Teeth Grinding and Teeth Clenching

Teeth Grinding and Teeth Clenching refers to the unnatural gnashing of your upper and lower teeth together. Did you know your teeth should only be in contact with each other while swallowing? However, most people engage in some level of grinding and clenching. Since teeth are not able to withstand the constant force and abrasion, they are likely to become shorter, sensitive, decayed and cracked. It can also invite muscle pain in and around your mouth, as well as headaches, migraines and neck strains. We at Midway Dental Clinic are here to help.

Midway Dental Clinic Is A Fully Accredited Practice

What are the causes of Teeth Grinding and Teeth Clenching?

The causes include but are not limited to:

How do we treat Teeth Grinding and Teeth Clenching?

With any issues, it is important to understand the cause. We will take the time to understand the potential reasons as to why you grind or clench and recommend certain treatments and modalities to reduce the risk.

A common form of treatment is a provision of a night-guard or splint. This is made of hard acrylic and is worn over the biting surfaces of your upper or lower teeth usually while you sleep. It acts as a physical barrier to withstand the grinding forces.It is important to note a night-guard or splint does not prevent teeth grinding or clenching but works only to withstand it.

However, in cases where snoring or sleep apnoea is the cause of grinding, a specialised night-guard known as a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) is recommended.

Muscle-relaxant injections into specific facial muscle groups has also proven to greatly reduce the severity with which we grind or clench our teeth. This is attributed to the muscle-relaxant properties of these injections which reduce the tension within muscles used to grind or clench.

Our clinic is well-trained in both splint therapy and muscle-relaxant injections for issues related to teeth grinding and teeth clenching with many of our patients opting for either treatment from our team.

How is a night-guard or splint made?

The process is very simple. Your dentist will either take accurate moulds or digital scans of your mouth so a specific and comfortable night-guard or splint can be designed. A splint will usually require 2 appointments (1-2 weeks apart).