grind their teeth in order to sharpen them.
Fact 2:
Rats can chew into metal wires and the like.
Fact 3:
Rats’ front teeth (incisors) grow! They grow 5 inches per year.
Fact 4:
If rats do not grind their teeth then their teeth grow without end.
Fact 5:
If rats’ teeth do not grow, then with all this grinding they will be forced to go to a rat dentist.
Sadly our teeth do not grow but thank god we are not rats. However, with a bit of technology and more than a bit of cash flow, one can measure up to these rats and become a King Bruxer as well.
1. Take the professional Bruxer who manages efficiently to break his own teeth.
2. Send the Bruxer to the dentist to place dental crowns.
3. Pay a good dentist for the treatment.
4. Let the Bruxer break his own crowns during excessive Bruxing.
5. Repeat stages 2-4 till the money in the bank runs out.
Conclusion 1:
Don’t be a King Bruxer – You cannot afford it.
Conclusion 2:
Dentists just love King Bruxers.
Fight the cause and not the symptoms.
The good dentist must understand that the problem is Bruxism, and guide the patient or at least inform the patient of the real problem. Bruxism is a problem that can be solved, but it has to be detected first.
About dental crowns:
Dental crown (known as dental cap or tooth cap) is a piece of cement placed on a tooth to restore its original shape and to improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth. In other words, it is a dental restoration that covers and encases the tooth on which it is cemented.
Disclaimer:
The information and advice published here is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Monday, November 26, 2007
| They are the Bruxers… |
| They live among us… |
| They are everywhere… |
| When it is dark they begin their path of destruction… |
| YOU MIGHT BE ONE OF THEM!!! |
No… No… You got me all wrong! Being a Bruxer is nothing more than having a sleep disorder called Bruxism.
Fact 1:
The word Bruxism originates from the Greek word "brugmos" which means gnashing of teeth.
Fact 2:
Animals need to Brux in order to sharpen their teeth.
Fact 3:
Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders.
Fact 4:
About 20% of the Bruxers grind their teeth in a destructive way.
During sleep the facial muscles including the jaw muscles take the opportunity of our unconsciousness and begin to play a little game. The game causes movement of the jaw up, down and sideways. The result is gnashing and grinding of the teeth, hence Bruxism. Bruxism may be mild and may not require any treatment. However, in some cases the Bruxism is severe and may lead to complications.
People, who are not aware of Bruxism complications, can find it a bit amusing: Funny sounds made during sleep, somewhat like snoring. Ask your sleeping partner whether you are a Bruxer and inform your partner of Bruxism on his/her part. If you do not have a sleeping partner, go to your dentist for a checkup. Don’t worry. Your dentist will not be required to spend the night beside your bed.
"I had a really hard time lately. A lot of pressure at work, my boss is uptight more than usual, tension in the family, and above it all I was spotted Bruxing."
It seems that Bruxism is associated with psychological factors such as stress, tension, anxiety, suppressed anger and frustration. Personality traits are also a factor here. People who are more aggressive, competitive or hyperactive are likely to be more susceptible to Bruxism.
Other medical conditions may contribute to the problem. These conditions may be:
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a condition of abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth. The combination of malocclusion and uncontrolled movement of the jaw may lead to a more severe gnashing and grinding of teeth.
Nervous System Disorder
Nervous system disorder can lead to the more aggressive movement of the jaw bone and thus result in a more harsh Bruxism effect. Nervous system disorder can include Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease etc. The disorder can be a side effect of medication.
Fact 5:
When you Brux, the opposite teeth apply to one another a force of 300 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) and even more.
Fact 6:
Teeth grinding or clenching may be loud enough to wake up your sleeping partner.
Night teeth grinding can be so powerful that teeth might get flattened or chipped. The inside of the tooth can get exposed. Teeth grinding causes migraines and even earache due to severe contractions of the jaw muscles.
Fact 7:
Bruxism is not the only reason for migraines. If you have migraines and the inner side of your cheek is chewed, then most chances are you Brux.
More on Migraines click here!
So, what do we do?
We can decrease the level of damage by applying defense mechanisms against Bruxism. For example a night guard: a piece of plastic to place on the upper teeth and prevent the teeth from grinding and gnashing each other. One advantage is that you are ready to go boxing at any time.
Another option is to have a wake-up call everytime you are detected Bruxing. It is an alarm clock with a sensor focused on your Bruxing. The only problem is that your sleeping partner is going to be woken up as well.
We can decrease the level of Bruxism by taking it easy and relaxing. Do not drink coffee or other caffeine products before bedtime. Do not train your jaw muscles to Brux. YES! People train their jaw muscles to Brux by chewing a bubble gum or by chewing the edge of a pencil during a boring lecture.
Disclaimer:
The information and advice published here is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Other resources:
Stop Bruxism - click here!
Cure Bruxism in just 7 minutes a day.
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