If you wake up in the morning with aching teeth or a sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition that affects millions of people in the UK. Teeth grinding can start at any age and cause a variety of problems. If this is you, it's time to consider botox for teeth grinding.
There are many different symptoms of teeth grinding, but the most common are headaches. People who grind their teeth are also more likely to suffer from:
- facial pain
- muscle aches
- earache
- sleep disturbance
- enlargement of the jaw muscles
- shoulder stiffness
- neck stiffness
In addition, teeth, fillings and crowns can also be affected by fractures and even complete loss of teeth.
Treatment for Bruxism from a Private clinic vs NHS
This is the big question as a resident of the UK that you'll ultimately have to face.
Both options have their pros and cons. There are, however, several advantages to choosing a private practitioner for your bruxism treatment. Basically, bruxism comes with numerous associated problems that can make waiting for care quite difficult:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Scalloped tongue: bruxism can cause scalloped tongue
- Sertraline jaw clenching: sertraline can cause bruxism
It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have bruxism. Or, for that matter, if you experience any of the symptoms above. Furthermore, you have to factor in whether it's worth waiting for the NHS, or if you should see a private clinic.
Bruxism Treatment Methods
Fortunately, at least, there are effective treatments for bruxism. So, regardless of which route you take to receive care, you can be sure that you will get help.
Treatment options include the use of custom-made night guards, medication, behavioural therapies, and Botox. The last one surprises many people, but it's proven to be a great option for many.
Advantages to a Private Clinic
As you may have guessed, as a private clinic, we're big proponents of going private. Dr. Aesthetica is just one of many bruxism treatment providers, so you can find bruxism treatment near you. However, we're pretty sure that after seeing the advantages to private treatment (below), you'll probably agree with us that it's the better choice.
Additionally, keep in mind that private clinic treatments for bruxism are often not terribly costly. Bruxism treatment has a 95% success rate, and often only requires one treatment, with a follow up after 4-weeks.
Shorter Waiting Times
One of the main benefits of Private clinic vs NHS for Bruxism is that you will typically experience shorter waiting times.
In the National Health Service (NHS), you may have to wait several weeks or even months to see a specialist, depending on the severity of your condition and the availability of appointments.
Although the (NHS) provides a fantastic service, unfortunately, there have been few NHS dentists for many years - in some areas, there is simply not enough availability to take on new patients.
In contrast, private clinics and dentists usually offer quicker access to dental services, including treatment for bruxism. This is because private clinics usually have more resources and a larger number of dental professionals available to provide care. This leads to shorter waiting times for appointments, often within a few days or even the same day.
This can be especially important for patients with severe bruxism symptoms or for patients who need urgent care.
Flexible Appointment Times
Private clinics also tend to have more flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, which can be more convenient for people with busy schedules. This means you may not have to take time off work or rearrange your schedule to get the treatment you need.
For patients with busy schedules or urgent bruxism-related concerns, shorter waiting times can be a significant advantage when choosing bruxism treatment from a private practitioner.
Personalised Care
When you visit a private doctor for bruxism treatment, you can expect personalised care tailored to your specific needs. Personalised care also often speeds up the treatment process and can free you from the discomforts of bruxism sooner rather than later.
Unlike the public healthcare system, where doctors have limited time for each individual patient, private doctors usually have more time for their patients, allowing them to take a more comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment.
Individualised care means that your doctor takes the time to understand your unique situation, including your lifestyle, stress levels and other factors that may be contributing to your bruxism.
For example, he or she may ask you questions about your diet, sleeping habits and daily routine to get a better understanding of your overall health and the likely cause behind your bruxism.
The value of this can't be emphasised enough as we don't yet fully understand the mechanism behind bruxism. The current hypothesis is bruxism is brought about by a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors.
Tailored Treatment Plan
Based on information you provide, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and preferences. This may include a combination of therapies such as relaxation techniques, stress management and dental aids, as well as lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, exercise and sleep hygiene.
You are also more likely to feel understood when you receive individualised treatment, which can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your treatment plan. This, in turn, can improve your overall experience and help you achieve better outcomes in the long run. Win-win for everyone!
Access to the Latest Treatments and Technologies: Botox for Teeth Grinding
Private clinics often invest in newer and more advanced equipment that can help speed up the diagnosis and treatment process compared to the older equipment typically used by the National Health Service.
For example, some offer custom-made nightguards for patients with bruxism (teeth grinding), which are often more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter solutions.
Another advantage of private clinics is that they may offer access to medications and behavioural therapies that are not readily available through the NHS.
For example, private doctors may prescribe Botox for teeth grinding, and to treat chronic migraines. Though effective, the NHS doesn't offer botox for teeth grinding, as a service.
NHS Services
To reemphasise, the National Health Service is excellent. They can and do help with bruxism. They simply are often overbooked, and may use slightly outdated technology, when compared to private clinics.
Botox for Teeth Grinding NHS
Botox for teeth grinding is usually not offered by the NHS. This method of treatment is highly effective. Results usually begin showing within 2-weeks of treatment, and can last for up to 5-months.
However, you will (most likely) have to see a private clinic to receive this treatment. The reason is that the NHS considers bruxism botox to be a form of "cosmetic botox," even though this service isn't for the purpose of aesthetics. Basically, the NHS doesn't cover "cosmetic botox," so they often don't provide bruxism botox.
Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding NHS
Again, the NHS does offer mouth guards for teeth grinding. However, they are usually not custom-fit or custom-made for patients. Instead, the NHS mostly offers over-the-counter mouth guard solutions. While acceptable in quality, some people find custom-fit mouthguards to be more comfortable and more effective.
Private Clinic vs NHS
Private vs NHS for Bruxism is a broad topic and difficult to judge. Non-NHS clinics may offer shorter waiting times and other benefits, such as personalised care, but they often come at a higher cost. Patients may have to pay for consultations, tests and treatments out of pocket, which can be a significant financial burden for some.
This can be a major concern for individuals who do not have the financial resources to pay for private healthcare. For these individuals, public health systems such as the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK can be a more accessible option.
Unfortunately, in most cases, you still have to pay out of pocket for dental care (under which bruxism falls) - albeit at a lower premium.
Our take: If You Can Afford it, Seek Private Treatment
If you seek private treatment, you are more likely to get a better solution. The opportunity to get great alternative solutions for bruxism, like Botox, alone, is worth the price of admission.
Bruxism (Botox for Teeth Grinding) Treatment Near You
If you live near Birmingham, Dr. Aesthetica offers effective Botox treatments for Bruxism. Bruxism, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching - both during the day and at night - frustrate many people. So, if you experience teeth grinding, you aren't alone.
Unlike night guards that only protect your teeth but can increase pain and tension, Botox provides a comprehensive solution:
- Reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Relieve pain and stiffness in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
- Improve Bruxism symptoms by relaxing the overdeveloped masseter muscle
- Achieve masseter reduction for a slimmer jawline
The Bruxism Clinic @ Dr. Aesthetica has a 95% success rate. Our Botox treatment can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Contact Dr. Aesthetica today to learn more or schedule your consultation for Bruxism treatment.
