TMJ, Jaw Pain & Teeth Grinding Treatment
Waking up with a sore jaw, a headache or tight face muscles? Clenching and grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, is common, and many people don’t know they do it until a partner hears it or their dentist spots the wear. Our dentists check your jaw, bite and teeth, then talk you through TMJ treatment options, including a custom night guard (occlusal splint) and treatment to relax the jaw muscles.
An examination is the first step. Grinding and clenching can wear or crack teeth, so your dentist checks for damage before recommending treatment.
Do you grind or clench your teeth?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. Grinding or clenching puts extra pressure on this joint and the muscles around it, which can lead to jaw pain, often called TMJ pain or TMD. These are some of the signs people notice.
Jaw pain or tightness
An aching or tired jaw, especially when you wake up or after chewing.
A clicking jaw
Clicking, popping or grating when you open your mouth, yawn or chew.
Morning headaches
Dull headaches around your temples when you wake up.
Sore face muscles
Tender cheeks or muscles in front of your ears.
Worn or chipped teeth
Flattened, chipped or cracked teeth, or teeth that feel more sensitive.
A partner hears it
Someone tells you they can hear you grinding at night.
Grinding often happens during sleep, so many people don’t realise they do it. Your dentist may notice signs of wear at your regular check-up.
Jaw and bite check
Treatment to relax the jaw muscles
Combined package $1,500
Some health funds contribute
Payment plans available
What causes TMJ pain and teeth grinding?
There’s often more than one cause, and it’s different for everyone. Common factors include:
- Stress and tensionMany people clench when they feel stressed, anxious or are concentrating, often without noticing.
- SleepGrinding often happens during sleep, and is sometimes linked with snoring or other sleep issues.
- Your biteThe way your teeth meet can play a part for some people.
- HabitsChewing pens, biting your nails or chewing gum a lot can add to jaw muscle strain.
Why treat it early
Finding grinding early gives you more options. Here’s what it can lead to over time.
Tooth wear
Over time, grinding can flatten and shorten your teeth.
Sensitivity
As the outer enamel wears down, the layer underneath can be exposed, and teeth may feel sensitive.
Cracked or broken teeth
Heavy clenching can crack teeth or fillings, which may need repair.
Ongoing jaw pain
Jaw muscle tension and TMJ pain can continue if the cause isn’t addressed.
If your teeth are already worn or chipped, your dentist can talk you through ways to repair them, such as veneers or other cosmetic dentistry.
Where we offer TMJ treatment
Choose your area to find your nearest Avenue Dental practice.
TMJ treatment
Sunshine Coast
Caloundra, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin and Beerwah.
Dentist Sunshine Coast →
TMJ treatment
Brisbane
North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.
Dentist Brisbane →
TMJ treatment
Melbourne
Brunswick.
Dentist Melbourne →
TMJ treatment
Adelaide
Fulham Gardens.
Dentist Adelaide →
TMJ and teeth grinding treatment options
Your dentist recommends treatment based on your examination, your symptoms and what’s causing them. Results vary from person to person.
Custom night guard (occlusal splint)
An occlusal splint, often called a night guard or dental splint, is a custom-made removable guard you wear over your teeth, usually while you sleep. It’s made from a scan or impressions of your teeth, so it fits your bite.
- May help protect teeth from wear
- May reduce pressure on your jaw joint
- Made to fit your mouth
Treatment to relax the jaw muscles
A treatment that may reduce clenching intensity by relaxing the large chewing muscles in your jaw. Your dentist assesses whether it’s suitable for you and explains what’s involved.
- May help ease jaw muscle tension
- Effects wear off over time
- Assessed and given by your dentist
Night guard and jaw muscle treatment
The night guard protects your teeth, while the muscle treatment may reduce how hard you clench. Together they work on both the teeth and the jaw muscles.
- Custom night guard (occlusal splint)
- Treatment to relax the jaw muscles
- May suit people with grinding and jaw muscle pain
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Read about treatment risks.
