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General and Aesthetic Dentistry

Providence Dental Care > Services > TMJ and Bruxism Treatment

We are pleased to offer personalised TMJ and bruxism treatment in West Lakes, Grange and Tennyson.

TMJ/Bruxism Treatment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) can cause persistent discomfort, headaches, muscle tension and even damage to your teeth over time. At Providence Dental Care, we offer comprehensive TMJ and bruxism treatments designed to reduce strain, protect your smile and restore comfortable, natural jaw function.

Our approach combines modern dental therapies with supportive techniques that address both the physical and lifestyle factors contributing to your symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing jaw clicking, morning headaches, worn teeth or tight facial muscles, we’ll help you find a customised solution that fits your needs.

Therapeutic Injectables for TMJ Relief

Therapeutic injectables, commonly used to relax overactive facial muscles, are an effective, minimally invasive option for patients experiencing jaw tension, clenching or TMJ-related pain. When specific jaw muscles become overworked, they put pressure on the TMJ and surrounding structures. Therapeutic injectables help calm these muscles, aiming to recude strain and alleviate symptoms such as:

Jaw stiffness or soreness
Tension headaches
Clenching-related discomfort
Facial muscle tightness
Tenderness near the temples or cheeks

Treatment is quick and typically provides relief within days, with results lasting several months. Therapeutic injectables can be used alone or in combination with other therapies for enhanced effectiveness.

TMJ Treatment in West Lakes | Grange | Tennyson | Seaton | West Lakes Shore | Semaphore | Royal Park | Port Adelaide

Benefits of TMJ and Bruxism Treatment

Jaw pain, headaches and teeth grinding can interfere with daily life, sleep and overall oral health. TMJ and bruxism treatments can help address the root causes of these issues, providing relief, protecting your teeth and improving jaw function. Here are three benefits of seeking professional care.

Relief from Pain and Discomfort

TMJ disorders and bruxism can often cause jaw soreness, facial tension, headaches and more. Professional treatment is designed to reduce muscle strain and ease pressure on the jaw joint.

Protection of Teeth and Oral Health

TMJ and bruxism treatments, such as custom night guards or splints, can help prevent damage to teeth and dental restorations. Protecting your teeth can preserve your smile and reduce the need for dental work in the future.

Improved Jaw Function and Muscle Balance

Proper treatment can help restore natural jaw alignment and encourage balanced muscle function. Many patients often notice smoother movement, reduced clicking or popping and less stiffness of the jaw joints.

Specials

Special offer – Comprehensive New Patient Examination $249

We believe that achieving excellent long-term oral health starts with taking the time to truly understand each patient — not rushing through a standard check-up.

To allow us to properly understand both the who and the why behind your dental health, we offer a comprehensive new patient examination at a reduced introductory fee.

This appointment is designed to give us a complete picture of your oral health and how it fits within your wider health, lifestyle, and priorities. During your visit, we will carry out a thorough examination supported by diagnostic imaging, detailed photographs, a professional sonic clean, and a premium fluoride treatment.

Following your assessment

we will sit down with you and review your X-rays and photographs together on screen, explaining any findings, their current relevance, and potential future implications. If treatment is recommended, you will be provided with a clear, appointment-by-appointment plan and written quote, with no pressure to proceed.

Why?

This approach allows us to deliver thoughtful, personalised care and ensures you leave with clarity, understanding, and a plan that makes sense to you.

Who?

This limited-time offer is best suited to patients who value understanding their oral health, asking questions, and making informed, long-term decisions, rather than seeking quick or minimal care. All health funds are accepted.

Night guards / Splints

For many patients, a custom-made night guard or splint is the most effective way to protect teeth and reduce jaw stress. Oral appliance therapy in West Lakes, SA works by repositioning the jaw, relieving pressure on the TMJ and preventing damage caused by grinding or clenching.

Our appliances are designed to:

Reduce nighttime grinding (bruxism)
Prevent enamel wear and chipped teeth
Improve jaw alignment
Ease morning jaw fatigue or soreness
Reduce tension on surrounding muscles

Because each appliance is custom-fitted, it's designed to make ensure a comfortable, secure feel and optimal protection.

