Overview
Bruxism refers to the repeated grinding or clenching of teeth usually without the person even realising it, especially during sleep.
While it can affect natural teeth, it can also place additional stress on dental implants and fixed bridges over time.
The pressure from grinding can strain prosthetic teeth, the titanium framework and the implants themselves. If not managed properly, this ongoing bite force may lead to excessive wear, fractures, screw loosening, or irritation around the implants.
For patients with All-On-4 Plus®, proper management of bruxism is important for long-term care. Many are advised to wear a custom-made night guard while sleeping to help reduce pressure on the bridge and protect the prosthetic teeth from excessive forces. Your clinician may also recommend getting regular anti-clenching injections in your jaw which help reduce the biting force. This works by relaxing the jaw muscles so that the biting force is not as strong.
Regular maintenance appointments allow clinicians to monitor signs of wear, bite pressure and implant stability over time. In some cases, adjustments to the bite or prosthetic may be recommended to reduce uneven forces across the bridge to help manage this long-term.
Common Questions
Read below common questions regarding Bruxism.
Bruxism is the repeated clenching or grinding of teeth, often occurring during sleep, though some may do it during the day as well.
Yes, excessive grinding and clenching can place additional pressure on implants and prosthetic teeth over time, potentially leading to wear, fractures or breakages, screw loosening or stress on implants if left unchecked.
Management typically includes wearing a custom-made night guard while sleeping, anti-clenching injections in the jawbone, monitoring bite pressure and attending regular maintenance appointments. Some patients may also require bite adjustments over time.
Night guards ( or a mouthguard) provide a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth during sleep, helping to reduce excessive bite forces on prosthetic teeth and implants, also helping to reduce breakages.
Yes. Repeated grinding or clenching may contribute to excessive wear or fractures in the prosthetic teeth.
Yes. Ongoing bite forces may contribute to stress on supporting components and screw loosening.
Common signs include jaw tension, headaches, tooth wear, facial soreness, or realising you’re clenching during sleep. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth until symptoms are identified during a dental examination.
A custom-made nightguard may be used during sleep to create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth and help reduce the impact of excessive bite forces.
Regular maintenance appointments allow clinicians to check for signs of wear, assess bite pressure and monitor implant stability.
Yes. In some cases, your clinician may recommend bite or prosthesis adjustments when uneven forces are identified.
Some patients with bruxism may still be good candidates for All-On-4 Plus® treatment. Your clinician will evaluate your oral health, bite forces, and overall treatment needs to recommend the best approach