Teeth grinding and clenching, technically called bruxism, is a common problem. Some people find themselves clenching their jaws or grinding their teeth during the day under stress. However, for others, bruxism occurs during sleep when they are not conscious of the habit.
Chronic bruxism can lead to a number of complications, particularly sleep bruxism, chipped, cracked or worn teeth, damaged tooth restorations, headaches, and facial and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. But can teeth grinding change your face shape or make you age faster? In this article, we will answer these questions.
Can Grinding Teeth Change Your Face Shape?
It may sound surprising, but grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw can change your face shape. What is the connection between bruxism and your jawline? Teeth clenching and grinding work the masticatory muscles, including the masseter muscle, which attaches to the cheekbone and lower jaw, and the temporalis muscle on the side of the head.
Due to overuse of bruxism, the masseter and temporalis muscles become stronger and more prominent, just as other muscles in the body do in response to exercise. This enlargement, called hypertrophy, can lead to a square chin that looks undefined and stereotypically “masculine”.
Besides an angular jawline, bruxism can also alter your face shape by giving it a swollen appearance and adding volume to the cheek area.
Can Bruxism Make You Look Older?
Unfortunately yes. According to reviews, repetitive facial expressions that occur when grinding teeth or clenching the jaw are the culprit behind premature aging of the lower face.
Teeth grinding shortens the teeth as the enamel wears off, which contributes to changes in your facial appearance. In extreme cases, sustained biting force, and sometimes even tooth loss as a result, causes loss of jawbone and subsequent facial sagging as the lower third of the face loses its support and volume.
Can changes in your facial appearance due to bruxism be reversed?
To some extent, they can. Receiving a teeth grinding and clenching treatment will prevent bruxism from causing further changes in your face shape and reduce the appearance of overworked chewing muscles. For stress-induced clenching and grinding, managing stress will go a long way in keeping the habit under control.
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, it may be harder to stop. To treat sleep bruxism and reverse facial shape changes, you may need:
.Night Plaque
A night guard is similar to an athletic gear, but cushions against grinding forces and also helps relax facial muscles. The dentist can create a special guard that will protect your teeth from wear and cause it to shrink as you contract your masseter muscle less frequently.
.Masseter Muscle Botox
The popularity of masseter muscle botox has increased considerably today. Botox temporarily blocks the nerves from signaling the muscle to contract. Eventually, the masseter muscle atrophies and the face becomes thinner. However, you will need to have regular Botox injections to maintain results, which can be expensive.
.TMJ Disorder Treatment
Often times, bruxism and TMJ disorders go hand in hand. One of the treatments applied is the approved, special ear inserts that fit comfortably and almost invisible in your ear canals. The devices support TMJs, reducing pain and promoting healing. They also relieve pressure on chewing muscles and help stop bruxism by providing cognitive awareness of squeaking. As teeth grinding and jaw clenching decrease and the muscles relax, the jaw will appear less square.
.Cosmetic Dentistry
If facial shape changes due to jaw clenching and grinding are due to eroded enamel, your aesthetic dentist can restore the shape, length, and appearance of your teeth with treatments such as veneers or cosmetic dental crowns. This will make you look younger.
.Orthodontic Treatment
A misaligned bite can actually make you more susceptible to bruxism. In these cases, it will be useful to have braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth and improve your bite, to stop grinding and harmonize your facial features. .Dental Implants
Finally, facial sagging due to tooth and bone loss due to bruxism can be removed with dental implants and, if necessary, bone grafting. A specialist dentist will evaluate your teeth, jaw and facial structure and recommend the most suitable type of implant for your needs. Dental implants will support your lower face, lift it up and give it a youthful volume.
Worried About a Change in Face Shape Due to Jaw Clenching or Teeth Grinding?
If you are concerned about premature aging or changes in your face shape and jawline due to bruxism, be sure to visit your dentist. General dentists and a team of specialists can diagnose and treat bruxism in one practice to help you relax and restore your appearance.
