The Grand Smile Designs Blog

I read this article and thought I would share with my opinion with you. Whilst I find it useful that the subject of malocclusion and bruxism is getting more coverage, I think this article over simplified a far more complex issue and the currently available treatments.

There cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach to teethgrinding.When it comes to bruxism, teeth position and the muscles of your head and neck are not limited to the Temporalis muscle and malocclusion . There are at least four different muscle groups that play their part as well as the balance of your jaw in its sockets. Simply relaxing the muscles does not eliminate the incorrect tooth position, it provides a helpful though temporary respite.

When I treat a person with  tooth grinding symptoms, I first assess all the muscles in the head and neck area identifying any trigger points by gently pressing the muscles to see how much pain is felt by the patient.  This palpation of the muscles is critical to understanding the patients perception of the pain they feel as well as any tension because of increased activity.I also assess the tension through biting pressure, checking for muscle enlargement and tenderness. I look for any unnatural movements on opening or closing of the jaw, or when teeth first touch when closing. I would then prescribe a treatment according to this assessment which may include adjusting the teeth, building the teeths biting surfaces up, replacing missing teeth or making a hard occlusal splint for wearing at night time which will be able to effect and retrain all muscles of mastication.

Unless you deal with the position of teeth, the jaw cannot seat properly, imbalancing the bite . The treatment goal is a comfortable position with the chewing load  evenly distributed. Muscle pain tends to be a malocclusion and jaw pain is different  to muscle pain. Signs such as teeth wear, teeth cracking and breaking can be indicators not only of bruxism but clenching which has different symptoms- Clenchers are usually in pain and their habit can occur as much during the day as night.

Splint therapy has been proven over more than 30 years, but it requires the patient to take ownership of their condition. There is no quick fix to this. PLease visit the website www.pankeydentist.org  for more information.

Estimate cost of treatment splint therapy- £ 600-£1000

Best wishes

Tom

Dr Tom Keppel

Clinical Director

Grand Smile Designs

London

How many of you have considered orthodontics to improve your smile? There was a time when having braces to move your teeth was only for children. When I was in school the amount of children in braces were small and often they got mocked for their metal smiles. Today the opposite is true, many children have the position of their teeth changed to enhance the longer term function of their mouths.

But what if you are an adult, really do not want to be called ‘jaws’ by your friends and would like your teeth brought into a more pleasing position?

Invisalign is a solution that can fit in with your life and provide effective treatment.  My colleague, Dr Justin Toal provides Invisalign treatments that can bring your teeth back into line and with a simple and effective removable clear brace system. Please check out the Invisalign website  www.invisalign.com for more information or please contact us at the practice anytime.

Justin is currently offering free Invisalign consultations.

Best wishes

Tom

Dr Tom Keppel

Grand Smile Designs

On the last blog I introduced my colleague Dr Justin Toal. Justin has been trained to work with Invisalign braces. From a discussion with him today it became clear that there is an element of confusion as to what can be done with these invisible braces. Obviously not having to wear traditional style train track fixed braces is an advantage, but what does Justin think are the major strengths with Invisalign treatments?

‘Invisalign treatments are for adults, in other words their teeth have erupted. Invisalign is excellent for closing gaps between teeth and for those patients with narrow dental arches. I have had great results with overcrowded teeth and Invisaligns support has always be first rate. It is such a simple treatment plan, and you can get to see what your mouth will look like before the treatment has started’.

Justin is available for free consultations on Wednesday and Thursday. Please contact the practice for more information or visit the Invisalign website at www.invisalign.com

For smile cases, please visit our website.

Best wishes

Tom

Dr Tom Keppel

Clinical Director

Grand Smile Designs

London

SM2 5DA