Two of the most commonly recommended treatments for nighttime clenching and teeth grinding are night guards and injectable therapies. But which one actually works better, and which is right for you? At Tend, we help patients understand their treatment options and make confident, informed choices. Here’s how night guards and injectables compare, and what to consider when deciding between the two.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of your teeth, often happening while you sleep. It’s more than just a sound that might keep your partner awake at night, or drive your nearby coworkers crazy; it’s your jaw’s way of showing tension. Over time, bruxism can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
There are two main types of bruxism: sleep bruxism, which, as the name suggests, occurs during sleep and involves unconscious muscle activity, and awake bruxism, which happens while you’re awake and is often linked to stress, focus, or emotion.
Common symptoms of bruxism include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Grinding noises during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Tooth sensitivity or enamel wear
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Worn-down teeth
- Facial pain or tension
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
Left untreated, bruxism can cause cracked teeth, gum recession, and long-term jaw strain. In fact, your masseter and temporalis muscles, the main chewing muscles, can become overactive, leading to masseter hypertrophy or a stronger, more square-looking jaw.
The good news? It’s treatable with options that fit your lifestyle and comfort goals.
What causes teeth grinding?
There’s no single cause of bruxism, but it often appears when your body or mind is under stress. For many people, tension shows up in the jaw just like it does in the shoulders or neck.
Other contributing factors can include:
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
- Teeth misalignment or recent dental work
- TMJ dysfunction
- Caffeine or alcohol use
- Certain medications
- Habits like nail biting or chewing pens
Understanding what’s behind your teeth grinding helps your dentist determine the right solution, whether that’s a custom night guard, injectables, or both.
Night guards: how they work
A night guard for teeth grinding is a custom-fitted appliance that cushions your teeth while you sleep. It doesn’t stop the movement entirely, but it does protect your tooth enamel and ease pressure on your jaw.
Some of the ways that night guards can help include:
- Preventing direct contact between top and bottom teeth. Protecting teeth by helping to avoid chips or fractures.
- Absorbing clenching force to relieve tension and reduce pain and stiffness.
- Supporting jaw alignment to ease strain on the TMJ and improve comfort during sleep.
Things to keep in mind if you’re considering a night guard:
- Night guards must be used daily to stay effective.
- They don’t treat the cause of bruxism, only the effects.
- At first they can feel bulky. It will take a little time to get used to your mouth guard.
- Night guards need to be replaced every few years.
Night guards are often the first step in treating bruxism. They’re simple, non-invasive, and effective, offering instant protection and peace of mind.
Injectables: a different approach
Injectable therapy takes bruxism treatment a step further by addressing the actual muscle activity behind teeth grinding.
Small, targeted doses of therapeutic injectables are gently placed into the masseter muscles, the large muscles at the sides of your jaw that help you chew, and, in some cases, into the temporalis muscles, which extend along the temples and assist in jaw movement.
These injections work by temporarily relaxing the overactive muscles responsible for grinding and clenching. As the muscles rest, the pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) decreases, easing jaw pain, reducing tension in the temples, and preventing further wear on the teeth. Many patients also notice improvements in facial comfort, fewer headaches, and a softer overall jawline as the muscles return to a more balanced state.
“Just like any other muscle, the more the masseter works out, the bigger it becomes,” explains Dr. Angela Abernathy, Lead Dentist at Tend Wall Street. “Injectables relax the muscle so it’s no longer overactive. Over time, it even reduces in size, which can subtly slim the jawline.”
Benefits of injectables for teeth grinding include:
- Relief of jaw tension and pain
- Reduced grinding and clenching
- Improved TMJ mobility
- Easing of morning headaches
- Comfortable day and night, (no appliance to wear)
- Results that last 3–6 months
Dr. Abernathy adds, “You’ll start to notice improvement after about a week, and maintaining a regular schedule helps keep symptoms under control.”
Things to keep in mind if you are considering injectable therapy for teeth grinding:
- Results are temporary and need touch-ups every few months.
- Injectable therapy is not suitable for everyone.
- Possible mild side effects can occur, such as tenderness or temporary chewing weakness.
- Injectable therapy should always be performed by a licensed, experienced provider.
Injectables can often be an ideal treatment for people who clench during the day or haven’t found full relief with a night guard alone.
Cost comparison: injectables vs. night guard
Both treatments are effective, but they differ in how long they last and how they’re maintained. A custom night guard can provide long-term protection, needing to be replaced every few years. On the other hand, injectable therapy offers relief that typically lasts several months before follow-up sessions are needed.
That said, injectables often deliver faster relief from muscle pain and jaw tension, especially for patients with active jaw muscles or TMJ symptoms.
Insurance considerations
Insurance may cover part of the cost of a custom dental night guard, while injectable therapies for teeth grinding are usually considered elective and paid out of pocket. Your Tend dentist will walk you through both options and help you choose the treatment that best fits your comfort, budget, and goals.
Combination treatment approaches
For many patients, the best results come from combining treatments. A night guard provides physical protection by preventing tooth wear, while injectables target the muscle activity that causes grinding. Together, they deliver dual protection, safeguarding your teeth and easing the tension that leads to discomfort.
This combination can also improve sleep quality, reduce morning headaches, and help prevent long-term enamel damage. It’s an especially effective approach for people with more severe bruxism or TMJ disorders, offering both immediate relief and lasting comfort.
Your Tend provider will help you explore your options and create a plan that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.
How to decide what’s right for you
Each treatment has its strengths; what matters most is what fits your symptoms, lifestyle, and budget.
A night guard may be right if:
- You have mild to moderate grinding
- You prefer a simple, at-home option
- You want to protect your enamel
- You’d like an option often covered by insurance
Injectables may be right if:
- You have jaw pain, stiffness, or limited movement
- You’ve tried a night guard without success
- You want lasting muscle relief and tension reduction
- You’re comfortable with occasional maintenance appointments
Why choose Tend for bruxism treatment
At Tend, our studios are bright, modern, and spa-like, with a team that makes every experience comfortable and judgment-free.
We’ll take time to understand your unique needs and explain your options clearly, whether that’s custom night guards, injectable therapy, or a combination approach. Every treatment plan is personalized, so you can feel confident and cared for.
Tired of waking up with jaw pain?
Schedule a consultation at Tend Dental today. Let our expert team create a custom plan to help you stop grinding, start healing, and feel better, one soothing visit at a time.
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