Bruxism Treatments

1. Table of Contents

2. Correction of teeth discrepancies (malocclusion)

3. Protection of teeth and TMJ with a dental guard

4. Hypnotherapy

5. Botox

6. Summary

Malocclusion

Some dental experts believe that abnormalities in the way the teeth fit together (malocclusion) can cause or trigger bruxism. Striving for perfect occlusion is not without controversy though.  Grinding away healthy teeth is seen by some experts as an invasive and costly procedure to correct malocclusion with little evidence to support its efficacy as a treatment for bruxism.  Many dentists prefer to fit a dental guard to protect teeth and dental work from the ravages of grinding instead. Prices vary from around £50 to £700 in Harley Street.  More recently, ready to wear devices have become available without prescription and these have been found to provide the same level of protection as custom guards, usually at a lower price point and without the hassle of having to make several visits to the dental surgery to have impressions made and the device fitted.

Dental Guards to protect teeth.

Many dentists will recommend and fit a custom guard to protect teeth. These are plastic devices that are made from an impression of your teeth. Although they have many advantages, the main disadvantages are a) the cost b) they can be uncomfortable c) the time it takes and d) if you have work done on your teeth the custom guard may no longer fit. In which case, you will have to have another one made.

Sports guards require you to melt plastic to create an impression of your teeth. They are designed to protect teeth from shock and are not specifically for teeth grinding so are not recommended.

The SleepRight dental guard is the only ready to wear device on the market that is FDA approved, CE certified to comply with EU medical device directive 93-42EEC and approved by the British Dental Health Foundation. They are guaranteed not to contain latex or Bispenol A (BPA) and are recommended as an effective and safe alternative to a custom guard or sports mouthguard. SleepRight guards are available from this site or from the Bruxism Association www.bruxism.org.uk

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a well documented approach to dealing with bruxism. It works by inducing a relaxed state of mind and awareness of the condition and goes on to help address the underlying causes, which may include complex and deep seated emotional and physiological factors. We are pleased to offer an exclusive hypnotherapy program that has been developed for nobrux by Ursula James, specifically for bruxism sufferers. For many people, listening to the CD is enough for them to break free from the habit.

Botox

Botox is a recent development in the treatment of bruxism. It works by freezing overactive muscles and early trials have shown some promise. However, it can be expensive and the long term effects of botox treatment is unknown.

Summary

We seem to be some way off finding a magic cure for bruxism. In the meantime, reducing stress levels and protecting the teeth is probably the best option.  Clinical hypnotherapists are now providing specific programs for bruxism sufferers and products to help with sleep hygiene are readily available.  Dental guards from a dentist can cost hundreds of pounds  and take a while to have fitted, but there are other ready to wear guards now on the market, that offer the same protection and benefits at a more affordable price.  Ready to wear dental guards are now approved and available in pharmacies without prescription. These devices provide immediate protection for the teeth, with many bruxism sufferers reporting a reduction in jaw pain and headaches as well. When selecting a dental guard, we recommend that you choose one that is guaranteed not to contain Bhispenal A (BPA) and/or latex. We recommend the SleepRight, which is the gold standard of dental guards. They are guaranteed not to contain BPA or latex and are an affordable and safe solution for bruxism. Available from this site or from the bruxism association, the leading independent authority on bruxism in the UK. Ask your pharmacist for one or visit our pharmacy partner www.chemist.net.