Will tracks help grinding?

[Beni]

My son is 14 years son has ground his canine teeth down quite badly.
The dentist feels it is important to put tracks in to shift the jaw and ease the pressure of the grinding.
Is this a necessary procedure and are there other options?

 

[MattKW]

By "tracks" do you mean braces?

 

[Beni]

By "tracks" do you mean braces?

Yes

 

[DocT]

If your son grinds his teeth to the level of destruction, this activity is related to an excessive, spastic and potentially harmful activity of chewing muscles and braces are not going to stop / prevent this process. But from the information you provided, if only canines are showing a signs of wear, most likely it is not related to muscle’s parafunction - grinding - but rather traumatic teeth position. Your dentist suggested braces to move your son’s teeth into more favorable position and away from heavy contacts.

 

[MattKW]

I wonder if you are talking about his baby canines? Any photos?

 

[Beni]

No it’s his adult canines. Thanks for the advise DocT

 

[MattKW]

I would be extremely surprised to see teens wear down their canines to the point of concern. And trying to adjust his chewing pattern by braces for this reason appears strange and unnecessary. Canines are adapted to take lots of shearing forces (canine guidance). Any photos?