Matthew Bell
Best dental practice we’ve ever had. Had a string of disappointments over the years and Pearly Whites is so well organised and professional.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching in Fulham
Protect your teeth from grinding, clenching and wear, and ease the jaw ache and headaches that often come with them.
- Soft night guards from £265 per arch
- Nobrux hard splints, made digitally from a 3D scan, £795
- Jaw tension relief injections, £385
- Worn teeth rebuilt with bonding, onlays or crowns
- Signs of grinding checked at every check-up
4.6 from 300+ Google reviewsFamily-run practice on Munster Road, SW6
At a glance
Grinding and jaw clenching at Pearly Whites
- Nobrux hard splint
- £795, for heavier grinding and jaw pain
- How we make them
- From a 3D scan of your teeth, with no messy impressions
What is bruxism?
Grinding and clenching, often without knowing
Bruxism is the medical name for grinding or clenching your teeth. Most people do it in their sleep, so they don’t know until a partner hears it, their jaw aches in the morning, or we spot the wear at a check-up. Some people also clench during the day, especially when concentrating or stressed.
It’s often linked to stress and anxiety, and can be made worse by caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and by sleep problems such as snoring. The forces involved are far greater than normal chewing, so over time they can wear teeth down, crack them and break fillings and crowns.
Signs to look out for
Do I grind my teeth?
Worn or flat teeth
Teeth that look shorter, flatter or chipped at the edges.
Jaw ache and headaches
A sore jaw, face or temples, or headaches, especially first thing in the morning.
Sensitive teeth
As enamel wears away, the softer layer underneath is exposed and can become sensitive.
Broken fillings or crowns
Fillings, crowns or teeth that crack or break more often than you’d expect.
A clicking jaw
Clicking, stiffness or discomfort in the jaw joint when you open or chew.
Someone hears it
A partner may hear you grinding at night before you notice anything yourself.
Tooth wear
Why tooth wear matters
Enamel doesn’t grow back, so wear that’s left unchecked only gets worse. Grinding is one cause; acid and brushing can add to it.
Grinding (attrition)
Teeth wearing against each other, flattening the biting edges and chewing surfaces.
Acid (erosion)
Acidic food and drink, and acid reflux, soften enamel so it wears away more easily. Grinding and acid together wear teeth fastest.
Brushing too hard (abrasion)
Brushing firmly, especially sideways, can wear notches near the gum line.
Your options
Night guards, splints and jaw tension relief compared
| Feature | Soft night guard | Nobrux hard splint | Jaw tension relief |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A soft, flexible guard over your teeth | A thin, hard, precision-made splint | Injections to relax the jaw muscle |
| Best for | Mild grinding, and protecting teeth and dental work | Heavier grinding, clenching and jaw pain | An overworked, tense or enlarged jaw muscle |
| How it helps | Cushions your teeth so they don’t wear against each other | Protects your teeth and lets your jaw muscles relax | Reduces the force of clenching and grinding |
| When | Worn at night | Worn at night | Lasts a few months, then repeated |
| Cost | £265 per arch | £795 | £385 |
The right option depends on how much you grind and why, and some people benefit from a splint and jaw tension relief together. We’ll recommend what suits you.
Nobrux
A precision splint, made digitally
For heavier grinding and clenching, we recommend a Nobrux splint, made by Corus, a network of leading European dental laboratories, through a fully digital process from a 3D scan of your teeth, so there are no messy impressions.
It’s a hard, full-coverage splint in the style of a Michigan splint: its smooth, flat biting surface stops your teeth locking together, so your jaw muscles can relax, and it takes the force of grinding instead of your teeth. It’s thinner than a conventional splint, so it’s comfortable to sleep in, and comes with its own case and cleaning kit.
More options
Soft night guards and jaw tension relief
Soft night guard
A soft, flexible guard, made to fit your teeth, that cushions them while you sleep. A good choice for mild grinding and for protecting bonding, veneers and crowns.
Jaw tension relief injections
For a tense or overworked jaw muscle (the masseter), injections relax it so you clench and grind with less force, easing jaw ache and tension. Carried out by our trained clinicians after a consultation.
