If you’ve ever woken up with an aching jaw, you might be experiencing a common dental issue: teeth grinding. Also known as “bruxism,” this condition affects around 8% of the population, and it can be the root cause of everything from headaches to tooth sensitivity.

Knowing the common causes and symptoms of bruxism can help you figure out whether or not this issue is responsible for your pain. Even better, you can try some simple teeth grinding treatments on your own, and your dentist in North Vancouver can help recommend further options. Here’s what you should know about getting relief from teeth grinding.

Teeth Grinding Causes

Unfortunately, there’s no common consensus on why people grind their teeth. Many experts think that it happens at night as a result of involuntary teeth clenching while we sleep. When we’re awake, it’s more likely to happen during moments of tension, such as when we’re anxious, stressed, frustrated, or even in a state of deep focus.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms

If you’re not sure whether or not you’re grinding your teeth—especially because the damage can be invisible at first—there are a few symptoms to look out for.

One early sign is aching muscles in the jaw, face, or neck. Sometimes, this pain may feel like an earache, or it may appear around your temples as a headache. In addition, if you often experience mouth sores from chewing the inside of your cheek, you may have bruxism as well.

Some patients who grind their teeth notice increased tooth sensitivity. This happens as the chewing surfaces of your teeth wear down, affecting the protective enamel that covers your teeth.

More severe signs can include visible wear, including flattened or fractured teeth. Hard grinding can even disrupt your sleep or make audible sounds.

Teeth Grinding Treatments

As you might expect, it can be difficult to stop teeth grinding due to the variety of bruxism causes, many of which are unconscious. However, there are two ways you can seek relief:

Home Remedies

If your teeth grinding is mild, you may be able to try a few home remedies to help. Short-term remedies include changing your sleeping position or trying simple jaw exercises to reduce pain. Long-term remedies may involve addressing any sources of stress in your life, which can contribute to your bruxism.

If home remedies don’t work, or if you’re in serious pain, your dentist may recommend a night guard. This custom-made tool can help prevent further tooth damage while protecting your mouth, and it can also relieve tooth pain over time.

Visit a Dentist in North Vancouver for Treatment

At-home teeth grinding treatments can be a great place to start for pain relief, but they aren’t always enough. If you’ve been dealing with serious pain and sensitivity, visiting a dentist in North Vancouver can ensure your oral health fast.

Whether you’re looking for a confirmation of your condition or you’re ready to relieve your pain with a night guard, our team at IQ Dental is here to help. To reach out with questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

Are you a North Vancouver resident looking to get your teeth straightened?

Many people deal with crooked or crowded teeth these days, but it's a relatively new phenomenon in our species. Scientists believe our dental issues stem from a shift towards a softer, more sugary diet than our ancestors had.

If you've got crooked teeth, you may be wondering what the benefits of having the perfect smile are. Keep reading and we'll discuss these benefits and tell you why you should get Invisalign in North Vancouver

Easier to Clean

Straight teeth are easier to clean. Misaligned teeth are prone to getting food stuck in them because it's harder to get your floss and toothbrush in those crevices.

This inevitably leads to tooth decay and gum problems. If you're sick and tired of having cavities filled and dealing with gingivitis, Invisalign is the way to go.

One of the things that make Invisalign great is that you can maintain proper dental health during the treatments. Since the aligner trays are removable, you can remove them when you eat and clean your teeth.

Leads to Better Digestion

Believe it or not, having straight teeth actually aids your digestion. Because you can more thoroughly chew your food with straight teeth, your stomach can easily break it down, preventing indigestion and other

digestive problems.

Digestion is an important part of developing good gut health. Your gut is an important microbiome in your body, playing a role in everything from your immune system to brain health.

Higher Confidence

When you have a perfect smile with your straight teeth, you'll have vastly improved self-confidence. One stat shows that nearly 80% of Americans perceive people with crooked teeth to be unsuccessful.

Vain as it may sound, it's something that affects people with dental issues. By going through Invisalign treatments, you can inconspicuously straighten your teeth over an extended period of time and boost your

mental health at the same time.

Improved Speech

When your dental issues are more severe, they can actually impact the way you speak. The position of your teeth can affect the function of your mouth when you try to speak. A lot of people with crooked teeth

develop lisps, which can be difficult to deal with in social situations at any age.

Other people develop speech problems as a result of trying to hide their crooked teeth. Straightening your teeth will help to iron out any speech issues, whether developed or inherent. Invisalign trays are non-

intrusive in the mouth, unlike braces, which can sometimes affect your speech even more drastically.

Get Invisalign in North Vancouver

Now that you understand some of the benefits of having straight teeth, it's time to tell you where you can get the best orthodontic treatment. Invisalign has quickly become the go-to treatment for correcting

crooked teeth. To get Invisalign in North Vancouver, come to IQ Dental.

