Is chinstrap or night guard better to control bruxism?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a cheek bite on the left side and the oral surgeon suggested the removal of the upper left wisdom tooth since it caused crowding and cheek bite. It was removed a year back.

I had a baby tooth with an impacted first lower premolar, so the baby tooth was extracted one month later and was scheduled for a brace pull of the impacted premolar six months later. Later after two months, I had a cavity on my left lower wisdom tooth for which filing was done two weeks later, however, there was pain and a gum infection near it. I took antibiotics but it was not subsiding, so the oral surgeon suggested removal is better, and therefore, it was removed.

Since then I have had teeth grinding during sleep and noticed chipping of the second lower left molar tooth near the removed wisdom tooth. I had previously experienced occasional teeth grinding after the removal of the upper wisdom tooth, but after the removal of the lower wisdom tooth, grinding seems to have increased. I sleep adequately fand get eight hours of sleep.

I have seen on the internet that wisdom teeth removal can cause a narrow airway, OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), teeth grinding, and other problems. Should I go for an implant to avoid future complications? I am enclosing an image of my jaw, OPG, and lateral cephalogram.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The treatment plan being followed is really good. There is no need for the replacement of the third molars. The narrow arches and the crowded teeth are responsible for the teeth grinding and it became evident after the removal of the third molars.

The appropriate alignment of the teeth will cease this grinding after 30 to 50 days of starting the braces treatment. Now, this grinding may be brought on by the misalignment of the teeth. Until the braces treatment begins, you might choose to wear night guards to protect your teeth from grinding.

This grinding usually experienced after the removal of the third molars is due to the deepening of the bite. Nothing much to worry about. It corrects with time. As you are going for braces, it will help you faster.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern

Night guard should be sufficient. If the condition demands, then your orthodontist will suggest a chinstrap (I do not think it would be necessary for your condition). The grinding effect is not much influenced by the sleeping position.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.