Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment in Ashburton

Recognising the signs

Most people who grind don’t know they do it — a partner mentions the noise, or we spot the flattened, worn surfaces at a check-up. Other clues are jaw tightness on waking, headaches at the temples, sensitive teeth, and repeatedly cracked fillings.

Untreated, bruxism wears through enamel, cracks teeth and fillings, and can eventually change the height of your bite. It’s far cheaper to protect teeth than to rebuild them.

What’s involved

Who grinds, and why

Grinding is common in both adults and children. Many children grow out of it, so we monitor it at their check-ups.

In adults, common triggers are stress, poor sleep and daytime clenching habits. Grinding can also go with snoring or sleep apnoea. If that sounds familiar, see our sleep apnoea devices page. If your jaw aches or clicks, see TMJ and jaw pain.

Your night splint, visit by visit

• Check and moulds. Your dentist looks at the wear on your teeth, feels the jaw muscles and checks for cracked teeth or fillings. If a splint suits you, moulds of your teeth are taken.
• Fitting. The splint is tried in and adjusted so your teeth meet it evenly on both sides.
• Review. A short visit a few weeks later to check comfort and fine-tune the fit.
• Ongoing. Bring it to each check-up so we can look at the wear on it.

Getting used to it

• It may feel bulky at first, with extra saliva. This usually eases within a week or two.
• Your bite can feel slightly different when you take it out in the morning. This normally passes within minutes.
• Wear it every night. It only protects your teeth while it is in.
• Call us if it rocks, rubs, cracks, or your bite feels wrong during the day.

Looking after your splint

• Rinse it after use and clean it gently with a soft brush and cool water. Toothpaste can scratch it.
• Let it dry, then keep it in its case. Hot water can warp it.
• Keep it out of reach of pets. Dogs like to chew them.

Fixing the damage already done

Once the splint is in use, chipped or worn teeth can be rebuilt. Small edges may suit bonding. Heavily worn or cracked teeth may need a crown. See restorative dentistry for the wider options. Wearing the splint helps protect new work too.

Clenching during the day

A splint is for sleep. Some people also clench while driving, working or concentrating. Your jaw should rest with lips together and teeth slightly apart. If your jaw clicks or aches, our TMJ and jaw pain page covers that.

Want to know why grinding happens and what it does to enamel? Read our guide on why you grind your teeth. A sports mouthguard is a different appliance, made for impact, not for grinding.

More questions about teeth grinding treatment

Does the splint go on the top or bottom teeth?

Either can work. Your dentist decides based on your bite, any missing teeth, crowns or implants, and what feels comfortable for you. Many people wear an upper splint, but a lower one can suit some mouths better. We explain the choice before moulds are taken.

What if my splint cracks or stops fitting?

Stop wearing it if it has a sharp edge or rocks on your teeth, and bring it in. Small problems can often be adjusted. A splint that is badly cracked, worn through or no longer fits after new dental work usually needs to be remade.

Do children need a night splint?

Usually not. Children’s teeth and jaws are still growing, and many children grow out of grinding. We watch the wear at their regular check-ups instead. If you are worried about your child, mention it at their next visit with our children’s dentist.