Jaw Problems & Mouthguards
in Acton

The way your teeth meet when your top and bottom jaws close down on top of each other is known as your 'bite'. If your teeth don't fit together properly, you could have malocclusion or 'bad bite', which can cause problems with your teeth, gums, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles in your face. Some people may also be clenching or grinding, causing jaw pain and tooth wear. After assessment, your dentist may recommend a night guard.

This misalignment, often referred to as TMJ disorder, can also cause some people to clench the jaw and grind their teeth at night. This can lead to facial pain, headaches, discomfort and clicking when biting or chewing, migraines as well as neck and shoulder pain, and even back pain.

If you recognise any of these symptoms or suffer with these on a daily basis, you will need to see a dentist to treat your problems or to refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Treatment can include the following:

Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a customised plastic appliance that fits over your teeth and is worn at night.
When the device is worn, your teeth are in a position where your facial muscles are relaxed, preventing grinding and taking the pressure off your TMJ.
The device also protects the teeth, preventing them from becoming worn down by grinding.

Depending on the origin and severity of your problem, you may need orthodontic treatment or maxillofacial surgery. Other solutions may include replacing missing teeth or adjusting any ill-fitting bridgework that you may have. The most important thing to do is to see your dentist as soon as possible so that your problem does not become worse over time and require more drastic measures to correct.

Life Benefits

Alleviated facial and TMJ pain, including a reduction in headaches.
Prevention of extensive tooth wear.
Enhanced quality of sleep.

Mouth Guards

Hard/Soft Mouth guards are custom made by your dentist to fit comfortably around your teeth. They can be provided for a variety of reasons e.g. protection during sports, nightwear for people who are clenching or grinding.

B Splint

A B-Splint compromises of an upper and lower appliance. The posterior teeth are fully covered providing retention for the appliance. The lower splint has a flat bite plane along the central incisor region & the upper has a ramp over the central area, resulting in no posterior contact.

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Anti-Snoring Devices

What is an anti-snoring device?

An anti-snoring advice is an oral appliance which is worn at night to prevent or reduce snoring. The purpose of the appliance is to hold the lower jaw in a forward position. During sleep any opening of the mouth pulls the lower jaw further forward thereby increasing the gap at the back of the throat and allowing more air to flow freely – and quietly.

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What is the procedure?

Following the completion of a questionnaire, your dentist will take moulds of your upper and lower arches. Your appliance will be custom made to the moulds of your mouth and your dentist will fit it. You dentist will advise you on how often you should wear the appliance and monitor your progress.

This type of devise is generally not suited to people with few or no natural teeth and will not work for everyone – around 60% achieve complete relief from snoring.