Veteran Dental Care (DVA) and Bruxism Treatment
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is referred to as involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth and can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism). Awake bruxism is commonly associated with stress, anxiety, or tension, while sleep bruxism could be related to a sleep-related movement disorder.
Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
Grinding or clenching of teeth, often audible during sleep.
Wear and damage to the tooth enamel.
Jaw pain or tightness.
Headaches, especially upon waking.
Increased tooth sensitivity.
Disrupted sleep patterns
The exact cause of bruxism is not clear, but can be related to factors such as stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders. Treatment options can include usage of a dental splint or mouthguard, stress management techniques, and addressing underlying factors contributing to bruxism.
Where can I go to treat for bruxism?
At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we can assist in helping to assess the severity of your bruxism and discuss a treatment plan that is tailored to suit your needs.
If you suffer from bruxism, contact us at 02 955 8988 or email us at info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to book a consultation today.
Am I eligible for Veteran (DVA) dental care?
DVA and Bruxism
Who is Eligible?
Access to dental treatment for bruxism depends on whether you are a Veteran Gold Card or Veteran White Card holder.
For Veteran Gold Card holders: covers all conditions including the dental consequences of bruxism. Some restrictions may apply
Veteran White Card holders:
only allows you to receive treatment for your accepted condition. Access to dental treatment depends on you having an accepted dental condition.
White Card holders WITH an accepted dental condition are eligible to receive dental treatment for the dental consequences of their Bruxism. Some restrictions may apply and these are described in the section below.
White Card holders WITHOUT an accepted dental condition are not eligible to access dental treatment for cracked, broken or worn teeth due to their bruxism. In this case, you will need to submit a new claim for acceptance of a dental condition to access the program.
The only exception to this is that you may be eligible for provision of a mouth guard (occlusal splint) to address bruxism if it is an accepted condition on your White Card. You should seek advice from your medical practitioner regarding the need for a mouth guard.
Dental Care Program for Veteran (DVA)
What is covered by DVA’s Dental Program?
Eligible clients have access to a comprehensive list of dental services including:
preventive treatment e.g. examinations/check ups and cleaning
simple treatment such as fillings and extractions
complex treatment such as crowns, bridges, implants and dentures
emergency treatment following unforeseen injuries
Program eligibility is based on Veteran Card type:
Gold Card holders are entitled to treatment of all dental conditions
White Card holders are only eligible for treatment of their accepted dental condition or the dental consequences of cancer treatment.