What Is Teeth Clenching (Bruxism)?

Teeth clenching, also known as bruxism, is a condition where you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth — most often during sleep or stressful moments.
Over time, it can cause serious issues such as jaw pain, headaches, worn-down teeth, and even cracked enamel.

Common Symptoms of Teeth Clenching

• Morning jaw pain or stiffness
• Headaches, especially around the temples
• Sensitive or worn-down teeth
• Clicking or tightness in the jaw joint (TMJ)
• Flattened or chipped tooth surfaces
• Facial muscle fatigue or tension
• Interrupted sleep or grinding noises during the night

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to long-term damage to your teeth and bite alignment.

Causes of Teeth Clenching

Bruxism often has multiple causes, including:

• Stress or anxiety that causes involuntary jaw tension
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
• Malocclusion (misaligned teeth or bite)
• Lifestyle habits like caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine use
• Neurological or medication-related factors that trigger muscle contractions

Understanding the underlying cause is key to creating an effective treatment plan.

Teeth Clenching Treatments in Gangnam, Seoul

Gangnam’s modern dental clinics offer advanced options to relieve symptoms and prevent tooth damage.

1. Custom Night Guards

Custom-made night guards act as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth during sleep.
They absorb grinding pressure, preventing enamel wear and reducing jaw pain.

2. Botox for Bruxism

Botox injections are increasingly popular for treating chronic teeth clenching.
By relaxing the overactive jaw muscles (masseter), Botox reduces tension, pain, and visible jawline enlargement.

3. Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Correction)

If your bite alignment contributes to clenching, dentists can reshape specific teeth or provide orthodontic adjustments to balance pressure distribution.

4. Stress & Muscle Relaxation Therapy

Lifestyle management, physiotherapy, and stress reduction techniques can help decrease jaw tension for patients whose bruxism is stress-related.

Cost of Teeth Clenching Treatments in Gangnam

Treatment prices vary by method and clinic, but general estimates include:

• Custom night guard: ₩200,000 – ₩400,000 (≈ USD $150–$300)
• Botox for masseter muscles: ₩250,000 – ₩500,000 (≈ USD $180–$370)
• Bite adjustment or minor orthodontics: ₩300,000 – ₩600,000 depending on complexity

Many clinics provide combination therapy for lasting results.

Aftercare & Prevention Tips

• Wear your night guard consistently as prescribed.
• Avoid chewing hard foods or gum to reduce jaw strain.
• Apply warm compresses to relax tight jaw muscles.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
• Practice relaxation exercises or gentle jaw stretches daily.
• Schedule regular check-ups to monitor progress and prevent damage.

Why Choose Gangnam for Bruxism Treatment

Gangnam’s dental clinics are well-known for:

• Specialized TMJ and bruxism care using advanced diagnostic tools
• English-speaking staff familiar with international patients
• Digital scanning technology for custom-fit mouthguards
• Experienced cosmetic dentists skilled in Botox and jawline correction
• Convenient access from Apgujeong, Sinsa, and Cheongdam stations