What Is Bruxism and What Damage Does It Cause?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth — most commonly during sleep (sleep bruxism) but also during waking hours in response to stress or concentration. It is estimated to affect 8–10% of adults, though many remain undiagnosed until significant dental damage is found at a routine exam.
Left untreated, bruxism can flatten, chip, or shorten teeth; crack teeth under enormous grinding forces; wear away enamel permanently; cause crowns, veneers, fillings, and implant crowns to fail faster; lead to jaw muscle soreness and enlargement; trigger TMJ pain and dysfunction; cause morning headaches; and create tooth sensitivity from exposed dentin after enamel loss.
Is Bruxism / Teeth Grinding right for you? Signs, symptoms & candidacy.
Recognizing the signs early makes treatment simpler. Here’s what we look for — and the surest way to know is a quick exam with a Boca dentist.
Signs You May Have Bruxism
- Your partner tells you that you grind your teeth at night
- You wake up with jaw soreness, facial muscle tension, or headaches
- Your teeth appear shorter, flatter, or more worn than they used to
- You notice chips or cracks appearing on multiple teeth
- You experience tooth sensitivity without an identifiable cause
- You feel jaw tightness during periods of stress
- Your Boca dentist has noted wear patterns at your exam
How Bruxism Treatment Works at Boca in Reno
Bruxism Evaluation
A clinical exam identifies wear patterns, cracks, and muscle tenderness, and X-rays assess bone levels and root condition.
Impressions for Night Guard
Precise dental impressions are taken of the upper and lower arches.
Lab Fabrication
A custom guard is fabricated in a dental lab, typically in 1–2 weeks.
Delivery & Fitting
The guard is fitted and adjusted, and you're instructed on wear and care.
Follow-Up
The wear pattern on the guard is evaluated at your next cleaning, and restorative repair of damaged teeth is planned and executed once grinding is controlled.
A custom night guard is typically fabricated in 1–2 weeks.
Benefits of Treating Bruxism
Protects Teeth from Wear
A night guard absorbs grinding forces, preventing the enamel wear, flattening, and cracks bruxism causes.
Eases Jaw Pain & Headaches
Reduces jaw muscle soreness, TMJ strain, and morning headaches.
Protects Your Restorations
Shields crowns, veneers, fillings, and implant crowns from premature failure.
Precision Custom Fit
Fitted from impressions for comfort and effective force distribution — so it actually gets worn.
Durable Protection
A custom guard lasts 2–7 years with proper care.
Why Reno Patients Choose Boca Dental & Braces for Bruxism / Teeth Grinding
What sets us apart
- Custom night guards available at all 3 Reno locations
- Comprehensive bruxism management — guard plus occlusal adjustment and restorative repair at the same practice
- Most PPO plans cover custom night guards under restorative or TMJ benefits
- Botox for bruxism may be available — ask at your evaluation
- Evening and Saturday hours for working patients
Bruxism / Teeth Grinding in Reno — Your Questions, Answered
Everything Reno and Sparks patients ask us most about bruxism / teeth grinding — tap any question to read the answer.
How Much Does a Custom Night Guard Cost in Reno, NV?
At Boca, cost should never stand between you and the care you need. We accept Nevada Medicaid and many major dental plans, verify your benefits at no charge, and offer flexible financing — so you can move forward with confidence.
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Find Bruxism / Teeth Grinding Near You — 3 Boca Dental & Braces Locations Across Reno
Boca Specialty Dental & Braces diagnoses and treats bruxism with custom night guards, occlusal therapy, and restorative repair at 3 locations across Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County. Most insurance accepted.
Book Your Bruxism / Teeth Grinding Appointment
Choose your nearest Boca location and we'll confirm within one business hour. Same-day and next-day appointments available.