What happens at your examination
Because grinding and clenching can damage teeth, we start with an examination. Here’s what to expect.
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1
Jaw and bite check
Your dentist checks how your jaw opens and closes, feels the muscles around your jaw and temples, and looks at how your teeth meet.
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2
Looking for wear and damage
Your dentist looks for worn, chipped or cracked teeth and fillings, and may take X-rays if needed.
Tell your dentist about
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Morning headaches
- Grinding a partner has heard
- Stress or sleep issues
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3
Talking through your options
Your dentist explains what they’ve found and the treatment options that may suit you, including a night guard, jaw muscle treatment or both.
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4
Your written treatment plan
You get a written treatment plan and quote before you decide anything. If you go ahead with a night guard, a scan or impressions are taken and you come back for a fitting.
How much does TMJ treatment cost?
The combined package includes a custom night guard and treatment to relax the jaw muscles. If you only need a night guard, custom night guards start from $900. You get a written quote before you decide anything.
Start with an exam
Book a TMJ and teeth grinding examination
Your dentist checks your jaw, bite and teeth for wear, and gives you a written treatment plan and quote.
What affects the cost
- Night guard only or package
- Repairing worn or cracked teeth
- X-rays if needed
Health funds
Some health funds cover a portion of the cost of a night guard or splint, depending on your extras cover. Check with your fund.
Custom night guard
A custom night guard (occlusal splint) on its own starts from $900. Your dentist confirms the cost at your examination.
Payment plans
Spread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. Approval and terms are assessed by each provider.
Prices are a guide only. Your quote depends on your treatment plan, which your dentist confirms after your examination. Results vary from person to person.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
TMJ and teeth grinding FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your examination.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. People often say “TMJ” to mean jaw joint problems, which are also called TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Common signs include jaw pain, clicking and stiffness.
Why do I grind my teeth in my sleep?
Grinding during sleep, called sleep bruxism, can be linked to stress, sleep issues such as snoring, and the way your teeth meet. Often there’s more than one cause, and it’s different for everyone.
How can I stop grinding my teeth in my sleep?
Because grinding happens while you’re asleep, it’s hard to stop on your own. A custom night guard may help protect your teeth and reduce pressure on your jaw while you sleep, and managing stress may also help. Your dentist can talk you through your options.
Do I need a splint if I only clench?
Clenching can put a lot of pressure on your teeth and jaw, even without grinding. Your dentist checks for wear and jaw muscle tension, and tells you whether a night guard may help.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind and how you look after it. Bring your night guard to your regular check-ups so your dentist can check it for wear and let you know when it needs replacing.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse it after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Let it dry, then store it in its case. Avoid hot water, as it can change the shape. Your dentist can recommend a suitable cleaner.
Can I get a night guard from a pharmacy instead?
Pharmacy guards come in standard sizes. A custom night guard, or occlusal splint, is made from a scan or impressions of your teeth to fit your bite. Your dentist can explain the differences.
Does treatment hurt?
Getting a night guard involves a scan or impressions and a fitting appointment. For treatment to relax the jaw muscles, your dentist explains what’s involved and what you may feel before you go ahead.
How soon will I notice a difference?
It varies from person to person. Your dentist talks you through what to expect, and checks how you’re going at a follow-up appointment.
Can TMJ cause ear pain or headaches?
Because the jaw joint sits just in front of your ear, TMJ problems can sometimes cause pain around the ear, and clenching is often linked with headaches around the temples. These symptoms can have other causes too, so it’s worth having them checked.
Does TMJ go away on its own?
Sometimes jaw pain settles on its own, but it can also come and go, or continue if the cause isn’t addressed. If you have ongoing jaw pain, clicking or signs of grinding, book an examination so your dentist can check your teeth and jaw.
Is it covered by health funds?
Some health funds cover a portion of the cost of a night guard or splint, depending on your extras cover. Check with your fund before your appointment.
