Bruxism Treatment Waterloo
Bruxism refers to an oral parafunctional activity which occurs in most humans at some point in their lives. The grinding of the teeth and the clenching of the jaw are the two main characteristics of this condition, which can occur either during the day or at night.
Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours. The clenching and grinding which accompanies bruxism is symptomatic of a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping. For sufferers, deep sleep or even naps, cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to turn off, and the reflex pathways to become active.
Typically, the incisors and canines (front 6 upper and lower teeth) of opposing arches grind against each other laterally. This side to side action puts undue strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints. Earache, depression, headaches, eating disorders and anxiety are amongst the most common symptoms of bruxism; which often accompanies chronic stress, Alzheimer’s disease and alcohol abuse.
Bruxism is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, because it is only one of several potential causes of tooth wear. Only a trained professional can tell the difference between bruxing wear and wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks and abrasive foods.
A BiteStrip® is an economical device used to diagnose bruxism at home. The device itself is a small electromyography which senses and monitors any activity in the jaw muscles during sleep. The frequency and severity of the condition can then be assessed and the best treatment plan can be formulated.
Reasons for the Treatment of Bruxism
Here are some of the main reasons why bruxism should be promptly treated:
- Gum recession and tooth loss – Bruxism is one of the leading causes of gum recession and tooth loss; firstly because it damages the soft tissue directly, and secondly because it leads to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria can colonize and destroy the supporting bone.
- Occlusal trauma – The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces can lead to fractures in the teeth, which may require restorative treatment.
- Arthritis – In severe and chronic cases, bruxing can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints (the joints that allow the jaw to open smoothly).
- Myofascial pain – The grinding associated with bruxism can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth. This can lead to muscle pain in the myofascial region and debilitating headaches.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
There is no single cure for bruxism, though a variety of helpful devices and tools are available. Here are some common ways in which bruxism is treated:
- Mouthguards – An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from tooth impressions to minimize the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during normal sleep. Mouthguards should be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage, damage to the temporomandibular joint and help to stabilize the occlusion.
- NTI-tss device – This device is fitted by a health professional and only covers the front teeth. The goal of the NTI-tss is to prevent the grinding of the rear molars by limiting the contraction of the temporalis muscle.
- Botox® – Botox® can be injected into the muscles to relax and weaken them. Botox® is an excellent treatment for bruxism because it weakens the muscles enough to prevent the grinding, but not enough to interfere with everyday functions like chewing and speaking.
Other methods of treatment include relaxation exercises, stress management education and biofeedback mechanisms. When the bruxing is under control, there are a variety of dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts and crown lengthening that can restore a pleasant aesthetic appearance to the smile.
If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, please ask your periodontics in Waterloo.
Bruxism Treatment in Waterloo – Protect Your Smile
If you’re grinding your teeth or waking up with jaw pain, it’s worth getting it checked early. At Trillium Dental Centre, we offer bruxism treatment in Waterloo to help protect your teeth and relieve discomfort. Call 519-746-4000 to book your appointment.
What to Expect During Bruxism Treatment
Bruxism — habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth — most often happens at night and can damage tooth enamel, fracture restorations, strain jaw muscles, and contribute to TMJ symptoms and headaches. Treatment starts with identifying the pattern (sleep vs. awake bruxism), the severity (wear patterns on the teeth, muscle fatigue, headaches), and any contributing factors (stress, caffeine, sleep apnea, certain medications).
The mainstay of treatment is a custom-fitted occlusal splint (commonly called a night guard) worn during sleep. The splint is fabricated from impressions or digital scans of your teeth and provides a hard acrylic barrier that protects enamel from grinding wear and reduces muscle activity by slightly repositioning the jaw.
We make the splint in our office workflow with the lab; you'll come in for impressions/scan at one appointment and return two to three weeks later to fit and adjust the appliance. Most patients adapt within one to two weeks. Alongside the appliance, we often discuss caffeine timing, evening relaxation routines, and stress-reduction approaches that reduce the underlying drive to grind.
Who Is a Candidate for Bruxism Treatment
Signs that bruxism treatment may be appropriate:
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth (especially the front teeth or canines)
- Tooth sensitivity from enamel loss
- Frequent fractured or loose restorations
- Morning headaches or jaw soreness
- Tightness or fatigue in the jaw muscles
- Clicking or popping in the temporomandibular joint
- A partner reporting that you grind audibly at night
Not every case of grinding needs treatment — mild, occasional grinding without symptoms or damage can be monitored. Treatment becomes warranted when there are objective signs (wear, fracture, muscle pain) or significant symptoms affecting daily life. For severe bruxism unresponsive to splint therapy, we refer to a TMJ specialist or sleep medicine physician for further evaluation.
Living With a Night Guard
The first one to two weeks with a new occlusal splint can feel strange. Saliva production sometimes increases; some patients wake up briefly to make sure the appliance is still in place; speech feels different. Most patients adapt within a week or two and find the appliance becomes unobtrusive.
Cleaning matters. Brush the splint with toothpaste and a soft brush every morning, store it dry between uses (a closed, ventilated case is ideal), and bring it to your routine cleanings so we can inspect for wear and adjust the bite if needed. A well-cared-for hard acrylic splint typically lasts 5 to 10 years.
We see you at one month after delivery for any final adjustments, and then at routine 6-month cleanings to monitor wear on the appliance and any progression of grinding symptoms. If wear on the splint is extreme (grinding through within a year or two), it usually signals heavy grinding force that may benefit from additional approaches.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Custom occlusal splint fees include the impressions/scan, lab fabrication, delivery, and one adjustment appointment included in the basic fee. We follow the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide and provide a written estimate at the appointment.
Occlusal splints are generally covered under major services on extended dental insurance plans, typically at 50% reimbursement subject to your annual maximum. Some plans require pre-authorization or have frequency limitations (e.g., one splint per several years). We submit a predetermination so you know your coverage before fabrication begins.
Bruxism — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just buy a night guard at the drugstore?
OTC mouthguards are typically softer and one-size; they don't fit precisely and can sometimes increase grinding force by acting like a chewing surface. A custom-fitted hard acrylic splint is designed to reduce grinding activity, not just absorb it. The cost difference is meaningful but so is the effectiveness.
Will the splint stop me from grinding?
It typically reduces muscle activity and absolutely protects tooth enamel from grinding wear. Some patients still grind on the splint surface — but it's the splint that wears, not the teeth. Combined with stress reduction and other measures, many patients see grinding decrease over time.
Can grinding cause headaches?
Yes. Sustained nighttime clenching fatigues the temporalis muscles (the muscles in the temple area), which is a common cause of morning headaches. Many patients see headache frequency drop significantly within weeks of consistent splint use.
Should I be worried if my teeth are getting worn down?
Worn, flattened teeth are a sign of significant long-term grinding and warrant evaluation. Enamel doesn't grow back; once it's worn, the underlying dentin is exposed and wears faster. Catching it earlier and protecting what's left makes a real difference long-term.
Is bruxism related to sleep apnea?
It can be. Sleep apnea and bruxism often coexist. If you snore loudly, wake up tired, or have witnessed apneic episodes, a sleep study may be warranted. Treating underlying sleep apnea sometimes resolves the bruxism.