Protect your teeth before wear becomes damage.
Bruxism can affect teeth, gums, muscles, temporomandibular joints, restorations and dental implants. At Smile Implant Center we evaluate it carefully to determine whether a custom night guard, botulinum toxin or a combined plan is appropriate for your case.
Bruxism can be an early sign of accumulated oral damage.
Many patients seek care once there is visible tooth wear, fractures, sensitivity, morning jaw pain or muscle fatigue. Treating bruxism early helps protect oral health and previous dental work, including crowns, veneers, fillings, prosthetics and implants.
Wear and fractures
Repeated force can wear enamel, fracture teeth, break restorations or worsen issues in weakened teeth.
Muscle pain and headaches
Clenching may overload the masseter and temporal muscles, causing facial pain, stiffness, headaches or chewing sensitivity.
Jaw joints and bite
Some patients also experience clicking, limited opening, TMJ discomfort or changes in how their bite feels.
A custom barrier to protect teeth and dental work.
A night guard or occlusal splint is made to fit your mouth and help distribute contacts. It does not always stop the habit, but it can protect teeth and restorations while associated factors are addressed.
It may be indicated when there is:
- Visible tooth wear or sensitivity.
- Restorations, crowns, veneers or implants that need protection.
- Morning jaw pain or muscle fatigue.
- Night grinding reported by another person.
It may help reduce the force of the chewing muscles.
Botulinum toxin can be considered in selected patients with muscle hyperactivity, pain or intense clenching. The goal is not to promise a cure, but to temporarily modulate muscle force and reduce overload when the diagnosis supports it.
Clinical judgment matters
Botulinum toxin does not automatically replace a night guard because it does not physically cover or protect teeth. In many cases, care combines a splint, habit control, stress management, bite review or TMJ follow-up.
We treat bruxism as a functional health issue, not just an aesthetic concern.
Dental, muscle and bite evaluation
We review tooth wear, fractures, contact points, muscle pain, jaw opening, history and previous treatments.
Custom night guard when indicated
A personalized guard can help protect teeth, restorations and implants from repeated forces.
Botulinum toxin in selected cases
When the muscle pattern supports it, it may help reduce excessive force and related discomfort.
Adjustments and oral health monitoring
Bruxism often needs follow-up to monitor comfort, splint fit, tooth wear and muscle response.
When to ask for a bruxism evaluation.
Morning pain or tension
Tense jaw, temple pain, facial discomfort or the feeling that you have been clenching all night.
Worn or sensitive teeth
Flat edges, enamel loss, microfractures, cold sensitivity or restorations that keep breaking.
Implants or rehabilitations
If you have crowns, veneers, prosthetics or implants, force control helps protect your dental investment.
What to know before choosing treatment.
Does a night guard cure bruxism?
It does not always eliminate the habit, but it can protect teeth and restorations from wear and repeated force. That protection is often a key part of care.
Does botulinum toxin replace a night guard?
Not necessarily. It may reduce muscle force in selected cases, but it does not cover the teeth. Many patients need a combined strategy.
How often is botulinum toxin applied?
It depends on the evaluation, muscle response and clinical goal. It should not be prescribed with a generic schedule before reviewing the case.
Can bruxism affect implants or crowns?
Bruxism can increase load on restorations, crowns, prosthetics and implants. Detecting it and protecting the treatment is important.
If you clench your teeth, do not wait for a fracture.
Schedule an evaluation to review tooth wear, muscle pain, bite and treatment options such as a custom night guard, occlusal splint or botulinum toxin when appropriate.