Teeth Grinding & Clenching (Bruxism)

Grinding and clenching of the teeth — collectively known as bruxism — are extremely common.

Bruxism can occur while awake or during sleep, and many people are completely unaware that they do it. For some patients it causes few problems. For others, the forces generated over time can contribute to tooth wear, cracks, broken restorations, muscle fatigue and jaw discomfort.

At Station St Dental, we don’t treat bruxism simply because someone grinds their teeth. We assess whether it is causing damage or symptoms and consider what, if anything, needs to be managed.

What Is Bruxism?

There are two broad forms of bruxism.

Awake bruxism generally involves clenching or sustained tooth contact during the day and may be influenced by concentration, habit or stress.

Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and is a different process. Patients may grind, clench or move the jaw without being aware of it.

Signs that may suggest bruxism include:

Flattened or worn teeth
Chipping or fracture of teeth
Cracked teeth
Repeated fracture or failure of restorations
Jaw or facial muscle fatigue
Tenderness around the jaw muscles
Morning jaw discomfort
A partner reporting grinding noises during sleep

Importantly, not every person with worn teeth or jaw discomfort has bruxism, which is why assessment is important.

Bruxism, Tooth Wear and Cracked Teeth

The forces generated during grinding and clenching can be considerable.

In some patients these forces contribute to progressive tooth wear. In others, particularly where teeth contain large restorations or have become structurally weakened over time, they may contribute to cracks and fractures.

This is why we consider the teeth, existing restorations, bite and jaw muscles together, rather than looking at grinding in isolation.

How Is Bruxism Managed?

Management depends on what we find and whether the bruxism is causing damage or symptoms.
This may include:

Monitoring where there is little evidence of damage
Increasing awareness of daytime clenching habits
Protecting vulnerable teeth and restorations
An individually made occlusal splint where appropriate
Restoring teeth that have already been significantly worn or damaged
Further assessment or referral where symptoms suggest another underlying problem

For patients who have already undergone significant restorative treatment, protecting that dentistry from excessive forces may also form an important part of long-term maintenance.

Bruxism and Sleep

Sleep bruxism can sometimes occur alongside other sleep-related problems.

If your history includes significant snoring, disturbed sleep, daytime tiredness or other symptoms that raise concerns about sleep-disordered breathing, we may recommend appropriate medical or sleep assessment rather than simply providing a grinding appliance.

Individual Assessment

There is no single treatment for everyone who grinds or clenches their teeth.

Our approach is to determine whether bruxism is actually causing a problem, what structures are being affected and what level of intervention is appropriate.

Sometimes that means treatment. Sometimes it means protection and monitoring.

Why Choose Station St Dental?

Truly Holistic Dental Care

At Station St Dental, we treat more than just your teeth - we care for your complete oral health. Our approach takes into account everything that could impact your smile, from breathing and lifestyle habits to personal goals and even work-related factors. We look at the full picture to provide the most effective, personalised care possible.

Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Dentistry

Our experienced dentists are skilled in a wide range of dental treatments, allowing us to offer comprehensive care under one roof. From preventive and general dentistry to more complex procedures, we’re equipped to manage the oral health needs of the whole family.

To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, our entire team - including our friendly front desk staff - regularly attends professional development courses. We’re committed to learning the latest advancements in dental care and proudly use cutting-edge equipment and technology in our clinic.

A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Environment

We know that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some. That’s why we go above and beyond to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where patients of all ages feel safe and at ease. With calming background music throughout the practice, we aim to make every appointment as pleasant as possible.

Family-Focused Dentistry

Families are at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s your toddler’s first dental check-up, orthodontic care for your teen, or cosmetic treatments for you - we tailor our approach to suit each family member’s individual needs.

It’s not uncommon for families to schedule their appointments together, making it easy and convenient to manage everyone’s oral health in one visit.

Plus, eligible children may access up to $1,132 in dental care over two years through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) - making quality care more accessible when you need it most.