A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
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Teeth Grinding and Braces: Are they compatible? Here’s the scoop.

Teeth grinding and bracesThere’s a lot to know about teeth grinding and braces. First, can you even get braces if you grind your teeth? If you can, then do braces help, or can teeth grinding affect braces negatively? And what causes teeth grinding in the first place?

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common issue. And can cause plenty of problems — whether you’re aware you’re doing it or not!  

Why do people grind their teeth?

While there’s no single cause for teeth grinding, many things can contribute. These include:

  • Stress: When you’re dealing with chronic stress or anxiety, you may clench your teeth as a coping mechanism.
  • Medical conditions: Teeth grinding has been linked to TMJ disorders or an ear infection that affects the jaw muscles.
  • Sleep disorders: People with sleep apnea experience teeth grinding more often than those without this sleep problem.
  • Teeth misalignment: You’re more likely to grind your teeth when your upper and lower teeth are not aligned.

How can you tell if you’re grinding your teeth?

Since teeth grinding can often be unconscious, you may not know how to tell if you’re doing it. To help you, the Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms:

  • Your sleep partner wakes you up due to loud teeth clenching or grinding
  • Flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
  • Worn tooth enamel which exposes deeper layers of your tooth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Jaw or face pain or soreness
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles
  • Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s not a problem with your ear
  • A dull headache originating in the temples
  • Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
  • Indentations on your tongue
  • Your mouth won’t open or close completely

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, call us for a consultation. We can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of teeth grinding.

What problems can teeth grinding cause?

Grinding your teeth can cause many issues, such as surface tooth damage, erosion of tooth enamel, disrupted sleep (primarily for your sleep partner), jaw or face pain and muscle tightness, and headaches. 

Plus, if you grind your teeth over a long period and don’t get any correction, this may cause teeth to break, become loose, or shift their alignment. Chronic teeth grinding can also result in needing root canals, crowns, or even tooth extraction. 

That’s why it’s so important to get help for teeth grinding. And often, if the grinding is caused by a misalignment, braces can help. 

Teeth grinding and braces

Braces — whether metal or Invisalign — will realign and straighten your teeth, so they fit together better. When this happens, many people no longer feel the urge to grind their teeth.

However, you should know that if your teeth grinding is severe, braces may make things worse before they get better. That’s because you may have some extra irritation or discomfort as your teeth begin shifting and realigning. But this should improve as the teeth move into their correct position.

Once your teeth are correctly aligned, you’ll need to use retainers, so they don’t return to their former position. If you don’t use retainers to keep your teeth straight, the problem of grinding teeth can return as the teeth shift back to their uneven state.

The best way to know if braces can help with your teeth grinding is to get an orthodontic consultation. That way, we can see if misalignment is causing your grinding issue, and show you exactly how braces or Invisalign can help you. 

Additional solutions 

Sometimes, when teeth grinding is caused by other issues (such as those mentioned above), you may need a different solution. These may include managing your stress and anxiety with help from a licensed professional, or addressing sleep apnea with a qualified medical doctor. 

Additionally, if you’re still grinding your teeth even with braces, you may need to wear a nightguard to prevent tooth damage. These can be custom-made to fit perfectly over your braces, and new ones can be provided as your teeth shift and your smile improves. 

We can help you resolve your teeth grinding

Come in for a consultation to address whether your teeth grinding is caused by a misalignment. Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile will take the time and care to see if braces or Invisalign could be the solution to address this often painful issue.

The first appointment is always free and includes an exam, including x-rays. Our state-of-the-art facility is up to date on all the latest technology, so you can feel confident that you are getting the very best care. Our staff is both professional and fun, and we strive to make your experience smooth and enjoyable!

Get Started Now! Schedule Your Free Consultation! 

Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!

