Bruxism
Bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, most frequently during sleep, though awake bruxism during concentration or stress is also clinically recognised. The repetitive lateral grinding forces progressively erode enamel, fracture cusps, overload the temporomandibular joint, and cause chronic fatigue of the masticatory musculature.
The Cumulative Damage Bruxism Inflicts Over Time
Bruxism is a condition that destroys tooth structure silently, typically during sleep when the patient has no awareness of the forces being generated. The average person exerts 20 to 40 pounds of chewing force during eating; during bruxism episodes, that figure can reach 250 pounds. Over years, this compressive and shearing force flattens cusps, fractures existing restorations, wears enamel to a translucent edge, and loads the temporomandibular joint far beyond its design tolerance. By the time most patients seek treatment, the enamel loss is irreversible and the bite has collapsed from the reduction in tooth height.
Vellum Select's Istanbul specialists treat bruxism through a combined approach: full-mouth restoration rebuilds lost tooth structure and correct vertical dimension, while an occlusal splint and, where appropriate, management of sleep-disordered breathing address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
View All ProceduresFull Mouth Restoration in Turkey
Full mouth restoration (also called full mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction) is a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses every tooth in both the upper and lower arches. It is not a single procedure but a coordinated sequence of treatments (implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, bone grafting, and bite reconstruction) designed to restore complete dental function, aesthetics, and structural integrity.
arrow_forwardTMJ Treatment in Turkey
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull on each side of the face. When this joint or the muscles that control it malfunction, the result is a group of conditions collectively called temporomandibular disorders (TMD), commonly referred to simply as "TMJ."
arrow_forwardBiomimetic Dentistry in Turkey
Biomimetic dentistry is a minimally invasive restorative approach that rebuilds damaged, decayed, or worn teeth by mimicking the physical properties of natural tooth structure. Using advanced adhesive bonding, composite materials, and ceramic inlay restorations, it preserves maximum healthy tooth while achieving biomechanical function indistinguishable from natural enamel and dentin.
arrow_forwardSymptoms of Bruxism
Morning jaw stiffness, facial muscle fatigue, and a dull headache centred at the temples are the most common overnight symptoms patients notice. Dental signs include flattened occlusal surfaces, chipped or cracked posterior cusps, notched cervical abrasion at the gum line, and sensitivity to cold following enamel loss. Partners often report hearing audible grinding sounds during the night. Over time, the bite height decreases as tooth structure is lost, and facial appearance changes as the lower third of the face shortens.
Diagnostic Pathways
Diagnosis is established through clinical examination of wear facets, tooth fractures, and muscle tenderness on palpation. Mounted study models or a digital intraoral scan record the current bite and quantify the extent of tooth surface loss. Sleep studies or a sleep questionnaire screen for obstructive sleep apnoea, which has a strong association with sleep bruxism and must be addressed to prevent recurrence after restoration. TMJ assessment via imaging identifies any disc displacement or condylar changes requiring management alongside the dental rehabilitation.
Advanced Treatment Options at Vellum Select
Vellum Select's Istanbul dental specialists address bruxism damage at both the restorative and aetiological level, providing a durable outcome rather than a temporary repair.
Full Mouth Restoration
Where vertical dimension has collapsed and multiple teeth are worn, a full-mouth rehabilitation rebuilds all affected teeth simultaneously with zirconium crowns or ceramic onlays, restoring correct bite height, function, and aesthetics in a coordinated sequence. Learn more about Full Mouth Restoration in Turkey.
TMJ Treatment
Concurrent TMJ management using hard acrylic occlusal splints protects new restorations and allows the joint and muscles to decompress and heal following years of overloading. Learn more about TMJ Treatment in Turkey.