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What is bruxism treatment and bite reconstruction in?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or strong clenching of the teeth, most often during sleep. Over time it wears the teeth down, breaks fillings, and causes morning jaw pain, headaches, neck tension and even migraines. The main cause is the modern pace of life and stress, so the problem is very common: we often hear 'I don't grind', yet morning jaw stiffness and worn tooth edges say otherwise.

At Miško Clinic we treat bruxism in three ways. First, protective night guards (single or double-layer, 100 € each), worn during sleep to protect the teeth from further wear.

Second, a muscle-relaxation splint (400 €), used when there are jaw joint symptoms, which helps the muscles relax. Third, once significant tooth wear has occurred, we carry out bite reconstruction: the lost height is rebuilt with fillings or crowns. We always start with full diagnostics, because the treatment plan depends on how far the situation has progressed.

When is it needed?

  • Morning jaw pain: you feel tension or stiffness on waking, sometimes it is hard to open your mouth straight away.
  • Worn tooth edges: flat, shiny surfaces appear where there should be sharp edges.
  • Lost fillings or cracked teeth: frequent restoration problems with no obvious cause.
  • Headaches and migraines: especially around the temples, often in the morning or after stressful days.
  • Tooth sensitivity: as the enamel wears, the teeth react to hot, cold and sweet.
  • A clicking jaw joint: a click or grinding sound when opening the mouth.
  • Reduced bite height: the face looks shorter, the lips thinner, and the lines around the mouth more pronounced.

How the procedure works

  1. 1

    Consultation and diagnostics

    Examination, dental scan, photographs. We discuss symptoms: morning pain, jaw joint condition, sleep quality.

  2. 2

    Full assessment

    In more complex cases we carry out a full assessment (100 €) with joint, muscle and posture analysis.

  3. 3

    Impressions for the splint

    Digital or silicone impressions, from which an individual splint is made.

  4. 4

    Fitting the splint

    The splint, made within 1 to 2 weeks, is fitted; we check the bite and adjust it for comfort.

  5. 5

    Follow-up

    A check after 2 to 4 weeks: is the splint comfortable, are the symptoms easing. We adjust if needed.

  6. 6

    Bite reconstruction (if needed)

    For advanced cases we rebuild the height of worn teeth with fillings or crowns. This is longer work, over several visits.

  7. 7

    Regular care

    An annual check: is the splint worn out, does it need adjusting, have the symptoms returned.

Splints compared

Type of splintWhen it is usedWearing patternPrice
Single-layer protective night guardFor mild or moderate bruxism, and preventive tooth protectionAt night, daily100 €
Double-layer protective night guardFor stronger grinding, when a single-layer guard wears out too quicklyAt night, daily100 €
Muscle-relaxation splintFor jaw joint symptoms, muscle tension and headachesAs instructed by the dentist, often during the day at first400 €

Bruxism Treatment and Bite Reconstruction in cost

  • Single-layer protective night guard100 €
  • Double-layer protective night guard100 €
  • Muscle-relaxation splint400 €
  • Full patient assessmentdiagnostic models, joint, muscle and posture analysis100 €
  • Medium filling (for bite reconstruction)per tooth100 €
  • Zirconia ceramic crown (for bite reconstruction)400 €

You can find the full price list here. We confirm the exact price after an examination.

Aftercare following bruxism treatment and bite reconstruction

A protective splint is not a magic device that solves the problem overnight on its own. It takes a little getting used to and must be worn regularly.

The first few nights may feel uncomfortable; for most patients the feeling becomes normal within a week. If the splint starts to cause real discomfort, get in touch, as a minimal adjustment is usually all that is needed.

  • Put the splint in just before sleep, and in the morning take it out and rinse it under cold water.
  • Once a week, clean the splint with a special cleaner or with toothpaste and a soft brush.
  • Keep the splint in a dry, ventilated box, not in a glass of water.
  • Bring the splint to your annual check-up: we check the level of wear.
  • Work on stress management alongside this: the splint protects the teeth but does not solve the cause.
  • If you notice the splint is cracked or chipped, contact us as soon as possible.

After bite reconstruction with fillings or crowns, it takes time to adapt to the new height: for the first days biting may feel slightly off and the teeth may be more sensitive. This is normal and passes within 1 to 2 weeks. If an adjustment is needed, we take care of it via our contact page.

Why choose Miško Dental Clinic for bruxism treatment

  • An engineering understanding of the bite: Dr Lauras Smilgevičius has spent over a decade studying the link between the bite, the jaw joint, breathing and posture.
  • Three types of splint instead of one: single-layer, double-layer and muscle-relaxation; we choose the most suitable for each case.
  • Bite reconstruction with fillings: we now restore many cases with fillings, without needing to crown every tooth as in the past.
  • Full assessment: diagnostic models, joint and muscle analysis, photographs before treatment begins.
  • A whole-body view: bruxism is often linked to sleep, stress and posture, so we also recommend the relevant specialists when we see the need.

