Bruxism & Teeth Grinding Treatment in North London

Many people grind teeth without realizing it at night. You should seek treatment if grinding affects your daily life. Signs include morning dull headaches near the temples, facial or jaw pain, and increased tooth sensitivity from worn enamel. Your partner may hear grinding at night. You may also notice teeth that look shorter, flatter, or chipped over time. Treating bruxism early with a night guard helps prevent more serious problems like cracked teeth or damage to crowns and fillings.

The process is simple and precise. First, you have a 30 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic to check for wear and discuss symptoms. Instead of traditional moulds, we use a quick 3D digital scan to capture an exact model of your teeth. The digital impression goes to a specialist lab to make your custom guard. About 1 to 2 weeks later you return for a 15 minute fitting. We check the guard fits snugly and make any minor adjustments. We schedule a follow up to ensure you’re adjusting well.

Getting used to a night guard takes a bit. In the first nights it may feel odd, but most patients adapt within a week and sleep more comfortably with it. Keep the guard clean: rinse each morning with cool water and gently brush it (no toothpaste). Dry and store it in its case. Do not use hot water as it can warp the material. If you notice sharp spots or a poor fit after the first week, call our practice during office hours for an adjustment (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7). With proper care, a custom night guard can last several years.

Besides a custom night guard, there are other options. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are cheaper but often ill fitting and can worsen jaw pain. For stress related bruxism, lifestyle changes like mindfulness or reducing caffeine can help. Some clinicians use Botox to weaken jaw muscles and reduce grinding force. But our approach prioritises protecting teeth directly with a custom splint, a reversible and non invasive option that handles the damage head on. A patient from Highgate found that pairing a night guard with evening meditation completely resolved morning headaches.

To choose your care wisely, whether you come to us or another practice in North London, here are key questions. Ask about the material of the night guard—hard acrylic or softer dual laminate—and which is better for you. Check what the total cost covers, including consultation, scans, fitting, and any follow up. Also ask about the expected life of the guard and the warranty from the lab. Finally, discuss whether they see signs that bruxism has caused damage that might need further restorative work.

Prices vary with consultation, but custom bruxism night guards in London commonly range from 300 to 500 pounds. This reflects high quality materials and the digital scan plus lab fabrication. The final fee, provided after assessment, covers all appointments from initial scan to final fitting. There are no hidden fees. As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment for this, but we accept private plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Contact our team to discuss your coverage and payment options.