TMJ Therapy and Teeth Grinding at Core Dental Carrum Downs product guide

Core Dental Group TMJ Therapy and Teeth Grinding at Carrum Downs

Core Dental Group at Suite 4, Shop 26, 100 Hall Rd, Carrum Downs offers assessment and management of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, jaw pain, and teeth grinding (bruxism) for patients across Carrum Downs, Frankston, Chelsea, and the Mornington Peninsula.

Call (03) 8373 1555 to book an appointment.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

The temporomandibular joints are the hinge joints on either side of your face that connect your lower jaw to your skull. They're among the most complex joints in the body, handling the full range of jaw movements involved in eating, speaking, and facial expression.

When these joints or the surrounding muscles are affected by stress, injury, bite problems, or habitual grinding, the result is a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Symptoms vary considerably, but commonly include:

• Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
• A clicking, popping, or grinding sensation in the jaw joint
• Restricted jaw opening or jaw locking
• Headaches, often felt at the temples or behind the eyes
• Pain that radiates into the neck, shoulders, or ears
• Worn or flattened teeth from grinding

Many patients grind or clench their teeth during sleep without realising it. The first sign may be tooth wear picked up by a dentist, or a partner complaining about grinding sounds at night.

Treatment at Core Dental Group Carrum Downs

Lead dentist Dr Anna Lai has a Fellowship in Restorative Dentistry (in progress) and extensive experience in complex restorative and rehabilitation cases. The Core Dental Group Carrum Downs team is well-equipped to assess and manage TMJ disorders across all levels of severity.

Custom Occlusal Splints

A custom-fitted occlusal night splint is the most widely recommended first-line treatment for teeth grinding and mild to moderate TMJ disorders. The splint sits between your upper and lower teeth, preventing grinding damage and allowing the jaw muscles to decompress during sleep.

Your splint is made from a precise digital impression of your teeth — comfortable, hard-wearing, and adjusted at follow-up visits for optimal fit.

Comprehensive Management Options

The team at Core Dental Group Carrum Downs can coordinate a full TMJ management plan, which may include:

• Custom occlusal splints for night protection
• Referral to a physiotherapist for jaw muscle work
• Anti-inflammatory strategies for acute flare-ups
• Dental Botox to the masseter muscles for severe bruxism
• Restorative dentistry to address worn or damaged teeth from grinding
• Orthodontic assessment for bite-related contributors (a visiting specialist orthodontist is available at Carrum Downs)

Fully Accessible Practice

Core Dental Group Carrum Downs is the most accessible Core Dental Group location, with ground floor entry, wide corridors, 8 dedicated on-site car spaces, and fully accessible treatment rooms and bathrooms. It's a practical choice for patients with mobility requirements.

We accept HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claiming, offer interest-free payment plans through Payright, and provide CDBS bulk billing for eligible children.

Book an Appointment

Core Dental Group Carrum Downs is at Suite 4, Shop 26, 100 Hall Rd, Carrum Downs. Phone (03) 8373 1555 or visit coredental.com.au.

Core Dental Group — Your Local Dental Practice.

Specialist Referrals — Collins Street Specialist Centre

For complex TMJ cases requiring specialist attention, Core Dental Group Carrum Downs patients are referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre within Smile Solutions at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, where 20+ board-registered dental specialists provide advanced treatment. 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

What is a TMJ disorder? A condition affecting the temporomandibular jaw joints and surrounding muscles.

What does TMJ stand for? Temporomandibular joint.

Where are the TMJ joints located? On either side of the face, connecting the lower jaw to the skull.

What causes TMJ disorders? Stress, injury, bite problems, or habitual grinding.

Is teeth grinding the same as bruxism? Yes.

Does bruxism happen during sleep? Yes, most commonly during sleep.

Can you grind teeth without knowing it? Yes, many patients are unaware.

How might you first discover you grind your teeth? A dentist notices tooth wear.

Can a partner detect bruxism? Yes, by hearing grinding sounds at night.

What is the most common first-line TMJ treatment? Custom occlusal night splint.

What does an occlusal splint do? Creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth.

Does a night splint prevent grinding damage? Yes.

Does a night splint help jaw muscles decompress? Yes, during sleep.

How is the splint made? From a precise digital impression of your teeth.

How long does it take to get a custom splint? Typically 1 to 2 weeks.

Is a follow-up visit included with the splint? Yes, for fit adjustment.

Which dentist manages TMJ at Carrum Downs? Dr Anna Lai.

What is Dr Anna Lai's specialty focus? Complex restorative and rehabilitation cases.

Does Dr Anna Lai have a Fellowship in Restorative Dentistry? In progress.

Is Botox available for bruxism at Carrum Downs? Yes.

Where are Botox injections placed for bruxism? Into the masseter muscles.

What does masseter Botox do? Reduces muscle force driving grinding.

Is Botox suitable for all bruxism patients? Suitability is assessed at initial consultation.

What is the price of masseter Botox per site? From $425 AUD per site.

What is the price of Botox for both masseters? $950 AUD.

