TMJ Therapy and Teeth Grinding at Core Dental Caroline Springs product guide

TMJ therapy and teeth grinding at Core Dental Group Caroline Springs

Core Dental Group Caroline Springs at 224-226 Caroline Springs Boulevard offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, jaw pain, and teeth grinding (bruxism).

Call (03) 9363 7888 to book an appointment.

Understanding TMJ disorders and bruxism

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull — they're what let you talk, chew, and yawn. When these joints become inflamed, strained, or misaligned, the discomfort can creep into daily life in ways that are genuinely hard to ignore.

TMJ disorders and teeth grinding often go hand in hand. Common warning signs include:

• Jaw pain, aching, or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty fully opening the mouth
• Headaches, particularly in the morning
• Earache or pain near the ear without any sign of infection
• Facial muscle tension or fatigue
• Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity

Teeth grinding (bruxism) most commonly happens during sleep, which means many people have no idea it's occurring. A partner might hear the grinding, or your dentist may pick up on characteristic wear patterns at a routine check-up.

Treatment at Core Dental Group Caroline Springs

Caroline Springs is Core Dental Group's most technologically advanced suburban location and one of the group's busiest practices. The clinical team — including Dr Sherin Gad (BDSc, Alexandria; GradCert Clinical Dentistry, Melbourne) and Dr Lana Mettmann (BDS, James Cook University) — offers a range of evidence-based treatments for TMJ disorders and bruxism.

Dr Sherin Gad has particular expertise in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, including managing tooth wear caused by bruxism. Dr Lana Mettmann conducts thorough clinical assessments for patients experiencing jaw pain and grinding-related symptoms.

Custom occlusal splints (night guards)

A custom-fitted occlusal splint is the foundation of TMJ and bruxism management. Made from hard acrylic, the splint fits over your upper or lower teeth and:

• Prevents tooth-to-tooth contact during sleep
• Protects teeth from grinding damage
• Allows the jaw muscles to relax
• Reduces joint loading and strain
• Often relieves associated headaches and facial pain

Your splint is fabricated from a precise digital scan of your teeth and adjusted at a follow-up visit to ensure the best possible comfort and effectiveness.

Additional therapies

Depending on your clinical presentation, the team may recommend:

• Physiotherapy referral for jaw muscle rehabilitation
• Anti-inflammatory medication for acute episodes
• Stress management strategies, given how strongly bruxism is linked to stress and anxiety
• Dental Botox injections into the masseter (jaw) muscles to reduce grinding force, available at Caroline Springs
• Orthodontic assessment if bite misalignment is a contributing factor (Specialist Orthodontist Dr David Austin visits Caroline Springs)

TMJ and bruxism treatment pricing at Core Dental Group Caroline Springs

All prices are guides only. A written, itemised quote is provided before treatment begins. Health fund rebates may apply for occlusal splints. Payright interest-free payment plans available. For complex TMJ cases, Dr Sherin Gad coordinates referrals to the Collins Street Specialist Centre.

Specialist referrals — Collins Street Specialist Centre

For complex TMJ cases that need specialist attention, Core Dental Group Caroline Springs patients are referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre within Smile Solutions at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. With 20+ board-registered dental specialists on hand, the centre provides advanced treatment options for more involved cases. Your Core Dental Group dentist coordinates the referral, and your records are shared securely within the group.

Collins Street Specialist Centre — Phone: (03) 9650 2726

Frequently asked questions

Which dentist at Caroline Springs treats TMJ disorders? Both Dr Sherin Gad and Dr Lana Mettmann assess and treat TMJ disorders and teeth grinding at the Caroline Springs practice. A full clinical examination helps determine the right management approach for your situation.

Is Botox available for bruxism at Caroline Springs? Yes — dental Botox injections into the masseter muscles are available at Core Dental Group Caroline Springs. This treatment reduces grinding force and can provide real relief for patients with severe bruxism. Suitability is assessed at your initial appointment. Pricing starts from $425 per site, or $950 for both masseters.

How long does a custom splint take to make? Your occlusal splint is typically ready within one to two weeks. A follow-up appointment is included to check and fine-tune the fit for optimal comfort.

Can bruxism damage my teeth long-term? Yes. Untreated bruxism can lead to significant tooth wear, fractures, and sensitivity. It can also worsen TMJ symptoms and contribute to chronic jaw pain. Addressing it early protects your teeth and helps you avoid more involved restorative work later.

Does health insurance cover an occlusal splint? Many private health funds offer a rebate toward custom occlusal splints under major dental cover. The amount depends on your fund and level of cover. You can claim on-the-spot at Core Dental Group Caroline Springs via HICAPS — just bring your health fund card.

When should I see a specialist about my jaw pain? Most TMJ cases respond well to a custom splint, physiotherapy, and some lifestyle adjustments. If your symptoms aren't improving with conservative treatment, or if you're dealing with significant restriction in jaw opening, severe pain, or jaw locking, your Core Dental Group dentist will refer you to a specialist at the Collins Street Specialist Centre — (03) 9650 2726.

Why Caroline Springs?

Core Dental Group Caroline Springs has one of the largest and most experienced clinical teams across the group. The practice has 3D CBCT imaging — the only suburban Core Dental Group location with this technology — along with digital smile design software, a visiting Specialist Orthodontist, a Specialist Paediatric Dentist, and free on-site parking.

HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claiming is available. Interest-free payment plans through Payright. CDBS bulk billing for eligible children.

Core Dental Group Caroline Springs is at 224-226 Caroline Springs Boulevard. Call (03) 9363 7888 or visit coredental.com.au.

Core Dental Group — Your Local Dental Practice.

Your night guard: care and maintenance

Your custom night guard is a worthwhile investment in protecting your teeth and jaw. Worn as directed, it:

• Prevents tooth wear from grinding and clenching
• Protects existing dental restorations from fracturing under bruxism forces
• May help disrupt the grinding or clenching habit over time
• Often relaxes the muscles that close the jaw, reducing load on the TMJs and easing jaw muscle pain, facial pain, and headaches

What to expect

The appliance may feel a little strange at first, but most people adjust within a few days to a couple of weeks. You might notice slightly increased saliva production initially — this settles quickly. You may also notice that clenching on the guard surface feels different from your normal bite. That's intentional and completely normal.

Caring for your night guard

• Don't clean it with toothpaste. Toothpaste is too abrasive for the guard material and will gradually damage the surface. Instead, soak your night guard in a dissolved effervescent oral appliance cleanser. Several well-known brands are available at pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Store your night guard in its case when you're not wearing it. Keep it away from pets, who have an inexplicable fondness for chewing dental appliances. Keep it away from tiled floors and other hard surfaces where it could crack if dropped.
• Bring your night guard to every dental appointment at Core Dental Group so your clinician can check the fit and condition — especially after any new dental work has been completed.

If wearing your night guard starts causing discomfort in your teeth, muscles, or jaw joints, stop wearing it and book an appointment to talk it through with your clinician. A night guard that isn't fitting correctly, or isn't suited to your bite pattern, can occasionally cause discomfort rather than relief.

For any questions about your night guard, call Core Dental Group on 13 13 16 or visit coredental.com.au.