Have you ever woken up with jaw pain or a headache that seems to come from nowhere? You might be grinding your teeth without realizing it.
At Queen’s Emergency Dental in New York, many patients discover that years of subtle teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—have caused more harm than they imagined.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about how to fix grinded teeth—from what causes it, to how you can protect your smile, and where to find expert care when you need it most.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the repetitive clenching or grinding of your teeth. It’s often unconscious, especially during sleep, and can result from stress, misaligned teeth, or lifestyle habits like caffeine or alcohol use.
Over time, the continuous pressure wears down your enamel and strains your jaw muscles.
Daytime grinding typically happens when you’re tense, focused, or anxious. Nighttime bruxism, on the other hand, occurs during sleep and is harder to control.
It’s often linked with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, where breathing interruptions cause jaw tension.
When you grind your teeth, the enamel wears down gradually, similar to how friction dulls a blade. Eventually, teeth become sensitive, cracked, and shorter.
The jaw muscles also tighten, leading to discomfort, stiffness, and potential TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues.
Grinding can make your teeth appear short or flat. The smooth, shiny surface is often the result of enamel erosion.
A common symptom is a sore or tight jaw, particularly after waking up or chewing food.
Morning headaches around the temples or cheeks are signs of overnight grinding.
Worn enamel exposes inner layers of the teeth, making them more sensitive to temperature changes and sweet foods.
Emotional stress is one of the biggest culprits. When under pressure, people often clench their jaw subconsciously, even while sleeping.
An uneven bite causes teeth to rub incorrectly, prompting grinding as the jaw seeks balance.
Interrupted breathing can lead to jaw tightening during sleep, often worsening bruxism.
Stimulants and alcohol increase muscle activity and reduce sleep quality, both of which can aggravate grinding.
When enamel wears down, your teeth lose their protective barrier. This makes them more prone to decay and discomfort.
Constant grinding can cause microfractures that eventually lead to cracks or broken teeth.
The extra pressure on your gums and joints can cause gum recession and chronic jaw pain.
A dentist checks for signs like enamel loss, jaw tenderness, or visible wear marks.
This helps determine how your teeth come together and whether misalignment contributes to grinding.
Sleep specialists can detect involuntary jaw movements or disorders like sleep apnea during overnight monitoring.
A warm compress can loosen tight muscles and ease pain.
Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen helps manage soreness temporarily.
Simple stretches and massages improve mobility and relax the jaw muscles.
At Queen’s Emergency Dental, our goal is to protect and restore your teeth while preventing future grinding.
Nightguards act as a cushion, preventing direct tooth contact while you sleep.
If misalignment causes grinding, orthodontic treatment can correct your bite.
Relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can reduce clenching caused by anxiety.
The expert team at Queen’s Emergency Dental offers advanced restorative care for all levels of grinding damage.
Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair small chips or flattening, restoring a natural look.
Porcelain veneers cover worn or uneven teeth, improving appearance and durability.
Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that have suffered extensive enamel loss.
In severe cases, multiple restorations—including crowns, bridges, and veneers—are combined to rebuild your entire bite.
Protective guards absorb the grinding pressure and keep enamel intact.
These habits can aggravate your jaw and accelerate tooth wear.
Frequent visits ensure any new damage is caught early and treated effectively.
Cutting back on stimulants can significantly improve your sleep and reduce muscle tension.
Relaxation before bed can help your body and mind unwind.
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine to promote better rest and reduce grinding frequency.
Stress creates muscle tension throughout your body, and your jaw often takes the brunt of it.
Counseling or therapy can teach you how to manage stress in healthier ways.
Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation can help release tightness in the jaw.
Pain or difficulty opening your mouth could signal TMJ problems needing urgent care.
Grinding that damages teeth should be evaluated immediately to prevent infection.
Frequent headaches may point to joint strain that requires professional treatment.
Treatment restores a natural, balanced look to your teeth and face.
Repairing teeth helps you chew comfortably and speak clearly.
A restored smile boosts self-confidence and overall comfort in daily life.
3D scans ensure perfect-fitting guards for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
These technologies provide precise planning for crowns, veneers, and reconstructions.
Strong, natural-looking materials ensure long-lasting, realistic results.
| Treatment Type | Average Cost Range (USD) |
| Custom Nightguard | $300 – $800 |
| Dental Bonding | $200 – $600 per tooth |
| Veneers | $900 – $2,500 per tooth |
| Crowns | $1,000 – $3,000 per tooth |
| Full Reconstruction | $15,000 – $40,000+ |
Most insurance plans cover part of the treatment. Queen’s Emergency Dental also provides Care Credit payment options to make quality care more affordable.
Addressing grinding early prevents larger problems like fractures and root canals, saving time, discomfort, and money in the future.
Some mild sensitivity may occur but usually fades quickly. Follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid extremely hot or cold foods initially.
Routine checkups allow your dentist to ensure your teeth, bite, and restorations remain healthy.
Use your nightguard consistently, manage stress, and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Queen’s Emergency Dental, located at 141-67 73rd Terrace, Flushing, NY 11367, is our trusted destination for expert dental care. Led by Dr. Maximilian Marks, who completed his residency at Jamaica Hospital, the clinic specializes in both emergency and restorative treatments for us.
We are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Our patients enjoy cutting-edge care, including virtual reality anxiety therapy, pain-free injections, and even Lyft or Uber fare refunds for convenience.
If you’re looking for professional help with how to fix grinded teeth, call us at Queen’s Emergency Dental—a place where our comfort and smile always come first.
Grinding your teeth might not seem serious at first, but over time, it can damage both your appearance and oral health. With professional help, preventive care, and the right treatments, you can protect your smile and avoid long-term pain.
Whether you need a nightguard, cosmetic repair, or a complete restoration, Queen’s Emergency Dental in New York is ready to help you regain your confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.
No, once enamel wears down, it doesn’t regrow. However, dental bonding, veneers, or crowns can restore your teeth’s strength and appearance.
Wearing a nightguard, managing stress, and maintaining healthy sleep habits are the most effective solutions.
Severe cases often need a mix of orthodontic adjustments, custom mouthguards, and restorative dental work.
Veneers improve appearance for mild wear, while crowns are best for severe enamel loss.
YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS A BEAUTIFUL SMILE IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY!