Most people will suffer from teeth grinding or teeth clenching at some point in their lives, resulting in jaw pain and other problems.The medical term for this is called Bruxism. This can be a serious issue as the pain can radiate out into other parts of the head, neck, and even shoulders. Whats more, Bruxism is often caused by stress and is associated with your emotional and mental wellbeing in addition to physical issues like an uneven bite (malocclusion).
Although it can occur during the day, Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours. The clenching and teeth grinding which accompanies bruxism is symptomatic of a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping. For sufferers, deep sleep or even naps cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to turn off, and the reflex pathways to become active.
Typically, the incisors and canines (front 6 upper and lower teeth) of opposing arches grind against each other side to side. This puts undue strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints, and can cause damage to all your teeth, including your molars.Jaw pain, earache, depression, headaches, chronic stress and anxiety are often associated with bruxism.
Bruxism is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, because it is only one of several potential causes of tooth wear. Headaches arising from bruxism are also often misdiagnosed as migraines.Only a trained professional can tell the difference between bruxing wear and wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks and abrasive foods.Its therefore important to get properly examined.
There is no single cure for bruxism, though a variety of helpful devices and tools are available. The gold standard in treatment is an acrylic mouth guard that is customized to the patient based on tooth impressions. It minimizes the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during sleep.Mouth guards should be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage, damage to the temporomandibular joint, and help to stabilize the occlusion.
Other methods of treatment options can work with the mouth guard to provide further support. These include relaxation exercises, stress management education and biofeedback mechanisms. When the bruxing is under control, there are a variety of dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts and crown lengthening that can restore a pleasant aesthetic appearance to the smile.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 11 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJason Gabler
2 years ago
Knowledgeable, caring, generous, patient and kind -- you can't ask for more in a dentist! My appointments have always been on time. Dr. Yee is very responsive with emergency calls. I highly recommend Dr. Yee.
kacresci
2 years ago
Always great! Maxine is that absolute best dental hygienist and we couldn't be happier with Dr. Yee. Our entire family has been satisfied clients for many years.
Linda Henry
2 years ago
Dr. Yee is an outstanding dentist. She is attentive, thorough, gentle, and personable. They are taking all precautions for covid. I felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout the whole experience. Highly recommend this office!
Scott Sutherland
2 years ago
Our entire family has been patients of Dr. Yee for almost 15 years. We feel like she is our personal dentist. Always so thoughtful and kind. But also incredibly professional and knowledgable. We feel so fortunate to have been referred to her years ago and I want to pay that forward and strongly recommend this practice to anyone looking for great care.
kacresci
3 years ago
Always great! Maxine is that absolute best dental hygienist and we couldn't be happier with Dr. Yee. Our entire family has been satisfied clients for many years.
Ana Robles
3 years ago
We enjoy going to Dr. Yee's office. You always feel like you are at home and with family. From reception to hygienist to doctor the whole experience is very professional with a family feel. My daughters 8 and 5 love going to the dentist. It is one appointment they never want to miss. Maxine and Dr. Yee take the time to talk to them and make them feel very comfortable. I have had all three hygienists Stacy, Elisa, and Maxine take care of my dental needs and all are professional and welcoming. During these COVID times they take hygiene and safety serious and take all the necessary steps to insure safety for all. I recommend Dr. Yee for the whole family.
Linda Henry
3 years ago
Dr. Yee is an outstanding dentist. She is attentive, thorough, gentle, and personable. They are taking all precautions for covid. I felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout the whole experience. Highly recommend this office!
Scott Sutherland
3 years ago
Our entire family has been patients of Dr. Yee for almost 15 years. We feel like she is our personal dentist. Always so thoughtful and kind. But also incredibly professional and knowledgable. We feel so fortunate to have been referred to her years ago and I want to pay that forward and strongly recommend this practice to anyone looking for great care.
Dale Gish
3 years ago
Karen Yee is the most kind and gentle dentists I have ever had. Her care to detail and conscientiousness is wonderful. I highly recommend her.
sonia gonzalez
3 years ago
Karen Yee is an awesome, honest dentist. The staff are really kind as well. Love this dental team!
Katie Davis
3 years ago
Felt very safe going in for a checkup with all of the Covid 19 precautions they have in place.
Anne Anderson
3 years ago
Just a fabulous experience as always....better than a spa and my teeth are cared for in a superlative way...love the staff and Karen of course!
Ana Robles
3 years ago
We enjoy going to Dr. Yee's office. You always feel like you are at home and with family. From reception to hygienist to doctor the whole experience is very professional with a family feel. My daughters 8 and 5 love going to the dentist. It is one appointment they never want to miss. Maxine and Dr. Yee take the time to talk to them and make them feel very comfortable. I have had all three hygienists Stacy, Elisa, and Maxine take care of my dental needs and all are professional and welcoming. During these COVID times they take hygiene and safety serious and take all the necessary steps to insure safety for all. I recommend Dr. Yee for the whole family.
sonia gonzalez
4 years ago
Karen Yee is an awesome, honest dentist. The staff are really kind as well. Love this dental team!
Dale Gish
4 years ago
Karen Yee is the most kind and gentle dentists I have ever had. Her care to detail and conscientiousness is wonderful. I highly recommend her.
Katie Davis
4 years ago
Felt very safe going in for a checkup with all of the Covid 19 precautions they have in place.
Anne Anderson
4 years ago
Just a fabulous experience as always....better than a spa and my teeth are cared for in a superlative way...love the staff and Karen of course!
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