Bruxism Treatment
Clenching Jaw and Grinding Teeth
Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity that commonly occurs with most people at some point in their lives.
The two main characteristics of this condition are grinding the teeth and clenching of the jaw. These actions usually occur during a person’s sleeping hours, but occasionally they occur during the day.
Bruxism is one of the most commonly known sleep disorders. Chewing is a neuromuscular activity controlled by a subconscious process, but more highly controlled by the brain. During sleep, the subconscious process may become active while the higher control is inactive (asleep), resulting in bruxism.
The most common symptoms are
- earaches and headaches
- depression
- eating disorders
- anxiety
- chronic stress
A BiteStrip® is a device available from our office to diagnose bruxism at home. The device itself is a small electromyography, which can sense and monitor activity in the jaw muscles during sleep.
The frequency and severity of the condition can then be assessed and a plan of treatment can be determined.
Why should I seek treatment for Bruxism?
Gum Recession
Bruxism is a leading cause of gum recession and tooth loss. Grinding teeth can damage the soft tissue directly and lead to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria are able to colonize and decay the supporting bone.
Facial Pain
Grinding can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth. This can lead to muscle pain in the myofascial region and, in severe cases, incapacitating headaches.
Occlusal Trauma
The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the teeth can lead to fractures, which if left untreated, may require restorative treatment at a later time.
Arthritis
In the most severe cases, bruxism can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints that allow the jaw to open and close smoothly.
Are you ready to smile with confidence?
Dr. Latthe’s education, experience, and commitment to comprehensive care translates to compassionate, personalized, and professional dental experiences for all our patients.Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Bruxism Treatment Options
Though there is no one cure for bruxism, there are a variety of devices and services available from our office to help treat bruxism:
An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from teeth impressions to minimize the abrasive grinding action during normal sleep. Mouthguards are expected to be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage.
An NTI-tss device only covers the front teeth and must be fitted at our office. The idea behind the NTI-tss is to prevent grinding the rear molars by limiting the contraction of the temporalis muscle in the jaw.
Once bruxing is under control, we can perform a variety of dental procedures to restore the pleasant aesthetic appearance to your smile such as crowns, gum grafts and crown lengthening.
The Woodlands Prosthodontics
Patient Review by Karen H
I had teeth straightening, cleaning, whitening and I am very pleased with the results. Thank you Dr Latteh!
- Karen H
Patient Review by Richard H
I have had several procedures, an implant, extraction and dentures. I am very pleased with the care, attention, and excellent dental care from Dr Latteh.
- Richard H
Patient Review by Gorden G
I had lost a filling and contacted the office. Dottie was so nice and understanding and was able to get me an appointment in the same week!!
- Gorden G
Patient Review by Marjory B
I had bad experiences with Dentists in the past. When I called and spoke with Dottie, I knew that I had found the perfect Dentist because she really cared and assured me that Dr. Latthe was awesome. Upon meeting Dr. Latthe and seeing the amazing work he did gave me my smile back. He truly cares about his patients and does beautiful work!
- Marjory B
Patient Review by Dena R
I have had a great ongoing experience with Dr Latthe, Dottie and the rest of the team. I moved from out of state and arrived at their office with complications. I was carefully walked through my options and answered all of my questions, so I was confident in the treatment plan. As I shared, I had a complication and Dr Latthe referred me to another dentist that could handle a different issue. But they didn’t stop there, they not only called the new office, helped me set the appt and sent my insurance paperwork so it was a seamless and easy thing for me. I have been working with this team the last couple of months, and every appointment is the same, everyone in the office is kind, I feel good about what we are doing and I am confident in the services provided. And perhaps you will be lucky enough to meet the cutest puppers, Chloe, who I would suggest be the office mascot Don’t hesitate, you will be in good hands.
- Dena R
Patient Review by Christina F
I can honestly say that this has been the best dental experience of my life and there have been many. Dr. Latthe and Dottie made a very traumatic experience for me more comfortable and easy. The patience and care exhibited during the procedure and after was simply amazing and the results were remarkable. I literally cried when I looked in the mirror for the first time, tears of joy. I want to personally thank both of these wonderful people for changing my life.
- Christina F
Patient Review by Julia P
Going to the dentist is never fun but coming here, I actually look forward to my appointments! Dr. Latthe is an amazing and kind dentist, Alma & Dottie are downright fabulous! I appreciate Dr. Latthe and his staff, as they have not only shown outstanding professionalism but more empathy and compassion than I’ve ever experienced anywhere else. I highly recommend coming here!
- Julia P
Patient Review by sheila 0
Wish we had found this group sooner
- sheila 0
Patient Review by Melanie B
Of course i was afraid of the dentist. Dr.V talk me through the whole process.He asked me questions to made sure that I was comfortable with step that he tooth while extracting a tooth that was barely there. Needless to say,but I am no longer afraid to go to the dentist. Thank you so very much Dr. Vaibhav Latthe for taking my pain away and making me so very comfortable. Your bed side manner is truly reassuring for scary cats like me.I would recommend you again and again,You're the BEST!Great Job. Sincerely Melanie Bell
- Melanie B
Patient Review by David R
It has been a long process. Everyone always had their smile on. Very easy to work with.
- David R
Patient Review by Debra N
Couldn't be happier with the customer service and care this office provides to me and my family!
- Debra N
Patient Review by Jen R
Jennifer R. Jennifer R. The Woodlands, TX 9 friends 9 reviews 2 photos Share review Embed review Compliment Send message Follow Jennifer R. 5.0 star rating 4/5/2019 First to Review I can't say enough great things about Doc, Alma and Dottie! Always personable, caring and they make going to the dentist a fun trip! I look forward to seeing all 3 of them honestly! Moving here from the MW I was worried about finding a dentist. I have been able to not only find a dentist, I have gotten Invisalign, teeth whitening and fixing my front teeth from grinding them.
- Jen R
Patient Review by Rebecca G
I can not explain the exceptional care and outcome that I experienced. Dr. Lathe and his staff are above and beyond wonderful.
- Rebecca G
Patient Review by Joy J
Dr. Lathe is the best! I would highly recommend him. Staff is wonderful too!!
- Joy J
Patient Review by Jennifer R
I can’t say enough great things about Doc, Alma and Dottie! Always personable, caring and they make going to the dentist a fun trip! I look forward to seeing all 3 of them honestly 🙂
- Jennifer R
Patient Review by Joy J
Love Dr. Latthe! Professional, caring and attentive staff. I would highly recommend Dr. Latthe! I had my dentures done and have had so many compliments on how real they look! They were done so well, I haven't had any adjustments done yet and it has been over a year!
- Joy J
Patient Review by Gopal M
I got a night guard also sometime back for my snoring problem and it is the best ever. I have had a very good experience always and am glad we have such a young and excellent doctor with good staff to serve the woodlands community
- Gopal M
Patient Review by Dianna L
Excellent
- Dianna L
Patient Review by Edna S
Everyone was so nice & friendly. Best of care ever
- Edna S
Patient Review by Ray R
We are moving out of the area. But we will gladly make the almost 2 hour drive back to this office for our family's continued care. Dr. Latthe will be our doctor for as long as he's in business.
- Ray R