Nocturnal teeth grinding or bruxism is an involuntary pressure disorder that occurs between the upper and lower teeth during sleep. This repeated pressure can lead to structural damage and tooth decay and increases the risk of fracture especially when using laminate and dental veneers. **prevalence of teeth grinding at night** Studies show that bruxism in the general population is reported between 8 and 31%. This rate is higher in people under high stress or suffering from sleep disorders and increases the tendency to damage enamel surfaces and dental restorations. **The main causes of bruxism (teeth grinding)** Occurrence of teeth grinding at night is usually associated with the following factors: - Chronic stress and anxiety - Lack of proper alignment of the upper and lower jaw - Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea Unconscious oral habits, these factors all increase the pressure on dental restorations by applying unbalanced force. ### **severe effect on tooth enamel** Excessive pressure from bruxism or teeth grinding can lead to the creation of microcracks and wear of tooth enamel. This continuous erosion increases the sensitivity of the tooth and makes the internal structure vulnerable, which is the basis for fracture in the laminate and veneer. ### **Tooth laminate and its vulnerability** Ceramic laminate is a thin coating to correct the color, shape and size of teeth. This layer is highly resistant to extreme pressures, but in the face of night grinding, the possibility of cracking or completely separating it from the tooth enamel surface increases. Small cracks first form under the surface of the laminate and with continued pressure, they lead to complete fracture. ### **Tooth coating and fracture factors** **Dental cover** is a cover to restore the function and beauty of the tooth. Excessive force of bruxism can gradually cause a chronic fracture under the ceramic or metal structure of the veneer. These fractures are often created at the border between the veneer and dental adhesive, and if left untreated, it leads to the need to completely replace the veneer. **Measures to prevent and control teeth grinding at night** Teeth grinding at night (bruxism) is an involuntary and frequent pressure that can lead to tooth enamel wear, jaw muscle pain and temporomandibular joint injuries. 1. **prevention** To reduce the possibility of bruxism, it is necessary to control the irritating factors and provide suitable conditions for sleep and oral health. - Stress management with meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, yoga or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - Correcting the sleeping pattern: setting a fixed sleeping time, dimming the light and noise in the room - Examination and adjustment of occlusion (alignment of teeth) by the dentist to eliminate unbalanced contact points 2. **Using mouth guard at night** Custom-made night guards, based on precise jaw molding, evenly distribute the pressure caused by teeth grinding and protect tooth enamel and veneers. - Soft or semi-hard material for comfort during sleep - Annual replacement or adjustment based on jaw changes - Continuous use during all nights of sleep 3. **Dental and medical interventions** If symptoms or severe pain persist, a combination of the following methods will greatly aid healing and control - Periodic examinations and scaling to evaluate wear and gum health - Physiotherapy of the jaw joint including massage of trigger points, stretching exercises and ultrasound - Electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to reduce masticatory muscle spasms - Botox injection in the master and temporal muscles to reduce excessive activity 4. **Modification of lifestyle** Daily habits can increase or decrease the severity of bruxism. The following changes help control muscle tension - Reducing or eliminating the use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco - Avoid chewing gum and hard objects (ice, pen) during the day - Regular exercise to drain energy and balance hormones - Maintaining a healthy weight and preventing breathing disorders in sleep **Care after installing laminate and coating** - ### **primary care in the first 48 hours** In the first 48 hours after bonding the laminate or installing the cover, you should avoid putting too much pressure on the teeth. A soft diet consisting of mild heat foods and soft salts is the best choice to prevent cracking or displacement of the bonding. - ### **daily oral and dental hygiene** Continue brushing with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste in the morning and at night to keep your ceramic or composite surfaces scratch-free. Dental floss and water floss help remove plaque between the teeth and prevent bacteria from accumulating on the edges of the laminate or veneer. - ### **avoidance of destructive habits** The habit of chewing gum or hard objects such as ice, pen tip, and fingernails can put pressure on the edges and cause the lip to fill or peel off. If you grind your teeth or grind your teeth, get a suitable night guard so that the pressure of the jaw muscles is not transferred directly to the laminate.