Our advanced custom Invisalign treatments will properly align your teeth and enhance your smile, no matter what age you are. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Up to 80% of people suffer from dental anxiety. Many of those avoid getting dental procedures for fear of pain.

If you're thinking of getting Invisalign in North Vancouver, you might be putting it off because you're worried about how uncomfortable the treatment might be. Even if you know the treatment would work well for you otherwise, fear of discomfort can be a huge stumbling block for many people.

Want to know whether Invisalign is painful and how to manage any discomfort you suffer? Read on for everything you need to know.

Is It Painful?

Let's get straight to the point: there is a little pain associated with an alignment procedure. As your retainer pushes your teeth into shape, there will be a slight ache. That means the process is working!

But the pain is quite minor. It's far less uncomfortable than many dental procedures. If you've ever had a cavity filled or a rotten tooth pulled out, this will seem like a dream in comparison.

As an added bonus, there's no need for a shot when braces are fitted. Many people put off dental appointments because they're terrified of needles or worried about the pain of a shot. Hopefully, the knowledge that's not a factor here is a comfort to you.

Quickly Passing

One thing to keep in mind is that any pain associated with Invisalign passes quickly. While there may be a slight recurrence from time to time, especially when you change your aligner tray, it's rarely too punishing.

Also, the pain soon passes. It only tends to last for a few days at most, and the end result is well worth it. Focus on how your teeth will look and feel once the process is over.

Managing Pain With Invisalign in North Vancouver

If you do suffer pain from Invisalign, it's fairly easy to manage the minor discomfort. If necessary, you may wish to take simple pain medication to ease the pain.

It's also a good idea to do fun or distracting activities to take your mind off any pain. Watch a movie or spend time with your friends or family. Once you distract yourself, you'll soon find the pain fades away.

You should use these tactics if you're worried about your appointment too. Managing anxiety through mental techniques can be very effective.

If you are really struggling and need extra help, you can call us to ask for help or advice. We'll help you manage the discomfort and investigate any further issues.

Talking it Over

If you're worried about pain from Invisalign in North Vancouver, it can be helpful to talk it over with a trusted professional. Expressing your worries and getting good advice from a seasoned

Here at IQ Dental we're always happy to help. We understand that many patients are worried about the procedure and we'll do everything we can to make you feel at ease.

Arrange an appointment with our head dentist today. We'll get your Invisalign braces in North Vancouver fitted quickly and comfortably and send you on your way with a smile on your face!

Are you looking for a solution for straighter teeth? Invisalign is becoming the most popular choice for creating your perfect smile! With a nearly invisible look, your teeth straightening happens without the discomfort of traditional braces.

Invisalign treatment is a specialty for orthodontics North Vancouver. At IQ Dental, we help hundreds of people every year with their orthodontic treatments. Invisalign North Vancouver offers many benefits that traditional braces don't.

Keep reading to find out why they might be right for you!

Invisalign North Vancouver

Both traditional braces and Invisalign treatments offer solutions for a straighter smile. Your orthodontist will suggest the best course of action for your needs but asking about Invisalign is in your best interest. It is one of the most popular methods of getting the look you want!

Invisalign aligners work by using custom clear trays that fit into your mouth and gently align your teeth. There are many reasons why Invisalign is the more effective choice for minor teeth alignment.

Treatment Time for Orthodontics North Vancouver

The length it takes to get your teeth where they need to be vary for each patient. Both your age and the severity of your straightening needs will affect the length of wearing aligners.

The average wearing time for traditional braces is 24 months. Invisalign works, on average, between 12 and 18 months. This means a faster turnaround time for your beautiful smile!

Less Maintenance

While both traditional braces and clear aligners straighten your teeth, Invisalign requires a less complicated oral hygiene routine. Braces make brushing and flossing difficult. With Invisalign, you pop your aligner out to take care of cleaning your teeth.

The removable clear trays allow for eating in more comfort than metal braces. This is because you take out your aligners to eat and drink. Metal braces may make eating some types of food more difficult.

Invisalign does require some self-discipline since the trays are removable. The treatment is designed to be worn as much as possible. So, it's important to remember to put the Invisalign aligners back in after removing them for eating and cleaning.

Less Painful

The Invisalign aligners feel better in the mouth. Metal braces apply a greater force of pressure and many people report they take a while to feel comfortable. The plastic aligners are made for your mouth and don't poke or scratch like metal braces sometimes do.

Metal braces also require tightening by the orthodontist by adjusting the wire. The Invisalign trays are swapped out as your teeth move towards their ideal alignment. This is much more gentle overall.

Start on Your Straight Smile Today

When exploring orthodontic treatments, Invisalign North Vancouver needs to make your list. The removable and effective clear aligners make your smile dreams come true in a discreet way. With minimal maintenance and less discomfort than traditional braces, Invisalign is the solution you've been looking for.

Make your consultation appointment to get started today. Contact IQ Dental, the orthodontics North Vancouver specialists now!