Jaw pain, clenching and grinding
Waking with a sore jaw, headaches at the temples, teeth that are wearing flat, a click when you open wide. Most of it traces back to clenching and grinding, and most of it is treatable without anything invasive.
What it looks like
People usually arrive with two or three of these.
- Jaw ache or tightness, worst first thing in the morning
- Headaches at the temples that start before lunch
- Clicking, popping or catching when you open wide
- Front teeth wearing flat, or chips appearing along the edges
- A partner who tells you that you grind in your sleep
Stress makes it worse, which is why it tends to arrive in bad months.
How we approach it
Conservative first. Nothing irreversible unless it is genuinely needed.
Find the cause
We examine the joint, the muscles and how your teeth meet, and look at the wear pattern on the teeth themselves.
Protect the teeth
A custom night guard, made from an impression of your bite, so the guard takes the load instead of your enamel.
Settle the muscles
Heat, jaw exercises and habit changes that sound small and are not.
Repair the damage
Once the grinding is controlled, worn or chipped teeth can be rebuilt, in that order and not before.
What it costs
A custom night guard is quoted at your assessment, and costs considerably less than rebuilding the teeth it protects. Many PPO plans cover part of it. You get the figure in writing before anything is booked, and we check your insurance first so you know your share, not just the list price.
Common questions
Is a custom night guard better than a boil-and-bite from the pharmacy?
Yes, and the difference is not subtle. A shop-bought guard is bulky, does not match your bite and often makes clenching worse. A custom guard is made from an impression of your own teeth and is thin enough to sleep in.
Will a night guard stop me grinding?
It will not stop the habit, but it moves the damage onto a piece of acrylic instead of your enamel. That is the point of it.
Do I need surgery for TMJ?
Almost never. The overwhelming majority of jaw pain settles with a guard, muscle care and time. We would not raise surgery unless everything conservative had been tried.
My jaw clicks but does not hurt. Should I worry?
A painless click on its own is common and often needs nothing. Get it looked at if it starts to hurt, catches, or your jaw locks.
How do I book?
Call (530) 671-2170 or request a time on our booking page. We are at 909 Plumas Street, Yuba City, CA 95991, Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM.
