Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

How it shows up

Bruxism is the repeated grinding or clenching of teeth, often happening during sleep without the person realizing it until a dentist points out the wear, or a partner mentions the noise. It can also happen during the day under stress or intense concentration. Left unaddressed, it can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and worn teeth.

How hypnotherapy helps

Because nighttime grinding happens outside of conscious awareness, it often has roots in stress or tension the body is holding onto. Hypnotherapy works on relaxing that underlying stress response and building healthier patterns of releasing tension before bed. Pattie combines hypnotic relaxation techniques with practical stress-reduction strategies so the body has less reason to clench in the first place. This is meant to work alongside, not replace, any dental treatment — a night guard or dentist’s guidance is still worth having in place.

What a session looks like

A free 20-minute consultation lets you describe your situation and any dental guidance you’ve already received. Sessions are $150, held at the Scottsdale office or via Zoom, and usually come with a customized recording designed to help you unwind before sleep.

Common questions

Should I still see my dentist? Yes. Hypnotherapy addresses the stress side of bruxism; a dentist can check for physical damage and fit a night guard if needed. The two work well together.

Will this stop the grinding immediately? No approach can promise that. What hypnotherapy offers is a real shot at reducing the stress that drives the habit, but it takes your engagement and, often, more than one session.

What if my grinding happens during the day, not at night? That’s still bruxism and often ties even more directly to daytime stress — mention this in your consultation so the approach can be tailored.