Facial aesthetics →Repairing worn teeth
Rebuilding what’s been lost
Once your teeth are protected, worn or broken teeth can be rebuilt to their natural shape. A splint then protects the repair.
Composite bonding
Rebuild worn and chipped edges, often in a single visit, with minimal drilling.
Composite bonding →Onlays and crowns
Protect and restore teeth that are badly worn or cracked, handcrafted by Corus Tusk.
Crowns and onlays →Full mouth rehabilitation
For more widespread wear, your whole bite rebuilt with one carefully planned treatment.
Full mouth rehabilitation →Your treatment
What to expect
Assessment
We check your teeth for wear, your jaw muscles and joints, and your bite, and ask about your symptoms and sleep.
Your options
We explain what we’ve found and recommend a night guard, a splint, jaw tension relief or a combination, with the costs.
3D scan
We scan your teeth in a few minutes, with no messy impressions, and your guard or splint is made to fit.
Fitting
We fit your guard or splint, check your bite on it and show you how to look after it.
Review
We check how you’re getting on and keep an eye on your teeth at your check-ups.
Helping yourself
Easing grinding and clenching
Lips together, teeth apart
During the day, your teeth shouldn’t touch at rest. Noticing when you clench is the first step to stopping.
Evenings
Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening, can reduce grinding at night.
Stress
Exercise, relaxation and good sleep habits can all help, as stress is one of the most common causes.
Chewing habits
Avoid chewing gum, pens and ice, which keep your jaw muscles working.
Costs
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching prices
- Soft night guard (per arch)PearlyPlan members save 10%£265
- Nobrux hard splintMade digitally from a 3D scanPearlyPlan members save 10%£795
- Jaw tension relief injections (masseter)Included in PearlyPlan Glow Relief plans£385
Worn teeth can be rebuilt with composite bonding or onlays and crowns.
Reviews
What our patients say
jay
Best dental practive in area..✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Nicola Gerhard
Always made to feel valued as a patient, Dr Lia is a wonderful dentist.
john hill
Dr Lia and Nurse Shukri
Practice manager Zahra were all wonderful- I actually look forward to coming to the dentist. All so kind & competent & happy.
Justin Thomas
What a wonderful team! I can’t recommend the Invisalign treatment highly enough in the hands of this capable team. Thank you for all you’ve done over the last few months. A very happy client!
Questions
Teeth grinding FAQs
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs are worn or chipped teeth, a sore jaw or headaches in the morning, sensitive teeth and broken fillings. Often a partner hears it first, or we spot the wear at a check-up.
What’s the difference between a night guard and a splint?
A soft night guard cushions your teeth. A hard splint, such as Nobrux, is more durable and has a flat biting surface that lets your jaw muscles relax, so it’s usually better for heavier grinding and jaw pain.
How much does a night guard cost?
A soft night guard is £265 per arch, and a Nobrux hard splint is £795. PearlyPlan members save 10% on both.
What is a Nobrux splint?
A thin, hard, full-coverage splint in the style of a Michigan splint, made by Corus through a fully digital process from a 3D scan of your teeth.
Can injections help with grinding?
Yes. Jaw tension relief injections relax the masseter muscle, so you clench and grind with less force. They’re £385, carried out after a consultation, and are included in PearlyPlan Glow Relief plans.
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
It may not stop the habit, but it protects your teeth from the damage, and a hard splint also helps your jaw muscles relax.
Can worn teeth be repaired?
Yes, with composite bonding, onlays or crowns, depending on how much has been lost. We’ll usually recommend a guard or splint too, to protect the repair.
Why does my jaw ache in the morning?
Often because you’ve been clenching or grinding overnight. A splint can help your jaw muscles relax while you sleep.
Is grinding linked to stress?
Very often. Stress and anxiety are among the most common causes, along with caffeine, alcohol, smoking and sleep problems.
How do I look after my guard or splint?
Rinse and brush it gently after wearing, keep it in its case, and bring it to your check-ups so we can check it.
Worried you’re grinding your teeth?
Book an appointment, and we’ll check your teeth and jaw and talk you through your options.
