Bruxism What really helps with teeth grinding

Teeth under pressure: What crunchers should pay attention to in their dentures

According to estimates, every fifth person in Germany suffers from bruxism, the unconscious and usually nocturnal clashes of the upper and lower jaw. "Enormous forces act on both the natural enamel and on the dentures," emphasizes Dr. med. Christoph Sliwowski, Director of the Dentistry Clinic Dusseldorf in the St. Vincent Hospital.

"Those in need of dental prostheses should therefore always use materials that resist or at least reduce this involuntary biting pressure." Contrary to what many people assume, all-ceramic is not the first choice for patients with teeth grinding.

Reduce cracks and jumps

When it comes to aesthetics, compatibility and stability, ceramics, ie zirconium oxide, is the first choice in dentures. However, it is precisely because of this pronounced hardness that cracks and cracks often occur in the material under extreme pressure, as it causes crunching. Repairs are then usually associated with a high financial cost.

In some cases, the dentures even have to be completely removed and rebuilt. And the opposing natural tooth surfaces also suffer damage when pressed against each other with ceramic crowns: "Our natural tooth enamel is softer than zirconium oxide. If the crown and the healthy tooth meet, the latter wears out much faster, "explains Dr. Sliwowski. Therefore, he advises those affected to more flexible materials such as plastic or metal alloys made of gold.

Protect healthy tooth enamel

For crowns, patients suffering from bruxism are advised to use either a metallic restoration without a ceramic coating or the alternative made of plastic. Both materials are considered flexible and thus reduce the risk of damage to the natural enamel. "We prefer a supply of plastic. This has the advantage, among other things, that it resembles the natural tooth color ", Dr. Sliwowski.

"In particular, front teeth can be well supplied with veneers made of plastic, called veneers. For dentures as well as partial dentures, criminals should also resort to this soft alternative. "To protect the dentures as well as the natural enamel during crunching, many people also wear special plastic splints at night. (sb, om)