Bruxism Treatment in Reno, NV: What Are Your Options?

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep, though some people experience it when awake. Bruxism affects millions of Americans, and the common culprits include:

• Stress: Some people grind and clench their teeth as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress.
• Sleep disorders: Most people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are likely to grind their teeth at night.
• Misaligned teeth: Crooked teeth may trigger unconscious tooth grinding as the body tries to correct the imbalances.
• Certain medications: Some medications, particularly antidepressants, have been associated with increased bruxism.

As bruxism usually happens unconsciously, many patients only discover it after symptoms begin to appear. However, routine check-ups allow us to detect the condition much earlier, before it causes real damage.

First, Dr. Aaron Sanders will visually examine your teeth for signs of wear, chips, and fractures. X-rays may be necessary to help reveal damage not visible to the naked eye. Once we diagnose bruxism, the dentist offers a custom-made nightguard as the first-line treatment.

A night guard is worn during sleep. It acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and reducing damage from grinding. Think of it as a cushion for your teeth, which absorbs pressure, protects your enamel, and helps your jaw relax.

A nightguard manages the effects of bruxism but doesn’t treat the root cause. We may complement oral appliance therapy with orthodontics and stress management to treat bruxism. Many of our patients find significant relief with our personalized treatment options.