The Jaw Directory

Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching: Who to See

Bruxism, night guards and where sleep fits in, as our sources describe them.

NIDCR describes bruxism as grinding, clenching or gnashing the teeth, awake or asleep, and says a dentist may diagnose it. NIDCR lists a mouth guard to separate the teeth and prevent tooth damage, and notes that a sleep study, usually done in a sleep center, can detect sleep-related disorders.

Published November 2, 2026. Not medical advice.

A panoramic dental X-ray showing the teeth and jawbone
Photo: Harold Hisona on Unsplash

This site lists providers, prices and published cost figures only. It is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about your health.

Dentists and Night Guards

NIDCR says a dentist may diagnose bruxism, looking at your history and examining your teeth, jaw and face.

Custom or store-bought. Colgate explains that a custom guard is ordered by your dentist from an impression and made in a lab, while over-the-counter and online guards are typically cheaper (January 2023).

For published price ranges, see What TMJ Treatment Costs.

A person placing a clear dental tray over their upper teeth
Photo: Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

Jaw Muscles and Manual Therapy

For TMD, NIDCR lists manual therapy from a physical therapist among the approaches. Some licensed massage therapists also offer jaw-focused sessions. See TMJ Massage and Jaw-Focused Manual Therapy.

When Sleep Comes Into It

NIDCR notes that bruxism during sleep has been studied more than awake bruxism, and that a sleep study, usually done in a sleep center, can detect sleep-related disorders. Ask your dentist or doctor whether one makes sense for you.

Who Treats TMJ

Grinding and clenching often come up alongside jaw pain. See Who Treats TMJ for dentists, oral surgeons, physical therapists and others.

Common Questions

Who should I see for teeth grinding?

NIDCR says a dentist may diagnose bruxism. It also mentions sleep studies, usually done in a sleep center, for detecting sleep-related disorders.

What is the difference between a custom and a store-bought night guard?

Colgate explains that a custom guard is ordered by a dentist from an impression and made in a lab, while over-the-counter and online guards are typically cheaper.

How much does a night guard cost?

Pearl's dental cost guide puts a basic night guard at $300 to $600 and a custom TMJ stabilization splint at $800 to $2,500. These are published estimates, not prices we verified.

Is bruxism only at night?

No. NIDCR says it can happen awake or asleep, and that awake bruxism is more common.

Sources