DENTAL TREATMENTS

There is evidence that at some point in our lives we will all clench or grind our teeth together while we sleep.

This may not occur every night, or even on a regular basis, but the evidence is clear that when it does happen, the effects can be significant. Interestingly, although there is a correlation with stress, there is no direct link; therefore we cannot predict the times in our lives when we are likely to clench at night.

For many people the first sign of a problem is the need for dentistry to restore a broken tooth. VIDA dentists can usually spot the problem before any dentistry is required, and it is important to act at this earlier stage in order to secure optimal longevity for your teeth.

We often see shiny wear facets and wear along the edges of teeth in teenagers and young adults. Left into adulthood this can become a functional and aesthetic problem requiring investment to put right. Worst of all, the dental effects may have been preventable.

At VIDA we tackle tooth wear as seriously as decay and devise bespoke prevention plans for patients displaying signs of tooth wear.

Night guards are similar to a sports mouth guard and are worn at night over the lower teeth, preventing attrition between teeth while you sleep.

In the morning the guard is cleaned with a soft toothbrush, taking care not to scratch the surface. We recommend an inexpensive effervescent denture cleanser as a daily antibacterial treatment to keep your night guard hygienic and fresh.

If you are a heavy teeth grinder, your appliance may become worn or may develop a split — if this happens make another appointment at VIDA and, if necessary, a new appliance can be made for you. However some cases will require a more during guard known as a Michigan splint, which can also address more serious symptoms such as jaw pain.