What it is
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth) are two of the most common causes of jaw pain, headaches and dental wear. They often go hand in hand: the tension from bruxism overloads the joint that connects the jaw to the skull.
How it’s treated
The most common solution is a custom night guard, made with a digital scan to fit your bite precisely. It’s worn while you sleep and distributes bite force evenly, protecting the enamel from wear and relaxing the jaw muscles.
When to come in
If you notice pain on waking, clicking when opening your mouth, or your partner mentions you grind your teeth at night, it’s worth having a check-up within general dentistry. The sooner it’s brought under control, the less wear builds up on your teeth. It’s related to sports dentistry, where bite balance also affects physical performance.
- Pain or clicking in the jaw joint when chewing or yawning
- Frequent headaches on waking, or visible wear on the teeth
- Grinding or clenching teeth during the night (bruxism)
What the process looks like
- Bite assessment Examination of the temporomandibular joint and analysis of the bite to identify the cause of the pain or wear.
- Scanning and guard design Intraoral scan to make a custom night guard that distributes bite force evenly.
- Fitting and follow-up Try-in of the guard and adjustments at follow-up visits to make sure it does its job without discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wear the night guard for life?
In many cases yes, especially if the bruxism is linked to stress, but in others use can be reduced once the wear and pain are under control. We assess this at follow-up visits.
Is there a cure for bruxism?
Bruxism itself doesn't always go away, but its consequences can be controlled: the guard protects the teeth from wear and eases muscle and joint tension.
Is a sports mouthguard the same as a night guard?
No. A sports mouthguard absorbs external impacts during sport; a night guard is worn at night to protect against the force of your own bite.