What is bruxism?
Bruxism is excessive, habitual activity of the chewing muscles that shows itself as clenching and grinding of the teeth. It may occur at night (sleep bruxism) or during the day. It is associated among other things with stress, emotional tension, certain medicines and stimulants, and its causes are usually complex.
Patients call the problem teeth grinding or jaw clenching, and an occlusal splint is often referred to as a splint for teeth grinding. Injections of botulinum toxin are likewise sometimes called Botox for bruxism, although in describing the procedure we use the name of the substance rather than a brand name.
Bruxism is not the same as temporomandibular disorders. Joint pain, clicking or limited mouth opening may have other causes, which is why the examination covers the joints and muscles, not only the tooth surfaces.
A broader discussion of the causes and symptoms can be found in the article on the causes and symptoms of bruxism. This page describes how management and treatment are arranged at NL Clinic.
How is bruxism recognised?
Common symptoms include worn or cracked teeth, sensitivity, morning tension and pain in the muscles of the face, temples, neck and shoulders, headaches, and complaints around the temporomandibular joint. In the mouth there may be signs of wear, cervical defects and overloading of the periodontium.
The intensity of symptoms varies, and their presence does not always mean bruxism. A diagnosis requires an examination and medical assessment.
Why it is worth responding
Uncontrolled clenching and grinding can lead to progressive tooth wear, damage to fillings and prosthetic restorations, and overloading of the temporomandibular joint. Early management helps limit these consequences, although the course is not the same in every patient.
Diagnosis and qualification
Management begins with a history and an examination. The dentist assesses the condition of the teeth, the chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joint, and orders further diagnostics if needed. On that basis they determine which methods can be considered in a given case and in what order.
The scope of diagnosis is decided individually. Not every patient needs imaging; the dentist orders it when an assessment of the teeth, bone or joints is required before further treatment.
Occlusal (relaxation) splint
A splint is an individually fitted overlay that the patient usually wears at night. It protects the tooth surfaces against further wear and helps relieve the chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joint. The splint is made on the basis of impressions or a scan, and then adjusted during follow-up visits.
A splint does not remove the cause of bruxism, but limits its effects. It requires regular use as directed and periodic check-ups.
Injections of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles
In selected cases, as supplementary treatment, the doctor may consider administering botulinum toxin in the area of the masseter muscles. The aim is to reduce their excessive activity by temporarily limiting neuromuscular conduction. The dose and injection sites are chosen individually after an examination.
Botulinum toxin is a medicinal product, and the justification for using it is decided by medical qualification. The action is temporary, usually lasts several months and needs to be repeated periodically. After administration, transient reactions may occur, for example slight redness at the injection site; possible side effects and contraindications are discussed by the doctor during qualification. The method does not replace a splint or management directed at the causes.
Supportive management
An important element is self-observation and reducing daytime clenching. Depending on the situation, the dentist may recommend techniques for reducing tension, physiotherapy, and – where a link with other conditions is suspected – a consultation with the appropriate specialist. Worn or damaged teeth may later require prosthetic restoration or conservative treatment.
Treatment step by step
- Consultation and examination: history, assessment of the teeth, chewing muscles and temporomandibular joints, and agreeing a plan of management.
- Intraoral scan or impressions: taking a reproduction of the dental arches needed to make the splint.
- Making the splint: the splint is produced in a dental laboratory, so several days pass between visits. Reception gives the date when the visit is planned.
- Issue and fitting: the dentist checks how the splint sits and the occlusal contacts, and explains how to wear and clean it.
- Follow-up visits: assessment of the teeth, muscles and the splint itself; with botulinum toxin injections, assessment of the effect and a decision on repeating it.
Two visits are most often needed: the first with the examination and impressions or a scan, the second to issue the splint. The number of visits changes when worn teeth have to be rebuilt or other problems in the mouth treated before treatment begins.
How much does bruxism treatment cost?
Prices for consultations, an occlusal splint and other procedures are kept in one place, in the NL Clinic price list. The cost is affected by the type of splint, whether teeth need treating first and whether the dentist is considering supplementary treatment. The scope and price are given by the dentist after the examination, and more extensive treatment can be spread over instalments and other payment methods.
Who treats bruxism at NL Clinic
Bruxism treatment is provided by Małgorzata Rybak-Pierzyńska DDS, who also works in prosthetics and the restoration of worn teeth. You will find the rest of the team on the page listing the dentists at NL Clinic. Reception will help choose an appointment time and a dentist at first contact.
Frequently asked questions
Can bruxism be cured completely?
Bruxism usually has many causes, so management focuses on limiting its effects and symptoms rather than on a one-off cure. The scope of treatment is decided by the dentist after an examination.
Do a splint and botulinum toxin exclude each other?
No. A splint protects the teeth, while injections of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles are sometimes used as supplementary treatment after medical qualification. The choice of methods is made by the dentist.
How long does the effect of botulinum toxin injections last?
The action is temporary and usually lasts several months, so the procedure needs to be repeated periodically. The dose and injection points are determined individually by the doctor.
How long does a splint have to be worn?
A splint is usually worn at night and treated as long-term management, because it protects the teeth but does not remove the cause of clenching. The wearing time and frequency of check-ups are set by the dentist after assessing the teeth and muscles.
How many visits does making a splint take?
Most often two: at the first the dentist examines the patient and takes impressions or a scan, at the second the splint is fitted and issued. More visits are needed when teeth have to be treated or worn surfaces rebuilt first.
What are the contraindications and possible side effects?
With a splint, untreated caries, gum inflammation or loose fillings can be a limitation, so these problems are treated first. Botulinum toxin injections have their own list of contraindications and may cause temporary weakening of chewing force, tenderness at the injection site or asymmetry of muscle tone. Qualification and full information on the risks are provided by the doctor before the procedure.
A consultation about bruxism
During a consultation at NL Clinic in Katowice the dentist assesses the symptoms and the condition of the teeth and chewing muscles, and discusses the possible management: a splint, supplementary treatment and any restoration of worn teeth.
We see patients in Katowice at ul. Obroki 68, near the Witosa housing estate; there is a car park for patients in front of the building. Public transport connections and opening hours are described on the contact and directions page.
Sources: Lobbezoo F. et al., "Bruxism defined and graded: an international consensus", Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 2013;40(1):2–4; Lobbezoo F. et al., "International consensus on the assessment of bruxism: Report of a work in progress", Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 2018;45(11):837–844.
Published: 26 July 2026. The scope of treatment, the availability of botulinum toxin injections and current prices are confirmed by the practice reception.