Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) Treatment for Finchley Central

Seek treatment for bruxism if you notice persistent symptoms that affect your daily life. It is not just about noise at night; the physical effects can be significant. Key indicators include waking with a dull headache or a sore jaw, hearing a clicking or popping in the jaw joint, or noticing that your teeth look shorter or feel more sensitive over time. The Oral Health Foundation notes up to 10% of UK adults may suffer from bruxism. If your partner reports grinding sounds while you sleep, or you find yourself clenching your jaw during the day when stressed, it is a good time for a professional assessment. We help patients from Finchley Central and across North London diagnose these signs and prevent long term damage.

Your treatment journey begins with a thorough 45 minute consultation. We discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to understand triggers like stress or sleep issues. Then we examine your teeth for signs of wear, your jaw muscles for tenderness, and your bite alignment. If a custom splint is advised, we use a digital 3D scanner to take precise impressions of your teeth, a quick process that takes about 15 minutes. This digital model is sent to a lab to fabricate your custom fitted night guard. Finally, you return for a 20 minute fitting in about 1–2 weeks to ensure the splint is comfortable and to provide instructions on how to use it.

Wearing a night guard can feel unusual at first, but most patients adjust within a week. You may notice more saliva initially, which eases soon. The guard is designed to be slim and comfortable. For long term care, rinse your guard with cool water after each use and clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and soap. Store it in its protective case in a safe place away from heat. Bring your splint to regular dental check ups so we can inspect wear. If you experience persistent discomfort or feel your bite changing, call our practice during office hours to schedule an adjustment. Do not attempt to adjust the guard yourself.

A dentist made splint offers superior protection and comfort. Fabricated from durable acrylic based on a 3D scan of your teeth, it fits perfectly, stays in place, and does not interfere with breathing. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are cheaper at first but are often bulky, fit poorly, and can worsen jaw problems if they do not provide a balanced bite. A Finchley Central patient who tried a chemist guard found it worsened his jaw ache; a custom splint resolved his pain within a week. For long term care, a professionally fitted device is the safest and most effective choice.

While a night guard protects teeth, addressing the root cause matters. For stress related bruxism, techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help. Physiotherapy can release tension in the jaw and neck muscles. We also recommend avoiding chewing gum and hard foods that overwork the jaw. During your consultation we discuss these lifestyle adjustments as part of a complete management plan.

The price of a custom made bruxism splint is given at your initial consultation. The fee covers the examination, digital scans, fabrication of the device, and the final fitting. There are no hidden charges. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment, and our team will help you understand your coverage for this type of treatment.

To choose what fits you best, ask these questions whether you see us or another Finchley area practice: What material is the night guard made from, is it soft or hard and why is that type best for me, how long should I expect the night guard to last with your level of grinding, does the quoted price include the consultation, scans, and fitting, what is your policy if the guard needs minor adjustments after fitting, and will this guard protect teeth or also help with jaw pain?