Author: Editor ImplArt

Bruxism and Dental Clenching, popularly known as the habit of grinding and dental clenching are dysfunctions that affects around 40% of the Brazilian population, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). At the ImplArt Clinic, located in São Paulo, this disorder is one of the most frequent complaints from patients seeking treatment for orofacial pain, tooth wear and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

Dr. Roberto Markarian, director of the ImplArt Clinic, stresses that it is important to emphasize that the treatment of bruxism and clenching must be individualized, taking into account the specific needs of each patient. A consultation with a dental surgeon is essential for a proper diagnosis and definition of the best therapeutic approach. Even patients with dentures and dental implants who suffer from bruxism should seek treatment.

What is bruxism and how does it manifest itself?

Bruxism can occur both during sleep(nocturnal bruxism) and while awake(daytime bruxism). In both cases, the patient performs the unconscious act of grinding or clenching their teeth with excessive force, causing consequences such as pain in the jaw, temples, etc.

According to Dr. Roberto Markarian, specialist in implant dentistry and clinical director of ImplArt,

“Bruxism is often silent and is only noticed when the symptoms become more intense. These include jaw pain, headaches, tooth wear and fractures in restorations or dentures and even dental implants.”

Main causes of Bruxism and Dental Clenching

Bruxism and dental clenching are associated with multiple factors, including:

• Emotional stress and anxiety
• Changes in sleep (such as apnea)
• Dental malocclusion
• Use of medication such as antidepressants
• Neurological or muscular problems

Dental clenching, on the other hand, is a form of bruxism in which the patient keeps their teeth pressed together without lateral movements, and is equally harmful.

Most common symptoms

• Tooth wear or fracture
• Pain or tiredness in the chewing muscles
• TMJ clicking
• Headaches, especially on waking
• Tooth sensitivity
• Insomnia or non-restorative sleep

Personalized diagnosis at the ImplArt Clinic for Bruxism and Dental Clenching

The ImplArt Clinic carries out the diagnosis by means of a detailed clinical assessment, imaging tests (such as CT scans and intraoral scans) and functional analysis of the bite. Dr. Markarian highlights:

“In many cases, bruxism is discovered during planning for dental implants, dental contact lenses or oral rehabilitation, as signs of wear are visible on the tooth surfaces. That’s why a multidisciplinary approach is essential.”

Effective treatments for bruxism and clenching

The treatment of bruxism is very specific and often multidisciplinary, as it is usually linked to the patient’s mental state, in the vast majority of cases. Given that modern lifestyles are accompanied by a great deal of stress, it is important to find out the reasons that trigger the symptoms and try to treat them.

Major-relaxing bite plates or occlusal plates

Miorelaxing bite plates are removable intraoral devices, usually made of acrylic resin, which cover the surfaces of the teeth. Their purpose is to protect the teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding and to reduce the associated muscle sensitivity. The use of these plates can reduce the activity of the masticatory muscles, helping to relieve the symptoms of bruxism. At the ImplArt Clinic, myorelaxing bite plates are made and designed using modern computer graphics systems to study the patient’s ideal bite.

• Major-relaxing bite plates: Custom-made devices used during sleep, usually made of acrylic resin, which cover the surfaces of the teeth.
• They reduce tooth wear and relieve muscle tension.

💉 Botulinum toxin (Botox)

The application of botulinum toxin type A to the masticatory muscles, such as the masseter, has been used to reduce the excessive muscle activity associated with bruxism. This approach can relieve pain and muscle discomfort, improving symptoms.

• Applied to the masticatory muscles to reduce the force of clenching.
• Effective results for up to 6 months.

💊 Medicines

In some cases, medication may be indicated to control bruxism. Muscle relaxants can be prescribed to reduce muscle activity during sleep. In addition, in specific situations, anxiolytics or antidepressants can be used, always under medical supervision.

• Muscle relaxants or anxiolytics (when indicated by health professionals).
• Relief of symptoms related to pain and tension.

🧘 Complementary therapies

Bruxism is often associated with stress and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, relaxation techniques, meditation and other psychological approaches can be effective in reducing bruxism episodes, especially when emotional factors are involved.

• Psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, mindfulness and physiotherapy.
• Treatment of the emotional or postural cause of bruxism.

Occlusal rehabilitation

In cases where there is occlusal interference or bite problems, occlusal adjustment may be indicated. This procedure aims to correct inadequate dental contacts that may contribute to bruxism. In addition, dental rehabilitation, including restorations and prostheses, may be necessary to restore proper bite function.

• Adjustments to the bite or replacement of missing teeth with prostheses or implants.
• In advanced cases, occlusion correction is essential.

Is it possible to eliminate bruxism and dental clenching?

According to Dr. Roberto Markarian, it is important to emphasize that in order to mitigate the effects of bruxism, multidisciplinary treatment should be adopted, with a view to the patient’s well-being in a holistic way, i.e. treating the individual as a whole and not just from a dental point of view.

If we think only of a bruxism plate, what is expected is an immediate reduction in the symptoms of bruxism, but the plate itself will not cure bruxism and teeth clenching. The bite plate helps to redistribute the pressure on all the teeth, protecting the teeth from the force of the bite and easing the patient’s pain.

With this in mind, the ImplArt Clinic offers patients who need Porcelain Crowns and Protocol Prostheses, and who suffer from bruxism, the option of using Zirconia Prostheses. Zirconia is a highly resistant and biocompatible material that is very suitable for those who suffer from bruxism precisely because of its high resistance.

When Bruxism and Dental Clenching are not treated

Untreated bruxism can lead to:

• Loss of tooth structure
• Need for rehabilitation with dental implants or fixed prostheses
• Chronic pain in the temporomandibular joint
• Aesthetic impairment of the smile

Dr. Markarian adds:

“We have seen several patients who, after years of untreated bruxism, suffer from constant headaches and tooth wear. In addition, intensive clenching can lead to tooth fractures and even dental prostheses such as implant protocols.”

Schedule your evaluation at the ImplArt Clinic

If you feel pain in the jaw joint, or even notice that your teeth are wearing down, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Roberto Markarian, director of the ImplArt Clinic. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious consequences for your oral health.

👉 S chedule your appointment now by WhatsApp (11) 3262-4750

Text written by DR. ROBERTO MARKARIAN – CRO-SP 73.583
Founder and Director of the ImplArt Dental Clinic – Dr. Roberto’s Linkedin profile
Access Dr. Roberto Markarian‘s scientific production on Google Scholar

Dr. Roberto Markarian is a reference in dental implants and computerized dental prostheses in Brazil. As well as having more than 10,000 implants installed, he is a researcher who produces knowledge that is published worldwide in renowned scientific journals in the field of dentistry. He is responsible for promoting knowledge and high technology applied in all the treatments offered by the ImplArt Dental Clinic.

*Accessmore videos about the treatments on the ImplArt Clinic YouTube channel and see how a dental implant is made: ImplArt Dental Clinic YouTube videos