Bruxism
- Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep.
- It may cause tooth wear, fractures, gum recession, headaches, and jaw pain.
- Custom-made night guards are frequently recommended to protect the teeth.
- Stress management and relaxation techniques can reduce severity.
- Orthodontic or muscle relaxation therapies may be needed in some cases.
Reminder: Early treatment helps prevent permanent damage to teeth and jaw joints.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding & Clenching)
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep.
Possible effects include:
- Tooth wear and fractures
- Gum recession
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
Treatment Options
- Custom-made night guards
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
- Orthodontic correction of contributing bite problems
- In some cases, muscle relaxation therapies
Reminder: Early treatment helps prevent permanent damage to teeth and joints.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jaws and facial structure,
particularly during childhood and adolescence.
Early Check-ups (Children)
Children should be examined by an orthodontist no later than the age of 6–7. At this stage, jaw and tooth development can be monitored,
and if necessary, early treatment can be initiated to prevent more serious problems.
Adults
Even though growth is complete, orthodontic treatment can still be performed successfully at any age.
Advances such as clear aligners and ceramic brackets make treatment more comfortable and aesthetic for adults.
Benefits of Early Treatment
- Corrects jaw growth discrepancies
- Improves breathing and airway health in selected cases
- Reduces the need for complex treatments in adulthood
- Contributes to balanced facial aesthetics and bite function
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
Orthognathic surgery corrects severe jaw discrepancies that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone.
It restores harmony between the jaws, teeth, and facial profile, ensuring both functional and aesthetic improvement.
Indications
- Severe underbite or overbite
- Open bite or facial/jaw asymmetry
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing
- Facial disproportion affecting appearance and confidence
Process
- Detailed clinical and radiological examination
- Orthodontic preparation before surgery
- Surgical repositioning of the jaws by a maxillofacial surgeon
- Post-surgical orthodontic treatment to finalize the bite
When combined with orthodontics, orthognathic surgery provides a permanent solution for complex skeletal and dental problems,
enhancing both function and facial aesthetics.
