Grinding Your Teeth at Night Causes Damage You Cannot See Until It Is Too Late
You may not know you grind your teeth. Nocturnal bruxism happens during sleep, and many patients discover it only after a partner complains about the sound, a dentist points out worn enamel, or a tooth cracks. The forces generated during sleep bruxism can reach 250 pounds per square inch — six times the force of normal chewing — and those forces are applied repetitively for hours. Over months and years, bruxism causes progressive enamel wear, tooth fractures, crown and filling failures, TMJ pain, chronic headaches, and masseter muscle hypertrophy (a square, widened jaw appearance from chronically overworked muscles).
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we diagnose bruxism through clinical findings: wear facets on teeth that do not match normal chewing patterns, scalloped tongue edges, linea alba (a white line on the inner cheeks from clenching), masseter and temporalis muscle tenderness and hypertrophy, and damage to existing restorations. CBCT imaging reveals any TMJ changes secondary to chronic overloading — condylar flattening, erosion, or osteophyte formation. We then determine the best treatment approach based on the severity and consequences of your specific bruxism pattern.
Treatment options include custom occlusal splints to protect teeth and reduce muscle force, Botox injections into the masseter muscles to decrease clenching intensity, occlusal equilibration to eliminate tooth contacts that trigger parafunctional activity, and coordination with sleep medicine when sleep bruxism is suspected to relate to airway issues or sleep apnea. Our team designs precision splints and manages the restorative consequences of bruxism (worn teeth, broken restorations), while the broader team addresses the muscle and joint components.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite B, in Beaverton, Or Oregon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his experience with implant procedures and predictable results.
We handle the procedures within our scope and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Office hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM (Thu & Fri until 6 PM), Sat 8 AM–2 PM
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
The bruxism teeth grinding treatment procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes per session. If multiple visits are needed, we’ll space them 2-4 weeks apart. Most patients return to normal activities within 1-3 days.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Sleep Bruxism: Prevalence, Consequences, and Treatment Evidence
Sleep bruxism affects approximately 8 to 13 percent of the adult population, with the actual prevalence likely higher due to under-diagnosis. Research in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation measured nocturnal clenching forces averaging 150 to 250 pounds per square inch, with episodes occurring 4 to 8 times per hour in severe cases. A longitudinal study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry found that patients with untreated bruxism had a 4.5 times higher rate of posterior tooth fracture over 10 years. Botulinum toxin injection into the masseter muscles has been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce bruxism-related pain by 50 to 70 percent and decrease masseter thickness by 20 to 30 percent within three months.
Why Choose ADSC?
Dr. Ostovar evaluates and manages the dental consequences of bruxism — worn teeth, fractured restorations, and occlusal dysfunction — with advanced training in implant and restorative dentistry and a careful, function-focused approach. When Botox is indicated for masseter hyperactivity, our team provides targeted injections based on muscle assessment. Our approach addresses both the damage already done and the ongoing grinding behavior to prevent further destruction.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our team at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call using advanced clinical protocols and evidence-based dental medicine(503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM (until 6 PM Thursday and Friday), Saturday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
A Note from Your Dental Team
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from bruxism teeth grinding treatment are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Every patient I see has a different story, a different set of concerns, and a different definition of what ‘success’ looks like. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. When you come in for a consultation, I’ll listen first, examine second, and recommend third.
I also won’t recommend a procedure you don’t need. If your tooth can be saved with a filling instead of a crown, I’ll tell you that. If watchful waiting is appropriate, I’ll explain why. My job isn’t to sell treatment — it’s to give you my honest clinical judgment so you can make an informed decision.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, or if you’ve been told you need this procedure by another dentist and want a second opinion, call us at (503) 822-0096. We’re happy to take the time to explain everything — no rush, no pressure.”
— Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
Who is a good candidate? Most patients in good general health qualify for bruxism teeth grinding treatment. We evaluate your specific situation — including medical history, current medications, and dental condition — during a thorough consultation with CBCT 3D imaging. Factors like uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, or active infections may require management before proceeding.
How long does it take? Treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes per appointment at our Beaverton office. Your initial consultation is approximately 60 minutes including CBCT 3D imaging and treatment planning.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs include waking with jaw soreness or headache, your partner hearing grinding sounds, worn or flattened tooth surfaces, frequent tooth fractures or filling failures, scalloped tongue edges, and cheek ridging. A dental examination can confirm clinical evidence of bruxism.
Yes. Stress is one of the strongest risk factors for bruxism. Emotional stress, work pressure, and anxiety increase jaw muscle tension both during the day (awake bruxism) and during sleep. Stress management is a legitimate component of bruxism treatment.
Progressive enamel wear exposing dentin, tooth fractures and cracks, crown and filling failures, TMJ joint damage (condylar flattening, disc displacement), chronic headaches, masseter hypertrophy, and gum recession from excessive lateral forces on teeth.
A night guard does not stop the grinding behavior, but it protects your teeth from the damaging forces and can reduce muscle activity by providing a stable occlusal platform. For patients with severe clenching, Botox can actually reduce the grinding force itself.
Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter muscles temporarily weakens the muscle, reducing maximum clenching force by 50 to 70 percent. This protects teeth and joints from excessive force while reducing jaw pain and headaches. Effects last three to four months per treatment.
Research suggests a significant overlap. Micro-arousals from obstructive sleep apnea events can trigger rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (grinding). If you grind your teeth and also snore, feel unrested in the morning, or have daytime sleepiness, a sleep study may be warranted.
Yes. Bruxism is common in children and may be related to developing occlusion, stress, or airway issues. Most childhood bruxism resolves naturally, but severe cases causing tooth damage or pain should be evaluated.
Absolutely. Chronic overactivation of the temporalis muscles — which span from the jaw to the temples — produces tension-type headaches that many patients have lived with for years without connecting them to teeth grinding. Effective bruxism treatment often resolves these headaches.
A night guard is primarily protective — it prevents tooth damage. A TMJ splint is therapeutic — it is designed to change jaw position, reduce joint loading, and decrease muscle hyperactivity. If your bruxism has caused TMJ symptoms, a splint is the more appropriate treatment.
A custom occlusal guard ranges from $500 to $1,000. Botox for masseter reduction typically costs $400 to $800 per session (needed every three to four months). TMJ splint therapy ranges from $800 to $2,000. We tailor treatment to your severity and budget.
Yes. Dr. Ostovar focuses on restoring worn, damaged dentitions with careful planning and attention to bite and aesthetics. Treatment may include porcelain crowns, onlays, or veneers to rebuild tooth structure, combined with a protective splint to prevent future damage. Full-mouth rehabilitation is available for severe wear cases.
They are related but different. Awake bruxism is primarily clenching (sustained muscle contraction) and is often linked to concentration, stress, or habit. Sleep bruxism involves rhythmic grinding movements during specific sleep stages. Both cause damage, but treatment approaches may differ.
A quality custom night guard typically lasts two to five years depending on grinding severity. Signs that replacement is needed include visible wear-through, cracks, loss of fit, or odor that cleaning cannot eliminate. We check your guard at regular visits.
Yes. SSRIs (antidepressants like sertraline and fluoxetine), stimulants (including ADHD medications), and recreational drugs including MDMA are known to increase bruxism. If medication-related bruxism is suspected, we coordinate with your prescribing physician.
Bruxism tends to be a chronic condition that waxes and wanes with stress and life circumstances. Most patients benefit from long-term nightly splint wear. Some find that Botox, stress management, and sleep optimization reduce their bruxism significantly over time.