Bruxism

Bruxism Treatment in Antalya: Relief from Teeth Grinding & Clenching

Bruxism is the medical term for the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth. It is a very common condition that most often occurs during sleep, meaning many people are completely unaware they are doing it. If left untreated, this repetitive and forceful habit can lead to significant dental damage, chronic jaw pain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms. At our dental clinic in Antalya, we provide a comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatments to manage bruxism, protecting your oral health and improving your quality of life.

What is Bruxism and Why is it Harmful?

There are two main types of bruxism:

• Awake Bruxism: Clenching or grinding that occurs during the day, often subconsciously linked to stress, anxiety, or deep concentration.
• Sleep Bruxism: Clenching or grinding that occurs at night during sleep. This form is often more powerful and can cause more significant damage.

The immense forces generated during bruxism episodes can lead to serious consequences:

• Severe Tooth Wear: Teeth can become flattened, worn down to stumps, chipped, or even fractured.
• Damage to Dental Restorations: It can damage or break existing crowns, veneers, and fillings.
• Jaw Pain and TMD: Chronic clenching is a leading cause of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), leading to jaw pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty opening your mouth.
• Chronic Headaches: Tension-type headaches, especially upon waking, are a very common symptom.
• Enlarged Jaw Muscles: Constant muscle activity can lead to hypertrophy (enlargement) of the masseter muscles, creating a wider, more square-shaped jawline.

Do You Have Bruxism? Common Signs and Symptoms

Because it often happens during sleep, many people only realize they have bruxism when they notice the symptoms. Look out for:

• Waking up with a dull headache or a sore, tired jaw.
• A grinding or tapping sound at night (often noticed by a sleep partner).
• Flattened, chipped, fractured, or loose teeth.
• Increased tooth sensitivity due to worn enamel.
• Pain that feels like an earache, but is actually coming from the jaw joint.

Our Effective Bruxism Treatments in Antalya

Our goal is twofold: to relieve your symptoms and to protect your teeth from further damage.

Custom Night Guards (Occlusal Splints)

This is the most common and essential first line of defense against sleep bruxism. A night guard is a custom-fitted, durable acrylic appliance that you wear over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It does not stop you from clenching, but it acts as a protective cushion, absorbing the grinding forces and preventing your teeth from wearing against each other. Our custom-made guards offer a far superior fit, comfort, and durability compared to over-the-counter options.

Masseter Botox® (Therapeutic Botulinum Toxin)

For patients with severe clenching habits and significant muscle pain, Masseter Botox® is a highly effective modern treatment. It involves small, precise injections of Botulinum Toxin directly into the powerful masseter (jaw) muscles. This does not freeze the muscle, but it safely reduces its contraction strength. The result is a dramatic reduction in involuntary grinding forces, leading to significant relief from jaw pain and headaches, while also protecting your teeth. As a cosmetic benefit, it can also lead to a slimmer, more contoured jawline.

Don't let teeth grinding damage your smile and cause you pain. Contact our experts in Antalya for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss the best bruxism treatment for you.