About Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
If you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache at the temples, or teeth that feel tender, there is a good chance you grind or clench at night. Bruxism is common, often stress-related, and largely unconscious, so many people learn about it only when Dr. Carter points out flattened edges, tiny enamel cracks, or wear on a crown during an exam. Over years, grinding wears teeth short, fractures fillings and crowns, contributes to gum recession, and can aggravate the jaw joint.
A custom night guard is the simplest, most effective protection. Unlike a boil-and-bite guard from the drugstore, which is bulky and can actually change how your teeth come together, a professionally made guard is molded to your exact bite. We take a digital or physical impression, and a dental laboratory fabricates a thin, hard acrylic appliance that fits precisely over your upper or lower teeth. It absorbs the force of grinding so your enamel and restorations do not.
Night guards are especially important after cosmetic or restorative work. If you have invested in veneers, crowns or implants, a guard is inexpensive insurance that helps that work last. We also recommend guards for patients whose grinding is causing sensitivity or morning headaches, and for anyone whose partner has heard the grinding across the room.
A guard treats the effects of grinding rather than the cause. If clenching is tied to stress, sleep apnea or a bite problem, we will talk through those possibilities with you and coordinate with your physician when appropriate.
Benefits
- Protects natural teeth, crowns, veneers and implants from grinding damage
- Reduces morning jaw soreness and tension headaches for many patients
- Custom fit from a precise impression, thin and comfortable
- Far more durable than over-the-counter guards
- Usually completed in two short visits
Is it right for you?
Adults and teens who grind or clench, wake with jaw or facial soreness, have visible wear or chipping, or have been told by a partner that they grind. Anyone with new crowns, veneers or implants should consider a guard to protect the investment. If your symptoms include jaw locking, clicking with pain, or snoring and daytime fatigue, tell us; those may point to a joint or sleep issue that needs a broader evaluation.
What happens, step by step
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Exam to confirm signs of grinding and check the jaw joint
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Impression or digital scan of your teeth
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Laboratory fabrication, typically one to two weeks
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Fitting visit with adjustments for a comfortable bite
What to expect at your visit
The first visit takes about 20 minutes for an impression or scan. When the guard returns from the lab, you will try it in and Dr. Carter will adjust it so your bite feels even. Most people adapt within a week or two. Bring the guard to your regular cleanings so we can check its fit and wear.
Aftercare
Rinse the guard with cool water and brush it gently with a soft brush each morning. Store it dry in its case. Do not use hot water, which can warp the acrylic. With good care a guard typically lasts several years.
Cost, insurance and timing
Some dental plans cover night guards, often under a separate benefit; others consider them elective. We will check your coverage in advance and quote a fee before impressions are taken.
Frequently asked questions
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
It protects your teeth from the damage grinding causes. It does not stop the habit itself, which is often tied to stress or sleep issues.
Upper or lower guard?
Either can work. Dr. Carter will recommend based on your bite, existing dental work, and comfort.
Is a drugstore guard good enough?
Boil-and-bite guards are bulky, wear quickly, and can shift your bite. A custom guard is thinner, more comfortable, and lasts far longer.
The information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Outcomes vary by patient. Please schedule an exam to discuss your specific situation.