Is TMJ the same as bruxism?

No. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself and is often used to describe problems affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Bruxism, on the other hand, is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. While bruxism can contribute to TMJ problems, they are not the same condition. We will assess your symptoms carefully to determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Will a night guard stop my grinding?

It won’t stop the habit, but it protects your teeth and reduces strain on your jaw muscles while you sleep, often leading to less pain and improved sleep quality.

What happens if I don’t treat it?

Left untreated, bruxism and TMJ disorders can lead to worn teeth, fractures, chronic pain and joint damage. Early intervention is key to protecting your long-term health.

Are treatments painful?

No. Most solutions are non-invasive and many patients report immediate relief from wearing a well-fitted night guard.

Can stress cause bruxism?

Yes. Stress and anxiety are common triggers for clenching and grinding. We’ll discuss lifestyle factors as part of your care plan.

ORION Dental & Implant Centre

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment

Relief from Jaw Pain, Tension and Teeth Grinding

If you're experiencing jaw pain, headaches, facial tension or worn-down teeth, you may be suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching).

These conditions often develop gradually and can have a significant impact on your comfort, sleep and long-term dental health.

At ORION Dental, we take a clinical, compassionate approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ-related concerns, helping patients find lasting relief from discomfort and prevent further damage.

Get in Contact

How we help

Our Process

Accurate diagnosis

We conduct a detailed assessment, including bite analysis and muscle evaluation, to determine the cause and severity of your symptoms.

Custom night guards (occlusal splints)

Many cases of bruxism can be effectively managed with a bespoke night guard, a precision-fit device that protects teeth and reduces jaw tension during sleep.

Bite balancing and dental adjustments

In some cases, minor adjustments to your bite or restorations can ease the strain on your jaw joints.

Referral for advanced therapy

For complex or persistent TMJ disorders, we work closely with physiotherapists and specialists in maxillofacial medicine to coordinate multidisciplinary care.

Common symptoms

Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction & Bruxism

If you have symptoms like grinding, headaches, jaw ache, muscle or joint pain, worn teeth or teeth that break often, this is most likely due to an incorrect bite or jaw misalignment.

We usually diagnose these problems with examination and by use of a temporary bite raising appliance or a clear acrylic splint that fits over your teeth. These devices will be designed specifically for you and fitted very accurately, so that when you bite on it, all your teeth meet in the correct position and where your muscles can then relax, reducing the symptoms. In conjunction with these devices we can also use injectable toxins to help relax the muscles.

If your teeth don’t fit together properly, you can experience problems with your teeth, gums, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or the muscles that control jaw movement. These problems are known as ‘occlusal’ problems. Signs of occlusal problems include aching, worn, chipped, or broken teeth, fractured fillings, and loose crowns.

Grinding or pain in your jaw joints, ringing in the ears, and difficulty moving your jaw could also be caused by misaligned teeth. When the jaw is in the wrong position, the jaw muscles can become overworked, leading to aches and muscle spasms, as well as headaches. Sinus pain, back and neck pain, and pain behind the eyes may also occur.