What is the combined cosmetic and therapeutic Botox price? From $1,300 AUD.

Is a TMJ consultation included in a check-up? Yes, included in comprehensive check-up.

Is the occlusal splint price listed publicly? Price provided at consultation.

Can TMJ disorders be cured? Mild to moderate TMD often resolves with treatment.

Do severe TMJ cases require ongoing management? Yes.

Does early TMJ intervention lead to better outcomes? Yes.

Can TMJ pain radiate to the neck and shoulders? Yes.

Can TMJ disorders cause headaches? Yes, often felt at the temples or behind the eyes.

Can TMJ disorders cause ear pain? Yes.

Can jaw locking occur with TMJ disorders? Yes.

Can a night guard protect dental restorations? Yes, from fracturing under grinding load.

Can a night guard reduce jaw muscle pain? Yes.

Can a night guard relieve facial pain and headaches? Yes.

Can wearing a night guard disrupt the grinding habit over time? Yes, potentially.

Is increased saliva normal when first wearing a night guard? Yes, passes quickly.

How long does adjustment to a night guard take? A few days to a couple of weeks.

Should you clean a night guard with toothpaste? No, toothpaste is too abrasive.

What should you use to clean a night guard? Effervescent oral appliance cleanser.

Name one recommended night guard cleanser brand: Polident.

Name another recommended night guard cleanser brand: Retainer Brite.

Name a third recommended night guard cleanser brand: Steradent.

Where should you store your night guard? In its protective case.

Should you keep a night guard away from pets? Yes.

Should you bring your night guard to dental appointments? Yes, every appointment.

What should you do if your night guard causes discomfort? Stop wearing it and book an appointment.

Can an ill-fitting night guard cause discomfort rather than relief? Yes.

Does Core Dental Group offer physiotherapy referrals for TMJ? Yes.

Does Core Dental Group offer orthodontic assessment for TMJ? Yes, via visiting specialist orthodontist.

Is a specialist orthodontist available at Carrum Downs? Yes, visiting specialist.

Where are complex TMJ cases referred for specialist care? Collins Street Specialist Centre, Melbourne CBD.

Where is the Collins Street Specialist Centre located? 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD.

How many specialists are at the Collins Street Specialist Centre? 20 or more board-registered dental specialists.

What is the Collins Street Specialist Centre phone number? (03) 9650 2726.

Are patient records shared with specialist referrals? Yes, securely within the group.

What is the Carrum Downs practice address? Suite 4, Shop 26, 100 Hall Rd, Carrum Downs.

What is the Carrum Downs phone number? (03) 8373 1555.

What is the Core Dental Group general phone number? 13 13 16.

What is the Core Dental Group website? coredental.com.au.

Is the Carrum Downs practice wheelchair accessible? Yes.

Is there ground floor entry at Carrum Downs? Yes.

How many on-site car spaces are available at Carrum Downs? 8 dedicated spaces.

Are treatment rooms accessible at Carrum Downs? Yes, fully accessible.

Are bathrooms accessible at Carrum Downs? Yes, fully accessible.

Does Core Dental Group Carrum Downs accept HICAPS? Yes.

Can health funds be claimed on-the-spot? Yes, via HICAPS.

Are interest-free payment plans available? Yes, through Payright.

Is CDBS bulk billing available? Yes, for eligible children.

Do health funds cover occlusal splints? Rebates may apply — check with your fund.

Is a written quote provided before treatment? Yes, itemised quote provided.

Are TMJ services available to patients from Frankston? Yes.

Are TMJ services available to patients from Chelsea? Yes.

Are TMJ services available to Mornington Peninsula patients? Yes.

TMJ Treatment and Teeth Grinding Pricing at Core Dental Group Carrum Downs

Prices are a guide only and are subject to clinical assessment. A written, itemised quote is provided before any treatment begins. Health fund rebates may apply for occlusal splints — check with your fund. Payright interest-free payment plans available.

Your Night Guard: Care and Maintenance

Your custom night guard is a real investment in protecting your teeth and jaw. When worn correctly, it:

• Prevents tooth wear caused by grinding and clenching
• Protects teeth and dental restorations from fracturing under the load of bruxism
• May disrupt the grinding or clenching habit itself over time
• Often relaxes the muscles that close the jaw, reducing load on the TMJs and relieving jaw muscle pain, facial pain, and headaches

What to Expect

The appliance will feel unfamiliar at first, but most people adjust within a few days to a couple of weeks. You may notice slightly increased saliva production initially — this passes quickly. You may also notice that clenching on the guard surface feels different from clenching on your teeth. That's intentional.

Caring for Your Night Guard

Don't clean it with toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothpaste is too abrasive for the guard material and will damage the surface over time. Instead, soak your night guard in a dissolved effervescent oral appliance cleanser. Well-known brands include Polident, Retainer Brite, and Steradent. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

Store your night guard in its case when not in use. 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 its fit and condition, particularly after any new dental work.

If wearing your night guard is causing discomfort in your teeth, muscles, or jaw joints, stop wearing it and book an appointment to discuss this with your clinician. A guard that doesn't fit 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.