Clenching

Originally published May 2016 · Last updated May 2026

By Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. — Founder/Director of Occlusion Connections™

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I believe CLENCHING can be resolved, but it requires detailed and specific applications of a properly made and designed orthotic/occlusion that is done to an “Optimized Bite” position — then coordinated properly with the right chiropractor to balance out the cervical neck and surrounding supportive bones and muscles.

“Doctor, I no longer clench like I was before. This orthotic feels better in my mouth than out.”

• GNM Case Study, Male Age 39 – Clencher/Grinder with TMD pain →

Many of my patients — including a number of dentists who have TMD — come to me with clenching issues, and after GNM orthotic treatment they all say they are no longer clenching.

Some have taught that clenching is due to unresolved peripheral central nervous system (CNS) issues. Others ask: what is causing the central nervous system to be unrested in the first place?

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Why Clenching and Grinding Occur

Clenching and grinding can come about because of:

• Occlusal interferences — the occlusion needs more detailed adjustment (premature occlusal interferences); or
• Pelvic misalignment — if the bite is correctly detailed, then clenching can come from the hip and pelvis being out of alignment; and/or
• Cervical issues — when the neck is not resolved, this can contribute to grinding problems; or
• Emotional stress — if all of the above are confirmed optimally balanced, stress should be considered as an emotional factor.

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Five Clinical Reasons People Clench

From my clinical experience, I have observed that people will clench when:

• 1. Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) Is Over Closed — lack of vertical support between the teeth which are designed to support proper muscle fiber length of the masticatory system. The muscles are foreshortened and unrested, thus they will overstrain and overwork.
• 2. Undetected Premature Occlusal Interferences Exist — often these micro occlusal interferences are undetected by dentists, since the standard methods used for detecting occlusal problems are not sufficiently identified at a micron level. Habitual voluntary closing patterns (engrammed muscle memory) will avoid these hidden occlusal prematurities, so the bite/occlusion may appear balanced — but a detailed analysis will indicate otherwise.
• 3. Posterior Mandibular Closing Pattern — when the mandible is opening and closing posterior to an optimal myo-trajectory jaw closure pattern. Hyper muscle strain and tension will result in the jaw and head regions because the masticatory system lacks optimal occlusal support. An isotonic state of the muscles, teeth, and temporomandibular joints is lacking.
• 4. Sacrum-Iliac (Pelvic) Misalignment — when the pelvic bones are out of alignment, contributing strained muscles that connect the sacrum and lumbar to the occipital muscles of the head and neck will contribute to imbalances in the masticatory (mandibular) system. Further clenching can ensue.
• 5. Emotional Stressors — chronic stress and anxiety can amplify masticatory muscle hyperactivity, particularly when any of the above structural factors are also present.

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Continue Learning

🔹 Understand the Clinical Picture

• TMJ Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) →
• Medications and TMJ Grinding and Clenching →
• Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint →
• Lateral Pterygoid Muscle: Its Relevance to Clinical Dentistry →
• Limited Mouth Opening Problems →
• Degenerative Joint Disease →
• Why Repeated Botox Doesn’t Fix TMJ — The GNM Clinical Perspective →

🔹 Understand the GNM Foundation

• Defining Gneuromuscular Dentistry →
• Gneuromuscular vs. Neuromuscular Dentistry →
• GNM Optimized Bite Protocol →
• Prevalent Philosophies of Treating TMJ →

🔹 TMJ Care and Management

• Diagnostic Classification Confusion →
• Educating Yourself About TMJ →
• TMD Problems That Challenge Dentistry — Four Main Categories →
• Chronic Head Pain: Sufferers in Distress →
• How Often Does the Dentist Adjust the Orthotic Before, During and After Chiropractic Treatment? →

🔹 Find a GNM Dentist or Train With Dr. Chan

• Finding a GNM Dentist Near You →
• Doctor Education Hub →
• OC Masterclass Training — Levels 1–9 →
• OC Course Schedule →
• About Dr. Clayton Chan →

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Written by Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. — Founder and Director, Occlusion Connections | Las Vegas, Nevada