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Relieve Jaw Pain and Protect Your Smile from Teeth Grinding
Bruxism Treatment in Palo Alto, CA
Waking up with a sore jaw? Noticing flattened teeth or unexplained headaches? These are all potential signs of bruxism—a condition where you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth, especially at night. At Denise Henderson DDS, we offer effective, personalized bruxism treatment to help you reduce discomfort, protect your teeth, and restore harmony to your bite.
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We proudly serve patients across Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Stanford, offering care that combines advanced technology with Dr. Henderson’s thoughtful, patient-focused approach.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. While it can occur during the day, it most often happens while sleeping, making it difficult to detect until symptoms appear. Left untreated, bruxism can lead to tooth damage, chronic jaw pain, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
At our Palo Alto office, we diagnose the underlying cause of your grinding and provide targeted treatment that not only relieves symptoms but helps prevent future damage.
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Common Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
You may be suffering from bruxism if you experience:
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity without visible decay
- Tight or sore jaw muscles
- Frequent tension headaches or facial pain
- Pain or clicking in the TMJ area
- Trouble sleeping or waking with a clenched jaw
- Indentations on the tongue or damage to the inside of the cheeks
Not sure if you grind your teeth? Dr. Henderson uses visual exams, digital imaging, and bite analysis to confirm the presence of bruxism and identify its effects on your oral health.
What Causes Bruxism?
Bruxism can have a variety of causes, often related to physical, emotional, or behavioral factors. These may include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Misaligned bite or jaw position
- Sleep disorders such as apnea
- Certain medications
- Lifestyle habits like alcohol or caffeine intake
Understanding the root cause helps us tailor the most effective treatment strategy for your specific case.
Personalized Bruxism Treatment Options
At Denise Henderson DDS, we offer several conservative and effective bruxism treatment solutions designed to protect your teeth and relieve symptoms:
Custom Nightguards
A nightguard, also known as an occlusal splint, is a custom-made appliance worn during sleep. It prevents direct contact between your upper and lower teeth, reducing damage and alleviating muscle tension. Our guards are digitally designed for a precise, comfortable fit.
Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Equilibration)
If your grinding is caused by bite misalignment, we may recommend reshaping small areas of the biting surfaces of your teeth to allow for a more balanced bite.
Stress Management Guidance
For stress-related bruxism, we offer tips and referrals for mindfulness techniques or counseling services to address emotional triggers.
Collaboration with Sleep Specialists
If sleep apnea is suspected, we may recommend further evaluation and coordinate care to address both conditions effectively.
Botox® for Bruxism Relief
For patients with chronic clenching and jaw muscle overactivity, therapeutic Botox injections offer a powerful, minimally invasive treatment option. Botox works by temporarily relaxing the overused muscles responsible for grinding and clenching, leading to meaningful pain relief and muscle balance.
How Does Botox Help with Bruxism?
Botox is strategically injected into the masseter and/or temporalis muscles, which are typically responsible for nighttime clenching. This gentle muscle relaxation can:
- Reduce jaw pain and muscle fatigue
- Decrease damage from nighttime grinding
- Relieve tension headaches
- Improve overall sleep quality
Treatment takes only minutes and typically lasts 3–4 months, with many patients experiencing noticeable relief within days.
Is Botox Right for Me?
Botox is an excellent option for patients who:
- Have not found full relief with nightguards alone
- Experience severe jaw tension or facial pain
- Want a non-invasive alternative to more aggressive interventions
Dr. Henderson will evaluate your symptoms, muscle patterns, and health history to determine if Botox is a good fit for your care plan.
Why Choose Dr. Denise Henderson for Bruxism Care?
Dr. Henderson is known for her comprehensive, patient-first approach to dental wellness. With over a decade of experience serving families throughout the Palo Alto area, she brings a combination of skill, empathy, and state-of-the-art tools to every case.
When you choose our practice for bruxism treatment, you can expect:
- Thoughtful diagnosis and education about your condition
- Digital impressions for highly accurate appliance fitting
- Comfortable, non-invasive solutions tailored to your lifestyle
- A caring team committed to long-term wellness
Protect Your Smile and Get Relief from Grinding
Ignoring bruxism can lead to costly dental repairs and chronic discomfort. Fortunately, treatment is straightforward, effective, and often life-changing. If you're experiencing signs of nighttime grinding or jaw tension, we’re here to help you feel better—starting now.
Call (650) 327-4755 or schedule your consultation online to learn more about bruxism treatment in Palo Alto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a nightguard?
Once we take digital impressions, your custom nightguard is typically ready within 1–2 weeks. We’ll ensure the fit is perfect at your follow-up visit.
Will insurance cover bruxism treatment?
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for nightguards. Our team will check your benefits and provide clear cost estimates before treatment begins.
Can bruxism go away on its own?
In some cases, bruxism may subside if it’s caused by temporary stress. However, without treatment, the condition often worsens or causes long-term damage.
Are store-bought nightguards effective?
Over-the-counter guards offer limited protection and rarely fit well. Custom guards provide superior comfort, stability, and long-term relief.
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Get a Better Night’s Sleep—and Protect Your Smile
Bruxism doesn’t have to control your comfort, sleep, or oral health. At Denise Henderson DDS, we provide proven, non-invasive solutions to help you stop grinding and start healing.