Bruxism and TMJ Treatment in London, Ontario
RELIEVE JAW PAIN AND TEETH GRINDING
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep or periods of stress. Over time, excessive pressure can wear down tooth enamel, strain the jaw muscles, and affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Left untreated, bruxism may lead to tooth damage, facial discomfort, headaches, and changes in your bite.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce these effects while protecting your teeth and supporting healthy jaw function.
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
Bruxism can affect both your teeth and jaw muscles. Common signs include:
- Flattened or worn biting surfaces of the teeth.
- Teeth appearing shorter due to excessive wear.
- V shaped defects near the gumline (abfractions).
- Receding gums around affected teeth.
- Tenderness in the jaw or facial muscles.
- Frequent headaches.
- Enlarged jaw muscles caused by clenching.
- Pain or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth.
Bruxism and TMJ Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to each patient's individual symptoms and the underlying cause of their bruxism. Following a comprehensive examination, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:
Patient education and habit awareness.
Stress reduction and self regulation techniques.
Custom night guards or bite splints.
Medications when appropriate.
Bite adjustment when indicated.
Botox® therapy for selected patients.
Physiotherapy and supportive therapies.
Night Guards and Bite Splints
Custom night guards and bite splints are among the most effective treatments for managing bruxism and reducing the effects of teeth grinding and clenching. These custom made appliances are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth while protecting them from excessive wear and helping reduce strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, a bite splint may also help improve jaw positioning, reduce muscle tension, and support a more balanced bite. For patients experiencing headaches, facial muscle soreness, or TMJ discomfort related to bruxism, a custom appliance can provide significant relief while protecting the teeth from further damage.
Our dentists will carefully evaluate your bite, oral health, and symptoms to determine the most appropriate type of night guard or bite splint for your individual needs. Personalized treatment helps protect your smile while supporting long term comfort, function, and oral health.
Types of Bite Splints
Westmount Dental Office offers different types of bite splints depending on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Traditional Night Guard (Michigan Splint)
A full coverage hard acrylic appliance designed to protect teeth, stabilize the jaw, and reduce muscle activity. This is one of the most commonly recommended treatment options for long term management of bruxism.
Anterior Bite Plane
A splint that covers the front teeth and helps reduce muscle activity by separating the back teeth during function. It may be recommended for selected cases of muscle related jaw discomfort.
Mini Anterior Bite Plane (Lucia Jig)
A small appliance that contacts only a few front teeth and may provide rapid relief from muscle pain, headaches, or TMJ discomfort. It is generally intended for short term use.
Anterior Repositioning Appliance
Designed to guide the lower jaw into a different position when specific TMJ conditions are present. This appliance is generally used for limited periods under close professional supervision.
Posterior Bite Plane
An appliance used in selected restorative cases to help establish proper jaw position before comprehensive dental treatment involving worn teeth.
Pivot Appliance
Used in specific TMJ conditions to reduce pressure within the jaw joint and support symptom management.
Soft & Hydrostatic Splints
Soft splints may be appropriate for mild grinding or clenching, while hydrostatic appliances are recommended only for selected clinical situations based on individual assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bruxism?
Bruxism may be associated with stress, anxiety, sleep habits, bite changes, or other factors. During your examination, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Can a night guard stop teeth grinding?
A custom night guard cannot completely stop the grinding habit, but it helps protect your teeth from damage while reducing pressure on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. It is one of the most effective treatments for managing the effects of bruxism.
What is the difference between a night guard and a bite splint?
A night guard is one type of bite splint used primarily to protect teeth from grinding. Bite splints may also be designed to reposition the jaw, reduce muscle activity, or help manage specific TMJ conditions depending on the patient's diagnosis.
When should I seek treatment for jaw pain?
If you experience persistent jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, facial muscle tenderness, or clicking and popping in your jaw, it is important to schedule a dental evaluation. Early treatment can help prevent further tooth wear and reduce discomfort before symptoms worsen.