Physical Therapy and Stress-Relief Guidance

TMJ disorders and bruxism often involve more than just the teeth and jaw; they can be influenced by muscle strain, posture, and everyday stress. To support long-term improvement, we offer guidance on simple at-home exercises, gentle stretching techniques and behavioural strategies that help reduce clenching habits throughout the day.

This may include:

Jaw relaxation exercises
Posture improvements for work and sleep
Warm compress or massage techniques
Identifying and managing daytime bruxism triggers
Tips for reducing stress-related jaw tension

These supportive measures complement clinical treatment and help create lasting relief and healthier habits.

Bruxism Treatment in West Lakes | Grange | Tennyson | Seaton | West Lakes Shore | Semaphore | Royal Park | Port Adelaide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TMJ or bruxism be prevented?

While some factors that contribute to TMJ disorders or bruxism—such as genetics, certain medical conditions or stress—cannot be entirely prevented, there are several strategies that can help reduce symptoms and protect your oral health. Early diagnosis and consistent management are key to preventing long-term damage to teeth, jaw joints and surrounding muscles.

Nightguards / Splints

One of the most effective preventive measures is the use of custom-made mouthguards or splints. These devices are designed to fit your teeth precisely, helping to reduce the strain on your jaw muscles, prevent tooth wear and minimise the risk of fractures caused by grinding or clenching.

Relaxation and Stress Management

Because stress and anxiety are common triggers for bruxism, practising relaxation techniques can be highly beneficial. Simple habits like deep-breathing exercises, meditation or gentle jaw stretches can help relieve muscle tension and reduce the frequency of clenching or grinding.

Muscle relaxing injections

Certain medications can be nearly painlessly injected into the muscles of the Jaw which can help minimize the amount of strain they are being put under. Many people find this treatment a wonderful source of relief from their TMJ pain. These injections last 4-6 months, and are very quick and easy to perform.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding chewing hard objects and maintaining good posture while sitting or sleeping can also contribute to prevention and symptom management.

Do you live with TMJ pain or bruxism? We welcome your call.

We have a special interest TMJ and Bruxism Treatment, so if you are in the in West Lakes and surrounding suburbs in Adelaide, don't hesitate to make a booking for assessment and management.

What is TMJ and bruxism?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints, and their involved muscles, bones and ligaments, which connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to open, close, and move your mouth. Problems with these joints or the surrounding muscles can cause jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, headaches, and facial discomfort.

Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, most commonly during sleep but sometimes during the day. Over time, this can place strain on the jaw joints and muscles, wear down teeth, cause fractures, and contribute to headaches and facial pain.

TMJ symptoms and clenching/grinding (bruxism) are often closely linked. Tooth grinding and clenching can overload the jaw joints and muscles, while jaw joint problems can increase muscle tension and clenching.

A dental assessment usually as a part of an exam - can help determine whether your symptoms are related to TMJ dysfunction, bruxism, or a combination of both, and guide appropriate management.

A Comprehensive Approach to Jaw Health

Jaw pain and bruxism can affect one's comfort, sleep and dental health, but with professional dental care, relief is within reach. Our TMJ and bruxism treatments are tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals. By combining therapeutic injectables, oral appliances and supportive guidance, we aim to deliver a well-rounded plan that improves function, protects your teeth and helps you maintain a more comfortable jaw.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ dysfunction or grinding and want lasting solutions, our team at Providence Dental Care is here to offer our help.

Tooth Grinding Treatment in West Lakes | Grange | Tennyson | Seaton | West Lakes Shore | Semaphore | Royal Park | Port Adelaide

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Caleb Harvie B.HSci(Dent) M.Dent

Dr Caleb Harvie is the principal dentist and founder of Providence Dental Care, where he leads the practice with a focus on high standards of care for both patients and staff. Since beginning his dental ...

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Dr Meg Harvie BHSc MDent DClinDent (Paediatrics)

Dr Meg Harvie is a specialist paediatric dentist with extensive experience managing complex paediatric dental cases. She is skilled in providing treatment under nitrous oxide sedation and general anaesthesia, aiming to ensure children receive safe, ...

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