Teeth Grinding & Bruxism Treatment for North Finchley Patients

Many people do not realise they grind until a partner notices or symptoms appear. Book an assessment if you have dull, ongoing headaches, especially in the morning, or a tight or tired jaw. Other signs include flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth, or increased tooth pain and sensitivity. Grinding can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner. Research from the Oral Health Foundation shows up to 10 percent of UK adults are affected by bruxism, making it a common issue. Ignoring it risks serious dental damage, so early intervention matters.

Your treatment starts with a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley practice. We discuss symptoms, check teeth for wear, and assess jaw muscles. If a night guard fits your plan, we take precise digital scans of your teeth instead of messy impressions. These scans are used to craft a custom fit guard. About two weeks later you return for a 30 minute fitting. We ensure the guard fits well and feels comfortable, making any needed adjustments. A follow up is scheduled to review progress and symptom changes.

Adjusting to a night guard takes a little time, but most patients adapt within a few nights. The guard serves as a protective barrier, preventing contact between upper and lower teeth. It does not stop the grinding reflex itself but absorbs force and reduces wear. For aftercare, clean your guard each morning with a toothbrush and cool water to reduce bacteria. Store it in its case when not in use. Bring it to routine dental check ups so we can inspect for wear and ensure a proper fit. If you have issues or symptoms persist, call us during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5, Tue, Thu 11 to 7).

A custom made night guard from a dentist offers the strongest protection, but other options exist. Over the counter boil and bite guards are cheaper but tend to be bulky and ill fitting, and may worsen jaw problems. For bruxism linked to stress or anxiety, techniques such as meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy or regular exercise help address the root cause. A North Finchley patient found that using a custom night guard along with a calm evening routine produced the best results and morning headaches resolved. In rare cases when grinding stems from a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatment like Invisalign provides a long term solution. We discuss all suitable options with you.

To choose what fits you, stay informed. Whether you consult with us or another practice in North Finchley, ask these questions: What material is used for the night guard and how long should it last? Does the quoted price include the consultation, scans, fitting, and adjustments? What is the difference between a soft and a hard night guard, and which suits my situation? What are the next steps if the night guard does not resolve jaw pain? Do you check for signs of sleep apnoea linked to bruxism?

Pricing is clear. A custom made, laboratory fabricated night guard starts from £350. This fee covers the initial assessment, digital scans, the fitting, and the guard itself. There are no hidden charges. As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered, but we accept private dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please check with your provider about bruxism appliance coverage. We can provide the necessary documentation for your claim. One patient from North Finchley used Denplan to reduce treatment costs.