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Bruxism, more commonly referred to as Tooth Grinding, doesn’t just occur in kids. It’s an adult problem too and can be stress manifesting while you sleep. While many people with severe tooth grinding issues are prescribed mouth guards to help offset the damage that grinding can do to your tooth enamel or un-wanted tension that it places on your jaw and muscles.

This article is about what happens if you DON’T take action.

In short, you guessed it! Tooth grinding can lead to knocking your teeth out of alignment which in turn can lead to a need for braces. In the reverse, Tooth grinding in and of itself can be a strong indicator that your teeth are in fact out of alignment (known in dentistry as a malocclusion). So tooth grinding is intact the canary in the coal mine and can both be a cause of or indicator of an underlying orthodontic issue. There are of course other reasons why you or some one you know is a grinder! Stress, anxiety, pain caused from ear or headaches can cause people to grind their teeth in their sleep… the list goes on.

Step 1.

Get yourself checked out! A good first step is to see an orthodontist because they will be able to ascertain whether your teeth are out of alignment. If you are due for a check up at your dental office, bring it up then because they too can help in the interim by prescribing a mouth guard for you which won’t correct the problem, but will diminish the potential damage that grinding can cause.

Step 2.

If you teeth are out of alignment a good plan is to get your teeth scanned so that a treatment plan can be discussed. Our 3D scanning technology is a good option to get a clear picture on what is going on in your mouth and jaw. Also, we are able to show you in digital space the ultimate results from a treatment plan. 3D scanning is typically used for invisalign (otherwise referred to as clear braces or invisible braces) but we can also use it to get a virtual view of your mouth to help us devise treatment options other then just invisalign.

Resources and links >>

Learn more about Invisalign

Learn  more about 3D Scanning with Itero

Step 3.

Don’t panic. Bruxism is treatable and if caught early we can reverse any damage that has been done. Remember, dental issues often times can lead to more severe issues, not just problems with teeth either. For example, teeth grinding can lead to very poor sleep patterns which in turn affect your overall health. Dealing with it early and definitively is a good plan and is the way to keep you in tip top oral health.

If you think you have a problem with tooth grinding, give us a call or come on by the office to chat about it.

In-Person Consultation

Use our handy online scheduler below to choose the date and time that works best for your initial complimentary consultation appointment!

Please note that while initial orthodontic consultations are complimentary, if you recently completed orthodontic treatment or currently are in active appliances with another provider, seeking a replacement/repair for a retainer, or looking to schedule a second consult after your initial one there is a fee for the consultation. Please contact us for more information.

Alternatively, please contact our office directly by phone/text if you are trying to book multiple consultations at the same time or are seeking consultation further out than 12 weeks.

Please note – If none of the available times on our online scheduler work for you we do have other consultation times available. Please contact us directly for more information.

Virtual Consultation

Skip the office visit and have your free consultation from the comfort of your home. The start to your beautiful smile is just a few photos and clicks away.

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When it comes to financing there’s no one size fits all solution. Likewise, there is no singular solution when it comes to financing. At LendCare, we get that and go deeper to understand your unique story and offer flexible options that work best for you, given your current financial situation. That means you get affordable financing, even if your credit is anything but top-tier.

Walt Orthodontics is pleased to offer interest-free payments up to 30 months. If you require payments over 30 months we are happy to offer the LendCare solution.

DR. WALT’S DECISION TO BECOME AN ORTHODONTIST WAS INSPIRED BY HIS OWN DIRECT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Dr. Walt received his dental (DDS) degree from the University of Western Ontario, graduating first in his class and receiving the Gold Medal as well as numerous awards recognizing his scholastic and clinical achievements, leadership and character. He then completed his orthodontic training at the University of Colorado, where he received both his Specialty Certificate and Master of Science Degree. During his residency, he was awarded the Rocky Mountain Orthodontics Scholarship for overall excellence.

After graduating from residency and opening Walt Orthodontics in 2013, Dr. Walt committed himself to applying his traditional orthodontic education into the digital world to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience. He currently serves as a Faculty Member, Key Opinion Leader, and Advisory Board Member for Align Technology which involves traveling around the world to teach other orthodontists about Invisalign. Being at the forefront of digital orthodontics, Dr. Walt was invited to be the first orthodontist in Canada to use custom LightForce braces. He also serves as an Orthodontic Coach/Mentor for other orthodontists looking to improve their knowledge of digital orthodontics.

In addition to practicing orthodontics, Dr. Walt is a “die-hard” Blue Jays fan and enjoys working out in his spare time.

DR. GROSSMAN STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR HER PATIENTS.

Dr. Stephanie Grossman pursued her dental degree in sunny South Florida at Nova Southeastern University. She graduated with honours, at the top of her class, and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honour Society. She then completed her orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she received both a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. She is both a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

Dr. Grossman strives to provide the highest standard of orthodontic care for her patients. She attends numerous hours of continuing education and utilizes the latest advancements in orthodontics. Dr. Grossman is licensed to practice in both the United States and Canada.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Grossman enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling the world. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves trying new restaurants!