Medical treatments
Reducing excessive muscle activity while preserving jaw function
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can contribute to jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth and muscle tension. Treatment aims to reduce excessive muscle activity, helping to relieve symptoms while protecting long-term oral health.
Key benefits
- May reduce jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- May help relieve jaw muscle tension and discomfort
- May reduce headaches associated with jaw clenching
- May help protect teeth from ongoing wear
- May improve jaw comfort and function
Typical downtime
Nil
Frequently asked questions
How does this treatment work?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching occur when the jaw muscles are overactive, often during sleep or periods of stress. Over time, this can contribute to jaw discomfort, headaches, worn teeth and muscle enlargement.
Treatment is designed to reduce excessive muscle activity while preserving normal jaw function. By carefully assessing your symptoms, medical history and jaw muscles, your doctor can determine whether this treatment is appropriate and develop an individualised management plan.
The goal is not to stop your jaw from working. It is to reduce excessive muscle activity that may be contributing to your symptoms.
What symptoms can it help with?
Treatment may be suitable for patients experiencing teeth grinding during sleep, jaw clenching, jaw muscle tension or discomfort, headaches associated with jaw clenching, enlargement of the jaw muscles, and tooth wear related to grinding.
Not every patient with jaw pain or headaches is experiencing bruxism. Your consultation is designed to identify the likely cause of your symptoms before recommending treatment.
What happens during my appointment?
Your appointment begins with a comprehensive medical consultation.
We will discuss your symptoms, medical history and any previous treatments before examining your jaw muscles and facial anatomy.
If treatment is appropriate, your doctor will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, potential risks and aftercare before obtaining your informed consent.
How long does treatment last?
The effects of treatment vary between patients.
For many patients, improvements gradually reduce over several months as normal muscle activity returns.
If ongoing management is appropriate, repeat treatment may be discussed during your follow-up appointment.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
Some patients experience mild tenderness, swelling or bruising at the treatment sites, which usually settles within a few days.
Are there any risks?
Every medical procedure carries risk.
Common side effects include temporary tenderness, swelling or bruising. Less common complications can occur and, in rare cases, may be serious.
Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits, risks and suitability of treatment during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
How much does it cost?
Treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms and anatomy.
Following your consultation, you will receive a personalised treatment recommendation and written quote before deciding whether to proceed.
Considering this treatment?
Every treatment begins with a consultation. There is no obligation to proceed, and sometimes the right recommendation is to wait or to do nothing at all.