Bruxism & TMJ Management

At Woden Dental Care, our experienced team provides advanced diagnostic care and custom-fitted occlusal splints.

Bruxism & TMJ Management: Custom Nightguards in Woden Valley

Do you wake up with a dull headache, a sore jaw, or teeth that feel unusually sensitive? You may be experiencing bruxism—the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth—or a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder.

At Woden Dental Care, our experienced team provides advanced diagnostic care and custom-fitted occlusal splints (nightguards) to protect your smile and alleviate chronic pain. Located in the heart of Phillip, we serve the broader Woden Valley and Canberra community with tailored restorative solutions.

Understanding Bruxism and TMJ Disorders

Bruxism often occurs during sleep, making it difficult to self-diagnose until physical symptoms manifest. When left untreated, the constant pressure can lead to:

Enamel Erosion: Flattened or chipped teeth that may eventually require Crowns and Veneers.
TMJ Dysfunction: Inflammation of the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, causing "clicking" sounds or locked jaw.
Secondary Dental Issues: Increased risk of tooth fractures or failure of existing Fillings and Restorations.

How Occlusal Splint Therapy Works

An occlusal splint (also known as a bite splint or nightguard) is a custom-made, hard acrylic appliance worn typically at night. Unlike generic “boil-and-bite” guards found in pharmacies, our professional splints are precision-engineered to:

Redistribute Pressure: They ensure that biting forces are distributed evenly across the dental arch, reducing the load on the TMJ.
Act as a Protective Barrier: The splint takes the wear and tear of grinding, preserving your natural tooth structure.
De-programme Jaw Muscles: By preventing the teeth from fully interlocking, the splint allows the masticatory muscles to relax into a neutral position.

The Process at Woden Dental Care

Managing TMJ disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding) requires precision. We follow a streamlined, three-step process to ensure your custom nightguard provides maximum relief and long-term protection for your smile.

Symptom Review: We discuss your history of jaw clicking, morning headaches, or facial soreness.
Bite Analysis: We check for signs of attrition (wear and tear) on your enamel.
Balanced Occlusi: These are designed to guide your jaw into a neutral "resting" position, physically preventing the muscles from over-exerting during sleep.
The Perfect Bite: We check how your upper and lower teeth meet the guard, making tiny adjustments to ensure the pressure is distributed evenly.
Follow-Up: We schedule a check-in to ensure your symptoms—like jaw tension and headaches—are successfully receding.

Why Choose Woden Dental Care for TMJ Relief?

As a long-standing practice in Woden Valley, we combine clinical expertise with a patient-centric approach. Our goal is to prevent the need for Emergency Dental Treatment or Extractions by addressing the root cause of tooth wear today.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you suspect you are grinding your teeth or are suffering from jaw tension, don’t wait for permanent damage to occur. Book an Appointment Online or call our Phillip surgery at (02) 6282 8558 to discuss your TMJ management options.

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Bruxism & TMJ Management

At Woden Dental Care, our experienced team provides advanced diagnostic care and custom-fitted occlusal splints.