  • We are located in McAllen Texas and are happy to service you at our clinic, A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

May 27, 2022 By Anne Hill Leave a Comment

Signs You May Need to See an Orthodontist

braces for adultsCrooked teeth aren’t the only signs you may need to see an orthodontist. There are other issues that can affect the bite, jaw, and tooth health which can have adverse effects on overall long-term wellness. If left untreated, some conditions can lead to increased tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, earaches, biting and chewing problems, and can even cause trouble speaking.

Signs that you may need to see an orthodontist may include:

  • Chewing or biting difficulty
  • A jaw that makes sounds such as popping or clicking noises
  • A jaw that shifts with movement
  • Cheek biting
  • Jaw pain, or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)
  • Uneven or excessive wear on teeth
  • Frequent headaches that may radiate to the ears or neck
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Teeth that either meet abnormally or do not meet at all
  • Grinding teeth
  • Teeth that seem out of proportion to the face
  • Extra teeth
  • Crowding teeth
  • Spaces between teeth
  • Trouble chewing certain foods

Get Started Now! Schedule Your Free Consultation!

Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!

 

These can be symptoms of such conditions as malocclusions, misaligned jaws, and teeth. Different types of malocclusions such as crossbites, underbites, overbites, and open bites will grow worse over time. They can place extra stress on the jaw muscles causing chronic pain in not only the jaw but also the neck and shoulder. If a malocclusion is not corrected, it can even cause the face to grow asymmetrically.

Dr. Taylor is a board-certified orthodontist and an expert who is trained to diagnose and treat these irregularities. It’s a good idea to have your child come in for a visit at age 6 to 7 to see if any of these irregularities are present. Depending on the severity of the condition, Dr. Taylor can determine if early intervention is necessary or if it’s okay to wait until the child is a little older.

Ideally, the best time for a child to get braces is between the ages of 10 and 14 while the child’s jaw and head are still growing. Teeth are easier to straighten during this time period too. However, a person is never too old to see an orthodontist and have any issues corrected; we have many adult patients who are much happier and more confident with their beautiful new smiles after treatment! A lot of them are surprised to learn that there are so many options available that fit easily into their lifestyles.

 

I had a wonderful experience going to A Perfect Smile! Service was always friendly and I was always taken in in reasonable time. I would definitely recommend this orthodontist to anyone. My teeth are straight and beautiful and I couldn’t be happier.” – Jadyn B. 

 

We offer several different braces options for both children and adults. Invisalign® is often a perfect choice since the trays used are almost totally invisible. Dr. Taylor is the Valley’s only Invisalign® premier provider. If for some reason you are not a candidate for Invisalign® and are concerned about braces showing, we also offer clear braces which a lot of adults prefer.

Traditional metal braces are much smaller than they used to be making them easier on the mouth and less obvious than in years past. A lot of kids and teenagers enjoy making them more fun with the use of colored bands and can change the look with each adjustment appointment!

 

I always had the best experience when I came into Perfect Smile! Dr. Taylor and all the dental assistants were amazing. They always had a great attitude and made sure you felt comfortable. Also loved my outcome and am feeling 100% more confident on my smile.” – Daniella C. 

 

Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile invite you to come in for a consultation to address whether or not you or your child have conditions that may not be as obvious as crooked teeth, but which will affect long-term health if not addressed.

The first appointment is always free and includes an exam including x-rays. Our facility is state of the art and up to date on all of the latest technology so you can feel confident that you are getting the very best care. Our staff is both professional and fun and we strive to make your experience with us as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Get Started Now! Schedule Your Free Consultation! 

Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!

  • We are located in McAllen Texas and are happy to service you at our clinic, A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

April 29, 2022 By Lisa Kay Leave a Comment

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Dr T & the whole staff are amazing, warm & caring environment. I get to see my baby smile now. Shes has gained so much confidence since starting treatment. Love you all & thank you so much.-Cassandra W

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A Perfect Smile Orthodontics
1400 E Expy 83 #155
McAllen,
TX 78503
956.630.6166

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