Do you wake up with a sore jaw, feel tooth sensitivity, or have your partner mention you were making noise in your sleep again? You might not think much of it, but if you have dental crowns in Chicago, grinding your teeth threatens your investment.
At Dazzling Dentistry in Chicago and Arlington Heights, Dr. Margaret Radziszewski and Dr. Weronika Dabros see the damage that grinding causes every week. Patients come in with crowns that crack, chip, or come loose years before they should. The culprit is almost always bruxism.
Let’s talk about how grinding affects your crowns and what you can do to protect them.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding and clenching your teeth. It’s a condition where you squeeze or rub your teeth together, often without realizing it.
Bruxism can happen during the day or at night. Many people grind their teeth while they sleep. They may not realize it until a dentist notices the damage.
Some people clench their jaw when they’re stressed or focused. Others grind unconsciously during sleep. Either way, the forces are significant.
Research shows that people who grind their teeth can generate up to 250 pounds of force on their back teeth. That’s more than normal chewing, and it happens repeatedly, night after night.
How Grinding Damages Your Crowns
Your natural teeth have some microflexibility. They can absorb a certain amount of force. Crowns are different because they’re rigid. They don’t flex like natural teeth.
When you grind, you create forces that are much higher than normal chewing. These forces put stress on your crowns in ways they weren’t designed to handle.
Marginal Breakdown
The margin is where your crown meets your tooth at the gum line. It’s the most vulnerable part of any crown. Grinding creates micro-movement at this margin. Over time, that movement lets bacteria seep under the crown. This leads to secondary decay and eventually crown failure.
Cracks and Fractures
Grinding creates repetitive stress on your crowns. Each grinding cycle slightly flexes the tooth structure. Over thousands of cycles, this stress accumulates. Small cracks form. Then they spread. Eventually, the crown fractures.
Cement Failure
The cement that holds your crown in place can break down under constant grinding forces. When the cement fails, the crown becomes loose. If it’s not treated, the crown can come off completely.
Damage to the Underlying Tooth
Grinding doesn’t just affect the crown. It also stresses the tooth underneath. Extreme forces can fracture the underlying tooth. When that happens, you need to replace the entire restoration.
Dr. Radziszewski, who trained at the prestigious Dawson Academy, explains it simply. “A crown is only as strong as the tooth underneath it. If you grind, you’re putting stress on both. Eventually, something gives.”
The Timeline of Damage
The research shows that grinding quickly damages crowns. Without protection, cosmetic crowns in heavy grinders often fail within 5 to 7 years. Protected grinders can give the same crowns 10 to 15 years of service. That’s a significant difference. A night guard can double your crown’s lifespan.
For veneers, the numbers are even more striking. Veneers in unprotected heavy grinders routinely debond within 2 to 3 years. Protected or non-grinding patients get 7 to 10 years or more. Crowns are more durable than veneers, but they’re still vulnerable to grinding forces.
Signs You Might Be Grinding
Many people don’t know they grind their teeth. Here are the signs to watch for:
- Your teeth look flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose
- Your tooth enamel is worn down, exposing inner layers
- You have tooth pain or sensitivity
- Your jaw muscles feel tired or tight
- Your jaw pops or clicks
- You have jaw, neck, or face pain
- You wake up with dull headaches starting at your temples
- Your sleep partner mentions grinding noises
If you notice any of these signs, tell Dr. Radziszewski or Dr. Dabros at your next visit. They can check for signs of bruxism and recommend treatment.
How Dr. Radziszewski’s Training Helps
At Dazzling Dentistry, Dr. Radziszewski brings something most dentists don’t have. She’s Dawson-trained, having completed rigorous postgraduate education at the prestigious Dawson Academy.
The Dawson Academy teaches Complete Dentistry. This means looking at your whole chewing system, not just the tooth in isolation. Dr. Radziszewski evaluates how your bite functions, how your jaw joints align, and how forces distribute across your teeth.
Why does this matter for grinding?
Grinding often signals an underlying bite problem. The Dawson Academy teaches that bruxism can be related to malocclusion, airway issues, and other factors that affect the entire masticatory system. A dentist who only looks at the tooth will miss these root causes.
Dr. Radziszewski takes the time to get it right. She evaluates your bite before placing a crown, checks for signs of grinding and clenching, and ensures your new crown works in harmony with your entire mouth.
This level of care is rare. Most dentists place a crown and move on. Dr. Radziszewski’s Dawson training means she treats the cause.
How to Protect Your Crowns from Grinding
The good news is that you can protect your crowns. Here’s what Dr. Radziszewski and Dr. Dabros recommend.
Custom Night Guard
A custom night guard is your best defense against damage from grinding. It’s a slim, custom-made shield that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It cushions your bite, eases jaw tension, and protects your crowns from grinding forces.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all tray from the pharmacy. It’s shaped to your bite. Made from strong, comfortable material. You won’t notice it once it’s in.
Dr. Radziszewski will take a mold of your mouth. A week or two later, you’ll try it on. It should fit without slipping or poking. If something feels off, we can adjust it.
Stress Management
Grinding is often linked to stress and anxiety. Learning relaxation techniques can help. Meditation, yoga, and exercise can reduce stress levels. If stress is a major factor, talking to a mental health professional may help.
Jaw Relaxation Exercises
If you clench during the day, you can train your jaw to relax. Dr. Radziszewski or Dr. Dabros can show you the proper mouth and jaw position. Set reminders throughout the day to check your jaw position.
Bite Adjustment
Sometimes the underlying issue is a slightly off bite. Dr. Radziszewski can evaluate your bite and make adjustments if needed. This helps distribute forces evenly and reduces the stress on your crowns.
What to Expect at Dazzling Dentistry
If you have crowns and you grind your teeth, here’s what happens at our Chicago or Arlington Heights office:
- Your Consultation: Dr. Radziszewski or Dr. Dabros will examine your teeth and crowns. They’ll look for signs of grinding, like flattened surfaces or worn enamel. They’ll check your jaw muscles and joints. They’ll ask about your sleep habits and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
- Bite Evaluation: They’ll evaluate your bite. They’ll check how your teeth come together and how forces are distributed. If they find problems, they’ll explain what they found and what to do.
- Custom Night Guard: If a night guard is right for you, they’ll take impressions of your teeth. They’ll make a custom guard to fit your mouth precisely. When it’s ready, you’ll try it on, and they’ll make any needed adjustments.
- Follow-Up Care: They’ll check your night guard and your crowns at your regular checkups. They’ll make sure everything is working properly. If adjustments are needed, they’ll take care of them.
Serving Chicago, Arlington Heights, and Beyond
Dazzling Dentistry has two convenient locations to serve you.
Our Chicago office is located at 6941 W. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. We proudly serve patients from Garfield Ridge, West Lawn, Archer Heights, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Our Arlington Heights office is located at 102 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60005. We serve patients from Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mount Prospect, and surrounding communities.
We also serve a large Polish community as well. Many of our team members speak Polish, so you can feel comfortable communicating in the language you prefer.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you grind your teeth and have crowns, don’t wait for damage to happen. A custom night guard can protect your investment and help you avoid expensive repairs.
Call Dazzling Dentistry at (872) 276-8546 to schedule a visit, or request an appointment online anytime. Dr. Radziszewski, Dr. Dabros, and our caring team are ready to help you protect your smile.