Bruxism Treatment in Lima

What is bruxism or teeth grinding?

Bruxism is the unconscious habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, during the day or while you sleep. This excessive pressure affects your teeth, your facial muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If left untreated, it can cause headaches, tooth sensitivity, significant tooth wear and changes in the appearance of your smile.

How are bruxism and TMJ disorders related?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and lets you open, close and move your mouth. When you clench or grind your teeth continuously, the TMJ and the surrounding muscles work under an overload that, over time, can cause discomfort. Some signs of a TMJ disorder are:

• Pain in front of the ear or around the jaw.
• Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth.
• Difficulty or limitation in opening your mouth fully.
• A feeling that your bite «doesn’t fit» the way it used to.
• Headaches or neck pain linked to muscle tension.

Not all TMJ problems are caused by bruxism, which is why it is important to have an evaluation that looks at the teeth, bite, muscles and joint together.

What are the symptoms of bruxism?

• Uneven tooth wear, with thinner enamel.
• Tooth sensitivity to cold or heat.
• Pain, stiffness or fatigue in the jaw.
• Frequent headaches, especially when you wake up.
• Clicking, noises or difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
• Tension in the facial or neck muscles.

What causes bruxism?

Everyone is different, but some common causes are:

• Stress, anxiety or emotional tension.
• Problems with tooth alignment or the bite.
• Sleep disorders or sleep apnea.
• Excessive caffeine or tobacco use.
• Lifestyle and each patient’s individual circumstances.

How is bruxism treated?

Initial evaluation

We take a complete medical history, a facial and dental examination, photographs, a scan or study models and functional tests.

Personalized diagnosis

We analyze tooth wear, muscle tension, signs in the joint and the factors that trigger it.

Customized treatment plan

Depending on the case, it may include a custom occlusal splint (night guard), bite adjustment, muscle therapy or complementary treatments, with regular follow-up. When the cause lies in the position of the teeth or the bite, the plan may include braces or clear aligners.

Check-ups and adjustments

We schedule regular check-ups to adjust the night guard, see how your case is progressing and adapt the plan if needed.

Education and self-care

We give you practical tips to manage stress, look after your oral hygiene and keep up habits that support the results of your treatment.

Can teeth worn down by bruxism be repaired?

Yes. Once bruxism is under control with a night guard, we can restore the shape and function of worn teeth. Depending on the degree of wear, we can use cosmetic resin fillings, veneers or zirconia crowns. It is important to protect the new restorations with the night guard afterward so they last longer.

How much does bruxism and TMJ treatment cost in Lima?

The cost depends on the type of night guard, the condition of your teeth and joint, and whether complementary treatments are needed. At your evaluation we make a diagnosis and give you a fixed quote for your case.

What are the benefits of treating bruxism?

• Helps prevent tooth wear and fractures.
• Helps reduce facial pain and headaches.
• Helps preserve the appearance of your smile.
• Supports better function of the muscles and joint.
• Lets you better manage the factors that trigger it.

Treatment led by Dr. Lilia Demartini

The diagnosis and treatment of your bruxism are led by Dr. Lilia Demartini (COP 21568), specialist in Oral Rehabilitation and Cosmetic Dentistry, with more than 20 years of experience in Peru, Germany and the United States. Her training in occlusion and rehabilitation allows her to assess tooth wear, muscle function and the joint (TMJ) to design custom occlusal splints and a plan that helps protect your smile in the long term. We see you at our Miraflores and San Isidro locations.