Bruxism: Suggestions for Affordable Treatment?

Last Updated: Feb 18, 2008

Dr. B. asks:
I have a patient in his late thirties who has an edentulous maxilla and near full complement of mandibular teeth. He is a severe night time bruxer and has a gag reflex. I fear if I place dental implants and make a u- shaped overdenture his bruxing will destroy the implants. I have considered custom abutments with attachments â€“ ERA or Locators â€“ but this is very expensive. I would appreciate it if anyone has some helpful suggestions to assist my patient. Thanks.

8 Comments on Bruxism: Suggestions for Affordable Treatment?

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Rhodesback

02/21/2008

Why not instruct him to remove the overdenture / appliance at night; no teeth, no bruxism or provide him with an appropriate occlusal guard.

Ken Clifford, DDS

02/21/2008

When we do this type of case with mini implants, we just take an impression of the arch with implants, place analogs in the impression and pour, then construct a "suck-down" heavy vinyl mouthguard material and trim it in a u-shape so it covers only the six implants. Works great, almost free if you do it yourself, and patients love it (even non-bruxers)

Regenr8r

02/26/2008

A tissue supported/implant retained upper denture is probably the best option (AKA implant overdenture) with 2-4 implants. This way it can be removed at night. A soft custom athletic guard can be worn over the mandibular teeth if trauma to the maxillary anterior ridge becomes a problem. An implant supported/retained upper FPD (hybrid) is probably not a good option b/c the bruxism may create biomechanical and prosthetic failure issues.

Regenr8r

02/26/2008

Also if you have adequate retention on 3-4 maxillary implants I have seen successful cases where some of the palate can be removed from the overdenture combined with metal reinforcement.

Micki Gelb DDS

02/27/2008

Bruxing is a complication of structural, insufficient nasal & intra-oral space limitations leading to functional breathing deficiencies and neuro-muscular Mandibular response. What to do? Consider using implants to anchor orthopedic appliances and orthopedically develop (dimensional increase) of maxillary structure, than followed by sufficient neuro-muscular vertical dimension when completing the bite relation.

JasonL

02/28/2008

I prefer the idea about the guard attached to the implants. Get anterior stops! Dr. Gelb - I wasn't aware that the source of bruxing had been discovered. Can you point me to some literature supporting your assertion? Thanks, Jason

Nailesh Gandhi

08/10/2009

Bruxim is the most common reason for implant failure.Many a times patient donot tell the truth.Still if it is found by thorogh history taking and clinical examination,patient must be informed of possible complications.Night guard will be very helpful in case they are fixed.Or else overdenture to be removed at night is a good option.Increase the number of implants in such cases.A bar will be excellent in maxillary case.

Dental2010

12/03/2010

hi, the information was quite helpful.its true that patients don't tell the truth...

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