Professional Teeth Grinding Treatment in Finchley

Seek professional treatment if you regularly experience bruxism symptoms. Many people do not realise they grind until a dentist notes signs or a partner hears it at night. Book an assessment if you have persistent morning headaches or a dull ache in the jaw muscles. Other clear signs include flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth and increased tooth sensitivity. A clicking or popping sound in the temporomandibular joint indicates strain from grinding. We provide a definite diagnosis at our Finchley practice and prevent further damage.

The process focuses on relief. First, a 30 minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and examine wear and tenderness. If a custom mouthguard is advised, we take a precise digital scan or impression of your teeth. This creates a durable fitted night guard. About 1-2 weeks later, you return for a 15 minute fitting to check fit and make minor adjustments. Finally, we schedule a follow-up to ensure the guard reduces your symptoms.

Getting used to the night guard takes a few nights. You may notice more saliva at first, which usually settles. For aftercare, clean the guard each morning with a soft toothbrush and cool water to prevent bacteria. Store it in its case in a cool, dry place. Bring the guard to every dental check-up so we can check for wear. A well cared-for guard can last several years. Red flags requiring a call: contact us during office hours if the guard feels loose, causes sharp pain, or changes your bite significantly. For severe medical emergencies out of hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

A custom mouthguard remains the most common and effective way to prevent wear from grinding, but other approaches help manage underlying causes. For stress related bruxism, mindfulness, meditation, or seeing a therapist can be effective. Physiotherapy helps relieve muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. If grinding comes from a misaligned bite, minor tooth adjustments or orthodontic treatment might be considered. Nevertheless, a protective night guard stays the first line to stop tooth wear immediately. We discuss all suitable options during your consultation in Finchley.

To make an informed choice, focus on questions for any dentist, whether you see us or another practice in North London. Start with the material of the night guard: soft, hard acrylic, or a dual-laminate, as this affects comfort and durability. Ask about the expected lifespan and the warranty. Clarify the total cost, including the consultation, impressions, fitting, and follow-up adjustments. Finally ask what happens if the guard is uncomfortable or if symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of use.

A custom-made mouthguard to treat teeth grinding costs between £300 and £500 at our private practice. This is a single fee that covers your initial assessment, digital scans or impressions, fabrication, and the final fitting. There are no hidden fees. A custom guard helps prevent more costly future work like crowns or root canals. This treatment is not offered on the NHS. We accept private insurance from Denplan, Max Bupa, and Cigna. Check with your insurer about bruxism coverage.