Dentist Lauras Smilgevičius on the bite and bruxism:

Nothing in the body lasts forever, and teeth are no exception.

The Latin saying Noli equi dentes inspicere donati, or "do not look a gift horse in the mouth", comes from the old habit of judging a horse's age by the wear on its teeth. Human teeth tell stories too, although not usually because of food. Our teeth are often worn down by bruxism, in other words teeth grinding or clenching.

Older generations often looked for simple explanations, but today we know the main drivers are usually stress, tension and an overloaded nervous system. Some people clench their teeth to release tension without even noticing it, especially at night.

During bruxism, it is not only the teeth that suffer. Teeth can wear, chip, crack or become loose. The same process can also contribute to headaches, neck pain, lower jaw joint pain and migraine. Some people wake up feeling as if they have been working all night, with jaws so tight that opening the mouth is difficult.

The problem is common, but it can be managed. I often have to show patients the evidence before they believe they grind or clench their teeth, sometimes even during the day.

When bruxism is noticed early and the patient accepts the diagnosis, treatment is usually preventive: protective splints, restoring individual teeth with fillings, and removing other irritating factors in the mouth. This is usually neither very expensive nor complicated. When the problem has been present for years and the teeth are worn down by half or more, treatment becomes much more complex. Teeth can be sensitive, food can get trapped, there may be no space for individual restorations, the smile suffers, and the face can look older.

In that situation we may need bite reconstruction, restoring the lost height of worn teeth. Treatment takes time and careful planning because all the teeth have to work together. The good news is that modern filling materials often allow us to rebuild lost tooth height without crowning every tooth. This can make treatment more conservative and more affordable, while preserving more natural tooth tissue.

Bruxism is especially common today, but it has been known for thousands of years. Even the Bible uses the phrase "weeping and gnashing of teeth" when describing deep distress. Tooth grinding is not a new problem; it has troubled people for a very long time.

There is also a modern factor that strongly affects tooth wear: acid erosion. Acidic drinks, reflux and conditions such as bulimia can soften tooth tissue. Once enamel is weakened by acid, grinding can wear it down much faster.

Bruxism Treatment and Bite Reconstruction in: frequently asked questions

What is bruxism?
It is involuntary teeth grinding or strong clenching, most often during sleep. Over time it can damage the teeth, cause jaw pain, headaches, gum problems and even tooth wear.
How do I know if I have bruxism?
It usually shows in the symptoms: a jaw that aches in the morning, tooth sensitivity, headaches, worn tooth edges. Sometimes the person does not notice it themselves, but the dentist or relatives spot the signs.
How is bruxism treated?
The main treatment is a special splint worn while sleeping, which protects the teeth from further wear. Where needed, additional methods are used: bite reconstruction with fillings or crowns, muscle relaxation, even psychological support (when the grinding is linked to stress).
How much do bruxism splints cost?
A single-layer protective night guard costs 100 €, a double-layer anti-bruxism guard 100 €, and a muscle-relaxation splint 400 €. We determine the exact choice after an examination. See the full dental price list.
What is bite reconstruction?
It is a procedure that restores the correct position and height of the teeth, usually using filling restorations or crowns. This brings back not only function but also an aesthetic appearance.
When is bite reconstruction needed?
When the teeth are worn, the bite has dropped, and jaw tension, pressure and pain appear. It can become hard to chew food or even to speak without discomfort.
Is the treatment painful?
No. All procedures are carried out with anaesthetic, and splints are made individually so they are as comfortable and invisible as possible.
How long is a bruxism splint worn?
Usually at night. The length of treatment depends on the individual situation. Sometimes a few months are enough, sometimes long-term use is needed. A splint lasts 3 to 5 years on average, after which it needs replacing due to natural wear.
Does bite reconstruction have a lasting effect?
Yes. Treatment done correctly restores natural chewing function, reduces muscle tension and protects against tooth wear in the future.
What is the difference between a single-layer and a double-layer guard?
A single-layer guard is thinner and more comfortable, suited to milder or moderate bruxism. A double-layer guard has a hard outer surface and a soft inner one: it withstands stronger pressure and suits patients who grind their teeth more heavily. Both cost 100 €, and we choose the most suitable after an examination.
How does a muscle-relaxation splint differ from a protective one?
A muscle-relaxation splint (400 €) is an individually fitted therapeutic device, used when there are jaw joint symptoms and strong muscle tension. It corrects the position of the lower jaw and lets the muscles relax. A protective guard only shields the teeth from wear and has no therapeutic effect on the joint.
Can a splint be worn during the day?
Protective guards are usually worn while sleeping, because that is when a person grinds most strongly. A muscle-relaxation splint, on the dentist's instructions, may at first be worn for a few hours during the day too, so the muscles relax faster.
Do you give a guarantee on splints?
Yes, we give a 6-month guarantee against manufacturing defects. Natural wear (abrasion, small scratches) is not covered, as that is the normal life of a splint.

Need bruxism or bite treatment?

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