Teeth grinding and clenching

Recognize the signs and prevent damage

Teeth grinding and clenching – commonly known as bruxism – are common problems in both adults and children. It often occurs at night during sleep but can also happen during the day, especially during stress or concentration.

Causes and consequences of teeth grinding

Bruxism is usually caused by stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite. Many people don’t notice it themselves, but it can lead to:

Wear of teeth and molars
Sensitive teeth or broken fillings
Jaw pain, headaches, or earaches
Tension in the face or neck
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems

What does a night guard do?

A night guard (also called a bite splint or occlusal guard) protects your teeth from wear and helps reduce jaw discomfort. It is custom-made by your dentist and is usually worn at night.

Misaligned bite or tooth position?

If your teeth and molars don’t fit together properly, this can worsen grinding. In such cases, your dentist may perform a reconstructive examination to determine if bite correction is necessary.

Restoring worn teeth

Severe teeth grinding can wear down teeth and molars so much that the bite is disrupted. In these cases, a bite elevation is needed to restore the original height of the teeth. This can be done using a Dahl plate or by building up teeth with materials like composite or ceramic.

A Dahl plate is a temporary device placed on the front teeth to create space between the molars. This allows the molars to gradually adapt to a new, healthy bite position. After this adjustment, the worn teeth can be rebuilt permanently.

This treatment improves not only the function of your teeth but also the aesthetics and jaw balance. A careful treatment plan prevents further wear and improves comfort when chewing and speaking.

Curious about the options? Discuss them with your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I register as a new patient at the dental practice?

You can easily register by clicking the registration button and submitting your details. We also kindly ask you to request your dental records from your previous dentist and have them sent to: info@bolstandartsen.nl

What types of dental treatments does the practice offer?

Our dental practice offers a wide range of treatments, including routine check-ups, dental cleanings, fillings, root canal treatments, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or ask your practitioner.

What is the average waiting time for an appointment?

Waiting times vary depending on your flexibility, but we aim to see patients as soon as possible. Routine six-month check-ups usually have shorter waiting times than specific treatments. Please contact our reception for the most up-to-date information on availability.

Are emergency appointments available for urgent dental issues?

Yes, we offer emergency appointments for urgent cases. Please contact us immediately if you need urgent care, and we will do our best to help you as quickly as possible.

Can I schedule or change my appointment online?

Yes, we offer online appointment scheduling and changes for your convenience. You can do this through our website, or contact us if you need help with booking your appointment.

I’d prefer to always be treated by the same dentist, is that possible?

Yes, that’s possible. We aim to schedule your appointments with the same practitioner as much as possible. If you’re visiting for pain or an emergency, you may be seen by another practitioner so we can help you as quickly as possible.

I’d like to whiten my teeth, do you offer that service?

Absolutely! We use a completely safe whitening method that works gradually but effectively. Feel free to ask your practitioner for more information.

How often should I visit the dentist?

How often you need to visit our practice depends on several factors, such as the health of your gums and your risk of developing cavities. Your dentist, dental hygienist, or prevention assistant will advise you based on your individual needs.

I’m anxious, how do you take that into account?

We aim for open communication, so please feel free to share what makes you feel uneasy. We can agree on a stop signal if that helps. If you prefer, we can explain what we’re going to do beforehand and talk you through each step during the treatment so you know what’s happening. Or, if it’s more comforting, we can simply chat about everyday things!

Will my treatment be covered by health insurance?

That depends on your insurance policy. We’re happy to help you with information about reimbursements, as we can check how you are insured. For major treatments, we always provide a cost estimate in advance.