Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan from Milim Dental Bursa Explains

Are people telling you that you grind your teeth at night? Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity?

Perhaps you are wondering, "I have crowded teeth, and I also grind them; would orthodontics be beneficial or harmful for me?"

Bruxism (teeth clenching/grinding) and orthodontics (braces or clear aligner treatment) occur together in the same patient much more frequently than assumed. Especially in individuals aged 25–45 who are under intense stress, spend hours in front of a computer, and have poor sleep quality, both teeth grinding and an orthodontic problem can be present.

In this article, based on the clinical approach of Dr. Begüm Ulaşan, an orthodontist at Milim Dental in Bursa, we will answer the following questions:

1. What is bruxism (teeth grinding), and what causes it?
2. How does bruxism damage the teeth and jaw joint?
3. Is it risky to get braces while grinding teeth, or can it be beneficial?
4. Can clear aligner therapy be used in bruxism patients?
5. How does Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa manage bruxism and orthodontics together?

1. What is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

Bruxism is the condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth, either consciously or, most often, unconsciously. This can occur:

1. At night during sleep.
2. During the day in moments of intense concentration or stress (while working at the computer, driving, or using a phone).

The most frequent causes of bruxism include:

1. Stress and anxiety.
2. Sleep disorders.
3. Occlusal (bite) problems.
4. Certain neurological and medication-related conditions.

In summary: Bruxism is not merely a "dental problem"; it is a shared response of the body, mind, and jaw system.

2. Effects of Teeth Grinding on Teeth and the Jaw Joint

Mild and short-term teeth grinding may not cause major problems. However, in chronic bruxism, commonly observed issues include:

1. Tooth wear and abrasion.
2. Tooth cracks and fractures.
3. Fractures in fillings and crowns.
4. Shortening of tooth lengths.
5. Pain and fatigue in the chewing muscles.
6. Clicking, noise, or locking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
7. Morning headaches, and tension in the facial and neck muscles.

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan at Milim Dental Bursa, when planning orthodontics for a patient suspected of bruxism, thoroughly evaluates:

1. Signs of tooth wear.
2. Muscle tenderness.
3. TMJ findings.

This is because the goal is not just to straighten the teeth but to make the jaw system more balanced and protected.

3. I Grind My Teeth, Is Orthodontic Treatment Right for Me?

This is one of the most common questions: "If I grind my teeth and get braces or clear aligners, will I suffer more damage?"

The answer is: A properly planned orthodontic treatment does not have to conflict with the problem of teeth grinding; in fact, in most cases, it can even be protective in the long run.

How?

When the bite balance is improved with orthodontics:

1. The forces distributed to the teeth become more homogeneous.
2. Excessive load on specific teeth is prevented.

In this way:

1. The destructive effect of bruxism on the teeth and joints can be reduced.
2. Fewer cracks, fractures, and wear may be seen on the teeth.

However, the crucial point here is that when planning orthodontics for a bruxism patient, the doctor must be aware of this information and plan the treatment accordingly.

Bursa orthodontist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan aims to make orthodontics safer for bruxism patients with measures such as:

1. More controlled forces.
2. Slower and more physiological tooth movements.
3. Support with a night guard (splint) when necessary.

4. Which is More Suitable for Bruxism: Braces or Clear Aligners?

Every case is unique, but we can talk about some general principles.

4.1. Braces (Bracket) Treatment

Advantages:

1. High power to control versatile tooth movements.
2. A strong tool for bite adjustments.

Points to Consider:

1. Teeth clenching can also put extra force on the brackets and wires.
2. Therefore, bruxism must be taken into account when planning check-up appointments, the level of force used, and the duration of treatment.

4.2. Clear Aligner Treatment

In bruxism patients, clear aligners:

1. Act like a perfectly fitting "cover" over the teeth.
2. When worn at night, can provide a protective barrier effect similar to a night guard.

Advantages:

1. Reduces tooth-to-tooth contact during grinding.
2. Protects tooth surfaces against direct impact.

Points to Consider:

1. In very severe bruxism, the lifespan of the aligners may be shorter, requiring more frequent replacements.
2. This should be clearly explained to the patient when planning the treatment.

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan at Milim Dental Bursa specifically prefers clear aligner therapy in bruxism patients in cases of:

1. Adults with high aesthetic concerns.
2. Situations where night guard use is already planned and patient compliance is good.
3. Cases where bruxism is accompanied by tooth wear, and the protection of tooth surfaces is important.

5. How Are Bruxism and Orthodontics Managed Simultaneously?

A successful treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach:

1. Orthodontics (Dr. Begüm Ulaşan – Milim Dental Bursa):
2. Correction of bite disorders.
3. Elimination of crowding.
4. Improvement of the balance of load distribution on the teeth.
5. Night Guard (Splint) Applications:
6. Especially before and/or after treatment.
7. To reduce the severity of night grinding and protect the teeth.
8. Support from Jaw Surgery or Physical Therapy, if necessary:
9. If there are serious problems or muscle spasms in the TMJ.
10. Stress Management and Sleep Quality:
11. Orthodontics alone does not eliminate lifestyle stress factors.
12. The psychological and neurological dimensions of bruxism must also be considered.

6. I Grind My Teeth in Bursa and Am Considering Orthodontics: What Should I Do?

If:

1. You wake up with jaw fatigue and headaches.
2. You notice your teeth are shortened or worn down.
3. Your teeth are also crowded or your bite is misaligned.

The first step is to have an examination where your bruxism and orthodontic condition can be assessed together.