While Christina Brinda DDS specializes in dentures and restoring smiles. At Christina Brinda DDS, our commitment to your oral health extends to comprehensive care. Many patients, regardless of whether they have natural teeth or dentures, experience issues like teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw pain (TMJ disorders). These conditions can cause significant discomfort and even damage your teeth and existing dental work. As a dentist who specializes in dentures and overall oral health in North Canton, Dr. Christina Brinda and her team offer effective solutions like bite splints, mouthguards, and nightguards to protect your smile and alleviate pain.
Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) and Jaw Pain (TMJ Disorders)
Bruxism
This is the medical term for involuntary clenching or grinding your teeth, often while you sleep. Stress, anxiety and an improper bite can contribute to bruxism.
TMJ Disorders (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders)
These affect the jaw joints and the muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms can include jaw pain or clicking / popping sounds. Other symptoms can include difficulty opening or closing your mouth, headaches and even earaches. Bruxism is a common cause or exacerbating factor for TMJ issues.
The Damage Caused by Grinding and Clenching
Left untreated, bruxism and TMJ disorders can lead to serious dental problems. Below Dr. Christina Brinda highlights some of the problems that arise.
- Worn Down Teeth: Grinding can flatten, chip, or even fracture your natural teeth.
- Damage to Dental Work: Crowns, fillings, and even dentures can be cracked or broken.
- Gum Recession: Excessive force can contribute to gum sensitivity and recession.
- Jaw Pain and Headaches: Chronic clenching strains jaw muscles, leading to pain, stiffness, and tension headaches.
Protective Solutions: Bite Splints, Mouthguards and Night Guards
To combat these issues, Dr. Brinda often recommends custom fitted oral appliances. Below we will go over some of these appliances.
Night Guards (Occlusal Guards)
What they are
These are clear, custom made acrylic appliances worn over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep.
How they help
They create a protective barrier between your teeth, preventing them from grinding / clenching. They also help to cushion the jaw muscles, reducing strain and tension.
Ideal for
Most patients with chronic nighttime bruxism and associated jaw pain.
Bite Splints (Stabilization Splints)
What they are
Similar to night guards but often designed to guide your jaw into a more relaxed and optimal biting position.
How they help
They can help retrain your jaw muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and alleviate stress on the TMJ.
Ideal for
Patients experiencing more severe TMJ pain and dysfunction or those whose bite is a contributing factor.
Sports Mouthguards
What they are
These are different from night guards and bite splints. They are worn during sports activities.
How they help
While primarily designed to protect against impact injuries such as a blow to the face, they also prevent your upper and lower teeth from smashing together during contact. This can indirectly help prevent some trauma related jaw issues.
Ideal for
Anyone, especially children, participating in contact or high impact sports. Note: A nightguard is not a substitute for a sports mouthguard, and vice-versa.
The Advantage of Custom-Fitted Appliances
While over the counter options exist, a custom made night guard or bite splint from your North Canton dentist offers superior benefits.
- Precise Fit: Ensures maximum comfort and effective protection without interfering with breathing or speaking.
- Optimal Protection: Designed specifically for your bite, distributing forces evenly and preventing damage.
- Durability: Made from high quality materials to withstand daily grinding.
Protect Your Smile with Your North Canton Dentist
Whether you’re concerned about teeth grinding, jaw pain, protecting your smile during sports, Dr. Christina Brinda can assess your needs and recommend the best custom oral appliance for you.
📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment.
Ryan F.
Daniella S.
General Dentist Brinda is the best dentist I ever been to . If you’ve been holding off going to the dentist, whether for just cleaning or getting wisdom teeth out , go here . The staff is so welcoming and friendly and Dr. Brinda is so knowledgeable and walked me through every procedure from start to finish and all the expectations. She is a perfectionist that wants you to look your best and goes out of her way to do just that . I went in for a whitening treatment and cleaning and it was the best experience that I had at a dental practice! I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to feel comfortable,well cared for and informed, while receiving best treatment for their smile.
Sorin B.
Dr. Brinda is hands down the best dentist I’ve ever been to! My wife and I live in Michigan and we make the drive every year to go see her because she’s that good! Whether it’s going in for cleaning/whitening or taking care of a cavity, I always have a great experience going here. I’ve never really enjoyed going to the doctor for anything, but I can honestly say I enjoy coming here for my yearly checkups. Dr. Brinda is very knowledgeable and extremely professional, and she goes out of her way to make people feel welcome and cared for. Highly highly recommend!
Ronald V.
Karen M.
David J.
Dan E.
Ms Lux
Dr. Brinda and her amazing office team are lovely; down to earth and outstandingly competent. Their main focus, I have no doubt from all of my visits, is their patient’s oral health. This team is professional and efficient, but also what we all want in a medical team of any sort, very knowledgeable. I truly appreciate all of the care and concern this office has offered me. This is truly a top notch team and one you can thoroughly entrust with your dental health. Thank you to you all.
Ty H.
Ty H.
Nathan C.
Angela P.
Leah K.
Sonya S.
Max P.
Jessica L.
Liv M.
Scott J.
Katherine G.
Calle S.
Beth S.
Tierra M.
Amy R.
Barbara F.
Katie M.
Myah W.
George M.
Barbara F.
Madison S.
I personally was shadowing Dr. Brinda's office for my Dental Hygienist Program, and it was an amazing experience! Dr.Brinda and her wonderful team are constantly working to make sure things are sterilized, wiped down, and organized for your visit! There was nobody sitting around, but everyone was helping other people out! Staff at Dr. Brinda's office was respectful, sweet and supportive! Dr. Brinda personally took time with patients, and treated them like a person, not just a patient. She asked recurring patients about an update on their personal lives from the patients last visit, and it was amazing to see the patients smile when she remembered. Overall, from someone who saw behind the scenes of this office, I would gladly come there to visit just to see the amazing work they do. I highly recommend Dr. Brinda's Office!
Rana Q.
Amy R.
Beth S.
Devin K.
Monica L.
Donald W.
Angela D.
Sebastian K.
Zara W.
Caleb M.
Amy S.
Matt W.
Chris L.
Efrain A.
My oldest started at 1 1/2 - 2 years old and now is 16. All are very happy with Dr. Brinda as well as the staff. Very caring and always explain what is going on when performing dental work beyond basic cleanings. Great attention to detail.
Susan R.
Dr. Brinda is friendly, caring and knowledgeable as are the staff. The atmosphere makes you feel at ease for any dental procedure.
Thanks to Dr. Brinda and all the staff.
Leah K.
Mark P.
I normally don’t make recommendations or write testimonials for services rendered. I expect and demand the highest patient care for my hard earned buck, period. I have been a patient for several years. Her team of professionals are exceeding my expectations regarding knowledge, kindness, skills, patient care, and my well being. Beginning from the initial phone call to schedule an appointment, through all of the facets of dental care provided, and processing the insurance payment, each employee earns a five star on my every visit.
Lauren S.
The most friendly staff I have ever seen in a dentist office! Dr Brinda was super knowledgeable about some underlying health conditions and my pregnancy and was super through and cautious! Say bye bye to any anxiety from dentistry work at this office it’s feels welcoming and homey and very clean.
