Do you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or does your partner mention you were making noise in your sleep again? You might not think much of it, but if you have dental crowns, grinding your teeth can threaten them.
At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Erik Jenson sees the damage that grinding causes every week. Patients come in with crowns that crack, chip, or come loose years before they should. Often, the culprit is bruxism.
Let’s talk about what grinding does to your crowns in Vancouver, WA, and what you can do to protect them.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching. It’s a condition where you squeeze or rub your teeth together, often without realizing it.
Bruxism can happen during the day or at night. Many people grind their teeth while they sleep. They may not realize it’s happening until a dentist in Vancouver notices the damage.
Some people clench their jaw when they’re stressed or focused. Others grind unconsciously during sleep. Either way, the forces are significant.
How Grinding Damages Your Crowns
Your natural teeth have some flexibility. They can absorb a certain amount of force. Crowns are different. They’re rigid. They don’t flex the way natural teeth do.
When you grind, you create forces that are much higher than normal chewing. These forces put stress on your crowns in ways they weren’t designed to handle.
Marginal Breakdown
The margin is where your crown meets your tooth at the gumline. It’s the most vulnerable part of any crown. Grinding creates micro-movement at this margin. Over time, that movement allows bacteria to seep underneath the crown. This leads to secondary decay and eventually crown failure.
Cracks and Fractures
Grinding creates repetitive stress on your crowns. Each grinding cycle slightly flexes the tooth structure. Over thousands of cycles, this stress accumulates. Small cracks form. Then they spread. Eventually, the crown fractures.
Cement Failure
The cement that holds your crown in place can break down under constant grinding forces. When the cement fails, the crown becomes loose. If you don’t treat it, the crown can come off completely.
Damage to the Underlying Tooth
Grinding doesn’t just affect the crown. It also stresses the tooth underneath. Extreme forces can cause the underlying tooth to fracture. When that happens, you need to replace the entire restoration.
The Timeline of Damage
Here’s what the research shows about how quickly grinding damages crowns.
Without protection, cosmetic crowns in heavy grinders often fail within 5 to 7 years. Protected grinders give the same crowns 10 to 15 years of service.
That’s a significant difference. A night guard can double the lifespan of your crown.
For veneers, the numbers are even more striking. Veneers in unprotected heavy grinders routinely debond within 2 to 3 years. Protected or non-grinding patients get 7 to 10 years or more.
Crowns are more durable than veneers, but they’re still vulnerable to grinding forces.
Signs You Might Be Grinding
Many people don’t know they grind their teeth. Here are the signs to watch for :
- Your teeth look flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose
- Your tooth enamel is worn down, exposing inner layers
- You have tooth pain or sensitivity
- Your jaw muscles feel tired or tight
- Your jaw pops or clicks
- You have jaw, neck, or face pain
- You wake up with dull headaches starting at your temples
- Your sleep partner mentions grinding noises
If you notice any of these signs, tell Dr. Jenson at your next visit. He can check for signs of bruxism and recommend treatment.
How Dr. Jenson’s Training Helps
At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Jenson brings something most dentists don’t have. He’s Dawson-trained, having completed rigorous postgraduate education at the prestigious Dawson Academy.
The Dawson Academy teaches Complete Dentistry. This means looking at your whole chewing system, not just the tooth in isolation. Dr. Jenson evaluates how your bite functions, how your jaw joints align, and how forces distribute across your teeth.
Grinding signals an underlying bite problem. The Dawson Academy teaches that bruxism can be related to malocclusion, airway issues, and other factors that affect the entire masticatory system. A dentist who only looks at the tooth will miss these root causes.
Dr. Jenson takes the time to get it right. He evaluates your bite before placing a crown and checks for signs of grinding and clenching. He ensures your new crown works in harmony with your entire mouth.
This level of care is rare. Most dentists place a crown and move on. Dr. Jenson’s Dawson training means he treats the cause.
How to Protect Your Crowns from Grinding
The good news is that you can protect your crowns. Here’s what Dr. Jenson recommends:
Custom Night Guard
A custom night guard is your best defense against grinding damage. It’s a slim, custom-made shield that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It cushions your bite, eases jaw tension, and protects your crowns from grinding forces.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all tray from the pharmacy. It’s shaped to your bite. Made from strong, comfortable material. The kind you don’t notice once it’s in.
Dr. Jenson will take a mold of your mouth. A week or two later, you’ll try it on. It should fit without slipping or poking. If something feels off, we’ll adjust it.
Stress Management
Grinding is often linked to stress and anxiety. Learning relaxation techniques can help. Meditation, yoga, and exercise can reduce stress levels. If stress is a major factor, talking to a mental health professional may help.
Jaw Relaxation Exercises
If you clench during the day, you can train yourself to relax your jaw. Dr. Jenson can show you the proper mouth and jaw position. Set reminders throughout the day to check your jaw position.
Bite Adjustment
Sometimes the underlying issue is a slightly off bite. Dr. Jenson can evaluate your bite and make adjustments if needed. This helps distribute forces evenly and reduces the stress on your crowns.
What to Expect at Hazel Dell Dental Care
If you have crowns and you grind your teeth, here’s what happens at our Vancouver office:
- Your Consultation: Dr. Jenson will examine your teeth and crowns. He’ll look for signs of grinding, like flattened surfaces or worn enamel. He’ll check your jaw muscles and joints. He’ll ask about your sleep habits and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
- Bite Evaluation: Dr. Jenson will evaluate your bite. He’ll check how your teeth come together and how forces are distributed. If he finds problems, he’ll explain what he found and what to do.
- Custom Night Guard: If a night guard is right for you, Dr. Jenson will take impressions of your teeth. We’ll make a custom guard to fit your mouth precisely. When it’s ready, you’ll try it on, and Dr. Jenson will make any adjustments needed.
- Follow-Up Care: Dr. Jenson will check your night guard and your crowns at your regular checkups. He’ll make sure everything is working properly. If adjustments are needed, he’ll handle them.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you grind your teeth and have crowns, don’t wait for damage. A custom night guard can protect your investment and help you avoid expensive repairs.
Call Hazel Dell Dental Care at (360) 233-8831 to schedule your appointment. You can also request an appointment online. Dr. Jenson and our caring team are ready to help you protect your smile.