Bruxism means clenching or grinding your teeth without meaning to, at night or during the day. Dre Katty Hrynowiecki, DMD, general dentist in Roxton Pond, near Granby, offers the examination, the custom night guard and the masseter injection service.
Bruxism is a repeated activity of the jaw muscles: you clench or grind your teeth, or push your jaw forward, without noticing. It takes two forms: during sleep, and while awake, often during periods of concentration or stress.
It is not always a problem. It becomes one when it wears down the teeth, tires the muscles or causes pain. The dentist's role is first to see whether there is any damage, then to protect the teeth and relieve the muscles.
Bruxism does not have a single cause. Stress and anxiety, disturbed sleep (snoring, sleep apnea), caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and some medications are often associated with it. When a sleep disorder is suspected, Dre Katty recommends speaking with a physician.
Everything starts with an examination, at the clinic in Roxton Pond:
This is the most common option. The occlusal splint is made from impressions of your teeth and is worn at night. It protects the teeth from wear and spreads the forces. It does not stop you from clenching: it absorbs the clenching instead of your teeth.
The masseters are the powerful muscles on each side of the jaw. A neuromodulator injection (botulinum toxin) in these muscles reduces the force of clenching for a few months. It can relieve muscle tension and pain, and the lower face may look softer. It is often added to the night guard, without replacing it. Examples are shown on the before-and-after page.
| Custom night guard | Masseter injection | Store-bought mouth guard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protects the teeth | Yes | Indirectly, by reducing the force | Partly, if it stays in place |
| Relaxes the muscles | No | Yes, for a few months | No |
| Fitted to your teeth | Yes, by the clinic | Not applicable | No |
| How long it lasts | Several years, depending on wear | Generally 3 to 6 months | Variable |
After the examination and the health questionnaire, Dre Katty locates the masseters by asking you to clench your teeth. The injection is given at a few points on each side, with a very fine needle; most people describe a slight pinch. The first appointment takes about 45 minutes; the following ones, about 30 minutes. You can return to your activities afterwards.
The effect generally lasts 3 to 6 months. A follow-up can then be planned, after reassessment, depending on how the symptoms evolve. Results vary from person to person.
Possible effects, usually mild and temporary: a small bruise or tenderness at the injection site, fatigue when chewing hard foods for a few days, and, more rarely, an asymmetric smile.
The injection is not offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in case of a neuromuscular disease (for example myasthenia gravis), a known allergy to the product or an infection at the injection site. Some medications call for precautions: the health questionnaire is used to identify them.
It acts on the muscle, not on the joint. A displaced disc, arthritis or pain that comes from elsewhere (sinuses, ear, neck) calls for another assessment, sometimes by another professional. Nor does it repair a tooth that is already worn or cracked.
The cost depends on the option: for the night guard, on the type of guard; for the injection, on the number of units needed according to the strength of the muscles. A written estimate is provided after the examination. Many insurance plans cover part of the night guard; for the injection, check with your insurer. A detailed receipt is provided.
Often, yes. The injection reduces the force of clenching; the night guard protects the teeth. The two work together.
If the masseters are very developed, the lower face may look softer after a few months. Your smile and expressions do not change.
One session, then a follow-up visit. What comes next depends on the symptoms: some people come back a few months later, others do not.
The night guard often is, in part. For the injection, it depends on your plan: a detailed receipt allows you to submit a claim.
At the clinic in Roxton Pond, ten minutes from Granby, at 450-777-0373. The masseter injection service is also offered on Tuesdays at Institut Curves, in Mont-Saint-Hilaire.
Do you clench or grind your teeth? Request an appointment or call 450-777-0373.
Updated on .