Drs. Ron Erkis and Lynnsay Hickman discuss teeth grinding

Grind, grind, grind... If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding, or "bruxism," include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, chronic pain, worn enamel or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment with us. Drs. Ron Erkis and Lynnsay Hickman can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

What puts you at ease at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics?

Drs. Erkis and Hickman understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Our philosophy is a simple one. We treat all our patients as if they are members of our family. Our goal is to provide the best possible orthodontic care with the most sincere personalized attention.

Today, we thought we'd ask: What is it about Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our amiable team? Is it something about Drs. Erkis or Hickman?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Ask Dr. Erkis: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, Dr. Erkis says. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Both Drs. and Hickman are certified Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call.

When should you call Drs. Erkis and Hickman?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call our office. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Drs. Erkis and Hickman:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Happy Tuesday!