Bruxism treatment in Palma de Mallorca
Even if you look after your hygiene and attend your check-ups, your teeth may keep wearing down, feel sensitive or your jaw may ache when you wake up. Often the cause is bruxism: clenching or grinding your teeth involuntarily, during the day or while you sleep, often because of stress.
Treating bruxism in Mallorca usually involves a specialist diagnosis and a custom night guard, which can be complemented with Botox in the jaw muscles, physiotherapy or, when the bite is the cause, orthodontics. We see you at Udemax Miramar and Emardental, in Palma, and your first visit is free.
The most common treatment
To relax the jaw muscles
We also treat the jaw joint
First visit and diagnosis
Do you clench or grind your teeth? Book an appointment
We check your teeth, your bite and your jaw joint, explain what treatment you need and give you a detailed quote.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, which can happen during the day or at night. It is very common, although many people don't know they have it until its effects appear.
Without treatment, the force wears down and fractures the teeth and overloads the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. Treating it early prevents tooth wear, headaches, jaw pain and TMJ disorders.
What causes bruxism?
The causes can vary widely. The main ones are:
- Stress and anxiety, usually the main cause, which make it appear mainly during sleep.
- Malocclusion and misaligned teeth, which affect the TMJ.
- Poorly fitting fillings or dentures, which cause discomfort and encourage grinding.
- Some neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.
- Poor posture, for example with the head pushed forward at a computer.
- Caffeine, alcohol or tobacco, and some medications.
Treatments for bruxism and TMJ problems
Treatment is decided according to the diagnosis. These are the options:
Night guard in Palma
The most common treatment: a custom-made guard worn at night that protects the teeth from wear and reduces jaw tension. It is made in two sessions: records, then a try-in with adjustments.
Botox for bruxism
Botulinum toxin is applied with micro-injections into the jaw muscles to relax them, without affecting chewing. The effect starts to show after two weeks and lasts 6 to 9 months. It usually complements the night guard.
TMJ physiotherapy
When there is pain or stiffness in the joint, we coordinate treatment with physiotherapists who specialise in the TMJ.
Orthodontics
If the bite is the problem, correcting the position of the teeth reduces the load on the joint.
OrthodonticsDental rehabilitation
In severe cases with a lot of wear or broken teeth, we rebuild the damaged teeth.
Oral rehabilitationSymptoms of bruxism
Worn teeth
The edges flatten or chip over time.
Damaged enamel
The dentine is exposed and sensitivity increases.
Muscle tension
Tight face and jaw muscles, especially on waking.
TMJ noises
Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth.
Headaches
Pain in the head, neck or shoulders.
Receding gums
The overload can inflame or recede the gums.
Tongue marks
Indentations along the edges of the tongue.
Damaged cheeks
Bite marks on the inside of the cheek.
Snoring
Night-time bruxism is sometimes associated with snoring or sleep apnoea.
Worth bearing in mind
Less often the jaw can lock or dislocate. If this happens, see us as soon as possible.
How do we treat bruxism?
Diagnosis
We check tooth wear, your bite and the joint, and ask about your symptoms and habits to find the cause.
Custom night guard
We take records and make your night guard. At the second session we try it in and adjust it so it is comfortable and effective.
Follow-up
We check the guard regularly and, if needed, add Botox, physiotherapy or orthodontics depending on progress.
Day-to-day tips
As well as treatment, these habits help:
- During the day, keep your teeth slightly apart and your lips closed.
- Practise relaxation techniques, especially before bed.
- Look after your posture, especially if you work at a computer.
- Cut down on coffee, alcohol and tobacco.
- Avoid chewing gum and biting pens or nails.
- Wear your night guard every night and bring it to your check-ups.
Does a pharmacy night guard work?
Pharmacy guards are not fitted to your mouth or your bite, and a poorly fitting guard can make joint tension worse. There are many types of guard, and the specialist chooses the right one according to the diagnosis.
That is why we always recommend a custom-made night guard that is checked regularly.
Bruxism specialists in Palma de Mallorca
At Clínicas Udemax we assess each bruxism case with experience and care, and coordinate treatment with other professionals, such as TMJ physiotherapists, when needed.
Where we treat bruxism
We treat bruxism and TMJ problems at two of our clinics in Palma: Udemax Miramar and Emardental.
Bruxism and TMJ
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Bruxism and TMJ
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Frequently asked questions about bruxism
How do I know if I have bruxism?
The most common signs are worn or chipped teeth, jaw pain or headaches on waking, tooth sensitivity and noises in the joint. Sometimes a partner notices it first, from the grinding noise.
Can bruxism be cured?
It can be controlled very well. The night guard protects the teeth and joint, and treating the cause, such as stress or the bite, reduces the habit. In many cases it is a long-term treatment.
How long does a night guard last?
Several years if well looked after, although it depends on how hard you clench. We check it at your visits and adjust or renew it when needed.
Does a pharmacy night guard work?
We don’t recommend it: it doesn’t fit your bite and can make joint tension worse. A night guard should be custom-made.
Does Botox treatment hurt?
It involves a few micro-injections with a very fine needle, and discomfort is minimal. The effect starts to show after two weeks.
Is it covered by the Spanish public health system?
In most cases, Botox for bruxism is not covered by the public health system, and night guards usually aren’t either.
Who treats bruxism?
The dentist diagnoses bruxism and makes the night guard. If needed, they coordinate treatment with physiotherapists or the orthodontist.
How much does bruxism treatment cost in Palma?
It depends on the treatment: night guard, Botox or a combination. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.