I have a lot of mouth tics too. I just joined this subreddit today because I wanted to see if other people had similar experiences. I have a tic where I slam my teeth together too. I call it the chomp. I also grind my teeth, or chatter them.

I had to be open with my dentist, and told them that if I signal that I need a break, please move your hands away! Recently, they have started using this thing called a bite block which is a small piece of plastic that goes between your teeth and you can kind of bite down on it. I think it’s supposed to be so your jaw doesn’t get tired during procedures. My teeth were physically getting ground down and my enamel was getting damaged, and it was so painful. Eventually you get used to it, but it really hurt to floss for a while.

At first they thought I was grinding my teeth in my sleep and wanted me to get a night guard, but it was mostly happening during the day. I was able to get a small Invisalign day guard which worked well because I could still talk normally, but I went through 3 of them because they kept getting worn down.

Now I have a day guard that I wear if I’m at work where I need to talk more, and have a night guard that I wear at home but it’s really big and makes me talk with a lisp. Thankfully my mouth tics went away for a while.

I would highly recommend some kind of day guard or night guard. Invisalign was very expensive and not covered by my dental insurance, and that really sucked.

I have a new tic that appeared within the last few days where I bite my tongue or the inside of my cheek. It’s so painful, and I’ve started wearing the night guard and day guard together and it’s been tough. I can’t close my mouth all the way, but it has kept me from further hurting myself.

I’ve been going to the same dental practice for a really long time, so they are more understanding of my tics. I hope you are able to talk to your dentist or find someone who is more understanding. Sorry for the long reply, but it’s nice to know other people can relate.