Hi Andrew,

Im a 20 year old female, and im currently suffering from Bruxism and a very uncomfortable bite which i think had made it worse. i want to see if i qualify for orthodontic treatment on the NHS.

I’ve always ground my teeth at night but in the last year it has gotten quite severe, and more noticable since my boyfriend moved in and has to wake me up to stop constantly in the night. i wake up with an aching jaw and headaches most days and dread going to sleep incase i cause more damage…

i had a brace when i was 13 but since i had it off and i gradually stopped wearing my retainer, my wisdom teeth have started coming through and slowly my bite has become unbearable, my molars dont align comfortably and this bothers me to the point where i think about it throughout the day and find myself clenching my jaw and rubbing my front teeth against eachother.

Im also extremely worried about my enamel. i have a weak stomach and have developed an intolerance to alcohol which ive only just recognised, but for the last 3 or 4 years have been sick at least once a month and up to twice a week. consequently my front teeth are transparant half way down.

my teeth are very sensitive and ive started to get a shooting pain up one of my molars which comes and goes, my dentist x rayed and said nothing was wrong.

Im wondering if my wisdom teeth coming through in the last couple of years has caused my bite to change and has subsequently made the bruxism worse?

ive got to the point where i go to sleep and have nightmares about my teeth and spend all day with an aching jaw and headahce worrying about it and then dread going to sleep…

i know theres plates available but im wondering if i can get my bite fixed with orthodontics on the NHS? Would i qualify for this?
I want to get it sorted and feel more comfortable and stop worrying but im a student and i cant afford to pay for it privately. is there a cheap way to fix the problem?

Thank you for your time,
I’d love some advice, or some kind of alternative for a low budget. This is causing me so much stress and discomfort.

Thanks a lot