Technologies

Bruxism is a significant concern for restorative dentists and orofacial pain practitioners. Consequences of bruxism, if not addressed, can range from minor annoying tooth sensitivity, chronic pain and discomfort, to destruction of dentition and loss of masticatory function. Bruxism is excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching considered being an oral parafunctional activity. According to relevant literature, its prevalence ranges from 8–31% in the general population according to some studies, while other studies estimated only 10% of the population. Symptoms commonly associated with bruxism can range from hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles, headaches, tooth wear, to temporomandibular disorders, damage to dental restorations, and damage to teeth. This condition crosses many medical discipline boundaries. In some cases, patients may have minimal symptoms, therefore, it may continue to progress undiagnosed. Because many individuals may not be aware of the condition, there is an essential need for a test to rule in/out bruxism. Our invention will confirm if there is a positive diagnoses of bruxism which will lead to a proper treatment of choice for the patient, while a negative result will lead clinicians to proper referrals to seek out other possible etiologies.

Technology Overview

Dr. Shawn S. Adibi has developed a bruxnostic appliance that can be used by clinicians to screen, study, and diagnose the location of relevant pathalogical forces to guide in the decision making process to establish a proper course of treatment for patients.