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Maryville, TN 37804
16
Nov
Addressing Bruxism with Oral Appliance Therapy
Bruxism is a unique condition that causes clenching and grinding that can damage the natural teeth and cause extensive issues. With Dr. William F. Proffitt of Proffitt Dentistry, you can not only get a proper diagnosis of bruxism but also discuss oral appliance therapy with our team.
What is bruxism?
Dr. William F. Proffitt of Maryville, Tennessee, describes bruxism as an unconscious grinding of the teeth. It is generally caused by stress, anxiety, anger, or frustration but can also result from misaligned teeth or a sleep disorder. It often occurs when patients sleep, making it hard for them to control and manage it.
Why is bruxism problematic for patients?
Grinding of the teeth can lead to serious damage, such as eroded enamel, chipped teeth, jaw ache, and headaches. It is often associated with other conditions, such as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. When a dentist diagnoses bruxism, it is essential that patients start to find solutions to reduce the issue and protect their smiles. This often leads patients to seek oral appliance therapy.
What is oral appliance therapy for bruxism?
Dr. William F. Proffitt will often suggest oral appliance therapy for patients with bruxism, which is one way to alleviate the issue of damaged teeth within the smile. Oral appliance therapy uses a mouthguard-like device that patients wear when they sleep. It is made of cushioning, professional-grade plastic, or acrylic that fits over the dental arch and allows patients to reduce damage to the smile when clenching and grinding occurs.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (865) 432-0804 | Existing Patients: (865) 982-2421 REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
How do I find out if I am a good candidate for oral appliance therapy for bruxism?
The best way to learn more about oral appliance therapy for bruxism is to speak to a professional in the Maryville, TN, area. Dr. William F. Proffitt and his team encourage patients to consider the advantages of protecting their smile from damage if clenching and grinding continue to be problematic.
Call (865) 432-0804 to request an appointment at the office and start learning more about your options. He is pleased to serve patients in Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Seymour, Tellico, Alcoa, Vonore, Lenoir City, and Madisonville, TN.
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Dr. William Proffitt
Dr. William Proffitt earned his business degree in transportation from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Then, he decided to pursue a career in dentistry and attended the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis. Later, he returned home to Maryville and joined his uncle in practice. After four years, he took over the practice and continues to serve patients in the community. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, and the Second District Dental Association. Other affiliations include the Pierre Fauchard Academy, International College of Dentists, and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. He has completed advanced studies at the Pankey Institute in Florida and the Alleman-Deliperi Centers for training in biomimetic dentistry in Salt Lake City and Italy. His passion is educating patients about the latest developments in conservative restorative dentistry.
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