TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in St. John's, NL

A woman holds her hand to her jaw while experiencing TMJ pain

Bruxism, which is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, and TMJ disorder are two of the most underdiagnosed causes of dental discomfort, and most people who have them are not aware until a dentist spots the signs.

At Avalon Dental in St. John’s, we can assess your jaw, identify the signs of grinding and clenching, and help protect your teeth from further damage with a custom-fitted biteplane.

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What to know:

Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding and clenching. It most often happens at night, without you realizing it
TMJ disorder refers to pain or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull
The two conditions are closely related. Grinding puts stress on the jaw joint, and jaw joint problems can contribute to grinding

A custom biteplane is the most common and effective dental treatment for protecting your teeth from the effects of bruxism
Biteplanes are covered by most dental insurance plans

Signs You Might Be Grinding or Clenching:

A tired, sore, or stiff jaw in the morning
Frequent tension headaches, especially around the temples
Tooth sensitivity that has developed gradually without a clear cause
Teeth that appear flattened, chipped, or shorter than they used to be

A clicking, popping, or locking sensation when you open or close your jaw
Pain or tenderness around the jaw joint, ears, or face
Indentations along the inside of your cheeks or scalloping on the sides of your tongue
Your sleep partner has heard grinding or clicking sounds at night

What to expect:

A close-up of a dentist using a mirror to inspect a patients teeth.

Examination

Your dentist will assess your teeth for signs of wear, check the alignment of your bite, and examine your jaw joint for any tenderness or dysfunction.

We will also ask about your symptoms: when they occur, how long you’ve been noticing them, and any factors like stress, sleep quality, or recent dental work that might be relevant. A comprehensive examination and X-rays may be taken to get a full picture of your bite and jaw joint health.

Impressions

If a biteplane is recommended, we will set up an appointment with one of our assistants for a quick digital scan, which takes about 10–15 minutes.

A patient inserting her pink dental biteplane

A biteplane next to its protective case in an Avalon Dental exam room.

Fabrication Process

Once the lab receives your scan, they will immediately begin the fabrication process and return it to us within 1–2 weeks.

Fitting

Once your biteplane is ready, we’ll book you an appointment and we’ll ensure the appliance fits properly and give you at-home care instructions.

Close-up of a patient with a pink biteplane at avalon dental

How a Biteplane Helps:

A biteplane:

Acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of grinding before they reach your enamel
Gives your jaw a stable, comfortable resting position that reduces muscle tension overnight
Takes pressure off the temporomandibular joint, which can reduce clicking, soreness, and jaw fatigue
Protects existing dental work including crowns, fillings, and veneers from grinding damage

It will not stop you from grinding entirely, but it protects the teeth you have and takes the strain off your jaw joint while your muscles learn to rest.

Referrals:

In many cases, a biteplane is all that is needed to manage the effects of bruxism and provide significant relief from jaw discomfort. However, more complex TMJ disorder can sometimes involve the jaw joint itself in ways that go beyond what a biteplane addresses on its own.

Take the Next Step in Optimum Oral Health

From comprehensive oral examinations to full mouth restorations, we are here to assist you, servicing St. John’s and surrounding areas. We will provide you with reliable solutions based on your oral health needs.

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FAQ related to TMJ & Bruxism

Can a dentist diagnose and treat TMJ?accounts@newfoundmarketing.ca2026-09-29T17:36:50+00:00

Can a dentist diagnose and treat TMJ?

Yes, diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders is very much within a dentist’s scope, and it’s often the first place people should go. TMJ disorder refers to problems with the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, and symptoms can include jaw pain or clicking, headaches, ear pain, and difficulty opening your mouth fully. At Avalon Dental, we can assess your bite, jaw movement, and muscle tension to determine what’s going on.

What happens if I ignore jaw pain or grinding?accounts@newfoundmarketing.ca2026-05-19T22:14:55+00:00

What happens if I ignore jaw pain or grinding?

Bruxism tends to get worse gradually, which means the damage accumulates slowly and can be easy to dismiss until it becomes more serious. Over time, untreated grinding can lead to significant enamel loss, cracked or fractured teeth, damage to existing dental work, worsening jaw pain, and disrupted sleep. Most of this is preventable with a biteplane and early intervention.

Will a biteplane stop my grinding?accounts@newfoundmarketing.ca2026-05-19T22:13:43+00:00

Will a biteplane stop my grinding?

Not entirely. What it does is protect your teeth and jaw from the damage that grinding causes. Many patients find that their jaw feels less tense over time as the muscles are no longer working against tooth surfaces, but the biteplane’s primary job is protection, not suppression.

What is the difference between TMJ disorder and bruxism?accounts@newfoundmarketing.ca2026-05-19T22:12:51+00:00

What is the difference between TMJ disorder and bruxism?

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth usually during sleep. TMJ disorder (sometimes written as TMD) refers to pain or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint itself, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. The two are closely linked: grinding puts repeated stress on the jaw joint, which can cause or worsen TMJ symptoms over time. Many patients have elements of both.

Are biteplanes covered by insurance?accounts@newfoundmarketing.ca2026-07-21T16:22:51+00:00

Are biteplanes covered by insurance?

Yes. Biteplanes are covered by most dental insurance plans in Canada. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so your dental office can verify your benefits before you proceed and let you know what your out-of-pocket cost, if any, will be.

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment

Jaw pain, grinding, and morning headaches are more manageable than you think.