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

During a comprehensive dental exam, our dentists evaluate your jaw alignment and tooth wear. If therapy is indicated, we take digital impressions to create a device that fits your unique anatomy perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Custom Nightguards in Woden Valley

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FAQs – Children’s Dentistry

What is the difference between a chemist nightguard and a professional occlusal splint?

Over-the-counter guards are often bulky and made of soft materials that can actually encourage more clenching (the "chewing gum effect"). A professional splint from our Woden clinic is custom-fitted, slim, and made of high-impact acrylic designed to stabilize the jaw properly.

How long does an occlusal splint last?

With proper care, a custom splint typically lasts several years. We recommend bringing your splint to your Regular Check-ups so we can inspect it for signs of wear or fit adjustments.

Can TMJ issues cause earaches or neck pain?

Yes. Because the TMJ is located close to the ear canal and shares nerve pathways with the neck and face, dysfunction in the joint often radiates pain to these areas.

Will my health fund cover the cost?

Most major Australian health funds provide rebates for occlusal splints under "General Dental" or "Major Dental" categories. As a local Canberra provider, we offer HICAPS for immediate on-the-spot claims.

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.