General dentistry
Clenching & grinding
Assessment and management of bruxism — protecting teeth from wear with custom splints and addressing the underlying causes where possible.
Bruxism care at a glance
Clenching and grinding are assessed properly at This Is It Dental — not dismissed as stress alone. Worn edges, chipped teeth, morning jaw ache and headaches often link to night-time bruxism.
We examine your bite and discuss triggers and solutions. Custom splints, bite advice and Tekscan analysis when indicated — fees agreed before your appliance is made.
Most patients don't know they grind until a dentist spots the signs — routine exams are often where bruxism is first identified.
Quick overview
Symptoms
Flat or chipped teeth, jaw stiffness on waking, headaches, and sensitive teeth — often worse during stressful periods.
Assessment
Clinical exam of wear patterns, bite and muscles — with digital bite mapping when we need objective data.
Treatment
Custom night splints, lifestyle advice, and repair of worn teeth when needed — referral if joint problems need medical care.
Why seek help for grinding?
Protect your teeth
Reduce chips, cracks and wear from nightly forces.
Ease symptoms
Many patients report less jaw ache with a well-fitted splint.
Objective diagnosis
Tekscan when bite imbalance needs mapping.
Your bruxism care journey
Most bruxism plans take two to three visits — assessment, splint fitting, then review.
- 1 Assessment
Examination for wear signs
We review wear patterns, symptoms and triggers, and discuss whether a splint, bite adjustment or tooth repair is needed first.
- 2 If indicated
Records & Tekscan
Impressions or digital records are taken. Tekscan may be recommended to map bite forces accurately.
- 3 Fitting visit
Splint delivery
Your custom night splint is fitted with wear instructions — usually worn while sleeping.
- 4 Weeks later
Review & repair
We check symptoms and splint fit, adjust if needed, and plan bonding or crowns for worn teeth when appropriate.
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Pricing
Splint fees are quoted at consultation after assessment.
- Assessment (included in routine exam) —
- Hard occlusal splint £450
- Tekscan analysis £150
- Composite bonding (wear repair) from £350
Frequently asked questions
Can grinding be cured?
Habits often persist — a splint protects teeth and many patients feel less jaw ache, even if grinding continues quietly.
How is this different from TMJ treatment?
Grinding focuses on wear and protection; TMJ care also addresses joint clicking and limited opening — we assess both together.
Will a shop mouthguard work?
Boil-and-bite guards are poor fits for night bruxism — custom splints are thinner, more comfortable and more protective.
Can you fix worn teeth?
Yes — bonding, crowns or veneers may be planned after your splint protects against further damage.
Book a grinding assessment
Often diagnosed at a routine exam — book a check-up or bruxism consultation.