St. Louis County Periodontics and Dental Implants Bite Treatment

Bite
Treatments

Bite Treatment Solutions for You

Bruxism

Clenching and grinding of the teeth, known as Bruxism, is a more common issue than most people realize. Although up to 34% of adults suffer from clenching and grinding their teeth, many are unaware of their condition because it most often occurs unconsciously during the day or while sleeping at night.

What are the symptoms or side effects?

  • Fractured teeth
  • Dull, constant headache
  • Sore or tightened jaw or face muscles
  • Flattened, chipped or loose teeth
  • Wearing down of enamel exposing deeper layers of teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pain feeling like an earache but not a problem with the ear
  • Damage on inner cheeks
  • Tongue indentations
  • Lock jaw
  • Complaints from a sleeping partner

Why is it harmful?

Clenching and grinding your teeth can result in more serious oral health issues including fractures, loose teeth, crooked teeth, or teeth worn down to stumps. Other concerns such as abnormal bite and disturbed sleep can occur, along with issues affecting your jaw. Symptoms may develop or worsen, hearing loss may result, and facial appearance may even be altered. 

What are the treatment solutions?

We offer a variety of treatment solutions based on the severity of the condition. Splints or mouth guards that separate teeth by fitting over the upper and lower teeth can be used in milder cases. Dental correction of an abnormal bite or not properly aligned teeth can be helpful. In severe cases involving sensitivity or the inability to chew, our specialists may need to reshape the teeth along with the use of implants or braces.

team members in front of dental office

Occlusal Adjustment and TMJ/TMD Therapy

A Healthy Bite

Our goal is always to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We consider your bite to be healthy when all or most of your teeth are present and not destroyed by normal daily usage.

An Unhealthy Bite

When your teeth reveal abnormal wear, looseness, or you have TMJ (jaw joint) damage, we consider your bite to be unhealthy.

Bite Therapy

We have many treatment options and therapeutic approaches to restoring your bite to long-term health. The end goal is to bring your jaw and bite into proper alignment and healthy function.

Bite Therapies may include:

  • Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and dividing bite pressures evenly across all of the teeth.
  • Bite splint therapy using a custom-fitted and adjusted plastic bite guard to keep the teeth apart, worn during the day, at night, or both.
  • Braces to reposition malaligned or drifted teeth.
  • Replacement of old, worn out, or damaged fillings.
  • Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth.

Connect With Us

We look forward to meeting you.
Call (314) 434-2101 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.