I'm just curious? I just recently was told I need some sort of bracket made for my grinding my teeth. I have 2 cracked teeth because of it.. How common is this?

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Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like. - Will Rogers

I grind my teeth, not as badly as I did when I was younger. I have never cracked a tooth, but I do have a bad case of TMJ and the enamel on my teeth is worn down.

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I have TMJ also. Not really sure if I grind my teeth at night, but I do catch myself doing it during the day sometimes when I am really frustrated. I have to go to the dentist in 2 1/2 weeks to get a crown for a cracked tooth. My portion will be $835 (and I have insurance)!

You can buy something called a Night Guard for your teeth. I know they sell them at Wal-Mart now. I'm not sure how much they cost, but it might be worth it to give that a try before you buy something really expensive from your dentist. Several years ago, my dentist mentioned that I might want to try one of them, but I don't think they were sold over the counter at that time. He said that it would cost me close to $300 to buy it from him and that there was only a 50/50 chance it would work for me. Needless to say, I didn't get it, especially since I think I grind my teeth more during the day. I just try to be more aware of it and stop when I am doing it. I know I was doing a lot of it a few months ago when my DD was colicky.

did either of you get the night brace made for when you sleep?

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Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like. - Will Rogers

We own a denture Laboratory and used to make night guards quite often. My DH started telling clients about the ones you can get over the counter, which are cheaper and pretty much the same thing. Our night guard business has dropped off. We still make them, but my DH hates to since he knows they can buy them for so much cheaper

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I do. I have to wear a mouth brace at night. It's not totally bad but if it's dry (like in the winter), I choke when I wear it so I don't wear it all the time. I ground down part of a molar and ended up with a root canal (UGH). Problem is, insurance didn't cover the cost of the guard but will cover the work done if you don't wear one. I still don't get that?

I tried an over the counter one and it was horrid and hurt. Mine is made off my mouth mold

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

I too have a special made one, which I prefer over the ones you can by at the store, I've had many crowns and root canals over grinding my teeth at night!

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Kristie
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still wear one being wearing them since a child and I still have very small teeth and getting smaller but no special dentist problems from it.

I was at the dentist recently because my jaw was killing me when I opened it. They told me I have TMJ too, and recommended a night-guard. It wasn't too too bad. I think after insurance and all, I payed $64 for it. I like it, because I know it specifically fits my mouth. They took a mold of my mouth before it was made. The ones at the store fit everyone - hmmm....makes me wonder if they really work! So, I feel like the $64 was well spent, and since I have been wearing it (at night only), my mouth feels way better. I can now open it wide enough to eat a sandwich! HTH

I have been wearing one for years. Get one made by the dentist, not the store ones. Mine with insurance was only $24. Well worth it as I have cracked several crowns from grinding. The "soft" plastic ones are better. I have a "hard" plastic one also and prefer the "soft" plastic one. My dentist even gave me the mold to my mouth so if I grind thru the nightguard, I can just get a new one made for cost. He said the main cost is for the mold to make the nightguard, not the actual nightguard itself.

thanks for all the advice!!

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Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like. - Will Rogers

The bracket sucks-nuff said. They can not get mine to fit right. It is the hard one instead of the soft one if that makes any difference. It sits on my night stand because it just wont stay. I almost choked on it one night- so I have given up.

Developed tmj after having my wisedom tooth pulled. My jaw clicks every time I open my mouth/chew

I have one of the hard plastic night guards - I wear it half a night - for some reason I always spit it out while I am sleeping - but at least I try ..... Insurance said it was covered when I got it done but now they are refusing to cover it. I think it helps- I don't have the same pain as much anymore.....really only when I eat stuff repeatedly - like chips.

My huband grinds his teeth every night and it keeps me up. I just bought a plastic night guard on ebay for $6 with shipping. They are $24.99 at Rite Aid. It just came in the mail so I am making him wear it tonight. Lets hope it works!

I had a bad case of tmj about 10 years ago. I was under a tremendous amount of stress holding down a job that I really didn't like, while handling my baby and toddler like a single mom. My husband had taken a job out of state, so for 6 long months, life was hard for me. Anyway, I would wake up with a very sore jaw, and could only open my mouth about half way. My jaw also clicked when I opened it too much. After my stressful situation improved, I don't think I would grind at night anymore.

Definitely get a nightguard, but also look at the stresses that may be adding to it.

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I have TMJ also. I too have to made by the dentist mouth gaurd. I wear more when I notice that I am waking up with headaches... I wear it about 10 times a month now.

I hate that insurance did not cover the guard but will other stuff..... makes no sense

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I apparently gring my teeth at night. I wouldn't know it without my dentist and husband telling me! My husband said that it is loud when I do. I too wear a night guard that was fit by my dentist. It was not covered by insurance, and quit expensive.

(I started grinnding when I was pregnant.)

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Tamra
Mommy to 3 1/2 Year Old Colby & 7 year old Blake !