Adult Bruxism Treatment for Patients in Finchley

Seek treatment if bruxism consistently affects your daily life. You might wake with dull temple headaches, sore jaw muscles, or a pain that feels like an earache. If your partner hears grinding at night, that's a clear sign. Noticeable tooth wear, such as shorter, flatter, or chipped teeth, or increased sensitivity, also signals a need for care. Bruxism affects a notable portion of the UK population, so we are experienced in helping North London patients manage it.

Your path to managing bruxism begins with a 45 minute consultation. We discuss your symptoms, routines, and medical history to identify triggers like stress or sleep patterns. Dr. Reddy then performs a detailed exam of your teeth, gums, and jaw muscles, looking for wear and muscle tenderness. We may take digital images to document the current state of your teeth. If a custom night guard is advised, we take a precise digital scan or impression. Finally, we review the plan, costs, and schedule a fitting appointment 1 to 2 weeks later.

Over the counter guards exist, but a guard made for you offers better protection and comfort. We use durable materials that fit your teeth exactly, so it won’t slip or feel bulky. A precise fit protects teeth from grinding and can help relax the jaw muscles. For example, a 35-year-old from East Finchley found relief from tension headaches after using a custom splint, and a 58-year-old from Golders Green needed protection for new crowns from heavy grinding. His custom guard ensured long lasting protection for his restorative work.

This is the recovery and aftercare phase for bruxism management. In the first nights the guard may feel unfamiliar; that is normal and usually passes within about a week. Clean the night guard each morning with a soft toothbrush and cool water to prevent bacteria buildup. Store it in its protective case when not in use. Bring it to regular dental check-ups so we can check its condition and fit. Watch for cracks or if it becomes loose. If that happens, call us during office hours to schedule an assessment for possible adjustment or replacement.

In addition to a custom splint, we discuss supportive steps. Stress management techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or regular exercise can reduce the underlying cause of clenching. If misaligned teeth contribute to the problem, orthodontic options such as Invisalign may help in the long run. For more severe cases, muscle relaxant injections (Botox) can be used to weaken the jaw muscles, but we refer you to a specialist for this. We review all options during your consultation to find what fits your situation and lifestyle.

To choose what suits you, ask questions during your visit. Consider the material of the night guard and its expected durability, whether the price covers the consultation, impressions, fitting, and adjustments, signs that the guard needs replacement, any lifestyle changes you should make in addition to wearing the guard, whether the guard protects only the teeth or also helps with jaw pain, and whether private insurance such as Denplan or Cigna can help with the cost.

We price transparently. A custom night guard typically costs between £450 and £650 at our private practice. This includes impressions or digital scan, fabrication of the guard, and the final fitting. This is not an NHS service. We accept private plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of the cost. We provide a detailed, personalised quote at your initial visit with no hidden fees.