Teeth Grinding Treatment for Adults in Finchley Central

Most people do not realise they grind at night. The signs become clear once you know what to look for. Seek professional advice if you have a persistent morning headache, an aching jaw or tense facial muscles. Your teeth may look flat or worn, or show small chips. Increased tooth sensitivity is common. A partner may notice grinding sounds too. In the UK, about 8 to 10 percent of people have sleep bruxism, a common issue among Finchley Central and North London patients.

Getting a custom night guard is a simple two visit process. The first appointment, about 30 minutes, covers a thorough discussion of your symptoms and a check for wear. We take precise digital scans of your teeth with 3D imaging to create a detailed digital model. This is more comfortable than traditional putty impressions. The model is sent to a lab where your guard is made from a durable, comfortable material. About a week or two later, you return for a second 15 minute appointment to check the fit, make minor adjustments, and learn how to care for it. One patient from Finchley Central found that the guard reduced his morning tension headaches related to work stress.

A new night guard may feel odd at first. You might notice extra saliva, but this usually settles within a week. The guard should be comfortable and not disrupt your sleep. For long term care, rinse with cool water after use, clean gently with a toothbrush and mild soap, and keep it in its case. Avoid hot water as it can warp the material. Bring the guard to your regular check-ups so we can inspect it for wear. If you have persistent discomfort or bite issues, call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) to arrange an adjustment. For rare out of hours emergencies, call 111.

Besides a custom night guard, other approaches can help manage the underlying causes of bruxism. Stress and anxiety are major contributors, so techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, especially before bed, may also help. For severe muscle pain, jaw physiotherapy or Botulinum toxin injections to relax the jaw muscles might be discussed. These are not first line treatments but are options if a night guard alone does not resolve pain. During your consultation, we will discuss the best approach for your situation and lifestyle.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether you see us or another Finchley area practice, consider these questions: what material is the night guard made from and is it hard or soft, how long should a custom guard last, does the price include the initial consultation, scans, and final fitting, are there signs that grinding is caused by a more complex issue like bite alignment, and do you check for bruxism during routine dental check-ups?

As a private practice, we share clear pricing. A custom night guard for teeth grinding starts from about £350. This includes the initial consultation, 3D scans, and the final fitting and adjustments. There are no hidden fees. A custom guard helps prevent costly damage like cracks or chips. We accept private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception to discuss your coverage and get a personalized estimate.