⚕️ Clinical Review

This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Sarah Metias, GDC 114267 (Principal Dentist, MJDF RCS England), on 2026-04-29. Information is reviewed regularly to remain accurate and aligned with current GDC and CQC guidance. Verify on the GDC register →

Tower Dental Blackpool

Teeth Grinding
(Bruxism) Treatment

✓ Clinically reviewed by Dr Sarah Metias (GDC 114267 · BDS, MJDF RCS England)·Last reviewed: April 2026

Teeth grinding — clinically called bruxism — affects around 1 in 10 UK adults. Left untreated it flattens teeth, cracks enamel, triggers jaw pain and shortens the lifespan of every tooth you have. At Tower Dental we assess the cause, fit a custom night guard and repair any damage already done.

📞 01253 353759
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From £280
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About the Condition

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the clinical term for clenching or grinding your teeth — most often at night while you sleep, though some people also do it unconsciously during the day. It's a movement disorder, not a habit and the forces involved are extraordinary: a clenching jaw can generate up to 250 kg per square inch of pressure — more than six times normal chewing force.

Over months and years, that pressure flattens cusps, cracks enamel, chips front teeth and damages the temporomandibular joint (the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull). Many patients don't realise they grind until a partner tells them, or until their dentist spots the wear pattern.

The good news: treatment is straightforward and a properly-fitted night guard stops the damage in its tracks.

Signs to Watch For

How to Tell If You're Grinding Your Teeth

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Morning jaw ache
Waking with a tight, sore or tired jaw — or a dull headache around the temples — is the classic sign of overnight grinding.
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Flattened or chipped teeth
Teeth that look shorter than they used to, chipped incisal edges, or cracked filling margins. Front teeth often show small chips first.
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Sensitivity to hot/cold
Grinding wears through enamel to the dentine underneath, exposing nerve channels. Sudden sensitivity can be an early warning sign.
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Earache or clicking jaw
The temporomandibular joint sits just in front of the ear. Bruxism irritates it — causing clicking, popping or pain that feels like earache.
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Partner hears it at night
Audible grinding during sleep is the most reliable diagnostic sign. If someone tells you you're grinding — believe them and book in.
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Linked to stress
Bruxism is strongly associated with stress and anxiety. If you're going through a difficult period and waking with jaw tension, it's worth being checked.
Our Approach

Teeth Grinding Treatment at Tower Dental Blackpool

We take a staged approach: first assess the cause and extent of damage, then protect the teeth from further wear and finally repair anything already damaged. Most patients are seen, fitted and protected within three appointments.

Custom-Fitted Night Guard
from £280
A thin acrylic splint that sits over your upper (or lower) teeth at night. Digital impressions, custom-made in a lab and fitted to your exact bite. Vastly more comfortable and effective than anything you can buy online.
Hard-Acrylic Bite Splint
from £380
A more robust option for heavy grinders, designed to reposition the jaw slightly and relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joint. Often recommended alongside physiotherapy for TMJ discomfort.
Worn-Tooth Restoration
from £333/tooth
For teeth already flattened by years of grinding, we can rebuild them using composite bonding or, in more severe cases, porcelain crowns. Always protect with a guard afterwards.
TMJ Assessment
included at consultation
We palpate the jaw joint, check range of motion and listen for clicks or crepitus. Where appropriate we refer to a local jaw physiotherapist for complementary treatment.

Night guard from £280

Final cost confirmed at your consultation. 0% finance available over 6 or 10 months (subject to status).

Common Questions

Teeth Grinding — FAQs

How much does a night guard cost at Tower Dental?

A custom-fitted soft night guard starts at £280 and a hard-acrylic bite splint from £380. The exact price is confirmed at your consultation after we've assessed the severity of grinding and the type of appliance most suitable. 0% finance is available.

Are shop-bought mouth guards just as good?

No. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are bulky, rarely fit well and most people stop wearing them within a couple of weeks. A custom guard is made from a digital scan of your teeth, fits snugly and is thin enough to sleep in comfortably. It also lasts several years rather than months.

Can teeth grinding cause headaches?

Yes — frequently. The temporalis muscle runs from the jaw up over the temple. Clenching it for hours each night leaves it fatigued and tight, producing dull tension-type headaches, often worse on waking. Many patients report their morning headaches resolve within two weeks of starting to wear a night guard.

Will a night guard stop me grinding?

A night guard doesn't stop the grinding action itself — it redirects the forces away from your natural teeth and onto the acrylic appliance, which absorbs the damage instead. Over time, many patients also find their grinding reduces because the guard gently alters the bite relationship.

Can damaged teeth be repaired?

Yes. Mild wear can be rebuilt with composite bonding in a single visit. More significant damage — cracked cusps, exposed nerves, shortened front teeth — may need crowns, veneers or a full smile makeover. Always protect the new work with a night guard afterwards.

How long does a custom night guard last?

Typically 3–5 years with heavy nightly use, though heavy grinders can wear one through in 12–18 months. We review yours at every check-up and replace when it starts to show significant wear.

Related Treatments

→Composite Bonding →Dental Crowns →Veneers →Smile Makeover

Protect your teeth — book a consultation

A 30-minute appointment to assess the damage, discuss your options and get a custom guard scan. Same-week appointments available.

or call 01253 353759
Helpful Resources

Further Reading from Trusted UK Sources

For impartial, authoritative information on dental health, regulations and patient rights in the UK, the following organisations are recognised sources:

🤖 Direct Answer
How much does a night guard cost at Tower Dental?
A custom-fitted soft night guard starts at £280 and a hard-acrylic bite splint from £380. The exact price is confirmed at your consultation after we've assessed the severity of grinding and the type of appliance most suitable. 0% finance is available.
Further reading

Authoritative UK sources on this topic

For independent, authoritative information from recognised UK health organisations:

External resources are provided for general education. Always consult a registered dental professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions answered. Have more? Call 01253 353759.

Common signs include waking with jaw pain or headaches, worn or flattened teeth, tooth sensitivity, chipped or cracked teeth and your partner noticing grinding sounds at night. Your dentist can identify grinding damage during a routine check-up even if you are unaware of the habit.
Custom-fitted mouth guards are precision-made from impressions of your teeth for a comfortable, accurate fit. A full quote is provided at your consultation. 0% finance is available. Custom guards are significantly more effective than shop-bought alternatives.
Custom guards are made from precise impressions of your teeth, providing a perfect fit that stays in place comfortably all night. Shop-bought guards are generic, bulky, uncomfortable and often fall out during sleep. The protection they offer is minimal compared to a professionally made guard.
Bruxism is often linked to stress, anxiety or sleep disorders and may not be fully curable. However, a custom night guard protects your teeth from damage and addressing underlying causes (stress management, sleep assessment) can reduce the frequency and severity of grinding.
Untreated grinding can wear teeth down to stumps, crack or fracture teeth, cause TMJ disorders (jaw joint pain), persistent headaches, ear pain and disturbed sleep. Early intervention with a custom guard prevents this damage from progressing.
Yes. TMJ disorders are often linked to bruxism. We assess your jaw joints, bite and muscle tension as part of a grinding assessment. Treatment may include a custom bite splint, bite adjustment, or referral to a specialist for complex cases.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Sarah Metias · GDC 114267 · MJDF RCS England 2011 · Last reviewed: 29 April 2026.
Tower Dental Blackpool is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and all clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council.

Find Tower Dental Blackpool

302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0TW · 01253 353759