Custom Bruxism Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Portsmouth, NH
If you wake up with a sore jaw, worn-down teeth, or headaches that seem to come from nowhere, you may be dealing with bruxism, the clinical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. At Seacoast Prosthodontics, our bruxism treatment starts with a look at your whole bite, not just the symptom that brought you in. Dr. Randi's specialist prosthodontic training means your care plan is built around how your teeth, jaw, and muscles actually work together. Our team also knows insurance questions can be confusing, so we're glad to walk through your benefits before treatment begins. New patients are always welcome. Call us at 603-436-2951 to ask questions or set up a visit.
The BasicsWhat Is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?
Bruxism is the medical name for grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth, often without realizing you're doing it. It can happen during the day when you're stressed or concentrating, but it's most common at night while you sleep. Many patients don't know they grind their teeth until a dentist points out signs like flattened tooth surfaces, small fractures, or a jaw that feels tight in the morning.
Bruxism isn't just a bad habit. It's a function and bite-health issue that can affect how your teeth meet, how your jaw joint feels, and how long your existing dental work lasts. Because every patient's bite is different, treatment starts with understanding why the grinding is happening, not just covering up the symptoms.
Why It MattersBenefits of Professional Bruxism Treatment
Getting your teeth grinding evaluated and treated can help in several ways:
Protects tooth enamel from wearing down or chipping over time
Helps prevent damage to crowns, bridges, and other existing restorations
Eases jaw soreness, tension headaches, and facial muscle fatigue
Reduces strain on the jaw joint, which can be connected to TMJ therapy needs
Supports better, less disrupted sleep, which can also relate to sleep apnea treatment in some patients
Because bruxism often overlaps with jaw joint discomfort or sleep-related breathing concerns, Dr. Randi looks at the full picture during your visit rather than treating grinding as an isolated problem.
Your VisitWhat to Expect During Bruxism Treatment
Treatment usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms, followed by an exam of your teeth, gums, and jaw joint. Dr. Randi will check for wear patterns, sensitivity, and how your upper and lower teeth come together. Digital impressions may be used to get an accurate picture of your bite without the need for messy molds.
From there, most patients move forward with a custom-fitted device designed to protect their teeth during sleep. This is a bigger part of our specialty care services, alongside related treatment for TMJ symptoms and sleep-related concerns.
Custom Night Guards & NTI Devices for Teeth Grinding
Two of the most common tools for treating teeth grinding are custom night guards and NTI devices.
| Aspect | Custom Night Guard | NTI Device |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full arch, covers all biting surfaces | Front teeth only |
| How it works | Creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth to absorb grinding forces | Limits how hard back teeth can bite down, reducing clenching intensity |
| Fit | Custom-fabricated from an exact impression of your mouth | Custom-fabricated, minimal and low-profile |
| Primary use | Managing ongoing nighttime grinding and clenching | Managing nighttime clenching, especially jaw muscle tension |
| Best for | Most bruxism patients needing full-mouth protection | Patients whose main concern is clenching force |
If you are looking for a daytime athletic guard, visit our page on occlusal and sports guards. A custom night guard or NTI device for bruxism, by contrast, is fitted specifically to manage ongoing grinding and clenching patterns and is fabricated with your bite and jaw function in mind.
Because Dr. Randi's training includes advanced prosthodontic education, these devices are designed and adjusted with attention to how they'll hold up over time and how they interact with any existing dental work you already have.
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Good To Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if bruxism goes untreated?
Untreated bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, crack or chip teeth, and put extra strain on the jaw joint. Over time, this can lead to loose teeth, damaged crowns or fillings, and ongoing jaw or facial pain. Addressing it early helps protect your natural teeth and any existing restorative work.
Is a custom night guard covered by insurance?
Coverage for a custom night guard depends on your specific dental insurance plan. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits, so we recommend calling our office with your insurance details before your visit.
Restoring Function. Rebuilding ConfidenceProtecting Your Bite for the Long Run
Learn more about Dr. Randi and his prosthodontic background, then reach out to our office when you're ready to talk about a custom guard for your grinding.
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