Now Accepting Medicaid At All Locations!
Our Office
Visit Us Online
Now Accepting Medicaid At All Locations!
Bruxism is the medical term for involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth. While some people only experience brief episodes during the day, many others unknowingly grind their teeth at night. Because it happens during sleep, bruxism can go unnoticed for a long time — often until a patient notices symptoms like jaw soreness, morning headaches, or worn tooth surfaces during a routine exam.
Causes of bruxism are multi-factorial. Stress and anxiety are commonly linked to increased muscle tension and nighttime grinding, but physical factors such as an uneven bite, missing teeth, or other sleep-related disorders can also contribute. Identifying likely triggers helps clinicians design a more effective approach to protect oral health and manage symptoms.
Early recognition is important because chronic grinding can accelerate wear, chip enamel, and place extra strain on the jaw joint (TMJ). Left unchecked, bruxism can lead to more complex dental problems and persistent discomfort. A proactive plan that includes symptom management and protective measures gives patients a better chance of avoiding long-term damage.
A night guard is a wearable appliance designed to create a durable barrier between the upper and lower teeth. By preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact, the guard absorbs and redistributes the forces generated by grinding and clenching. This protects enamel from the repetitive microtrauma that leads to cracks, chips, and accelerated wear.
Beyond protecting teeth, night guards help reduce strain on the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint. When the appliance keeps the jaws separated and provides a stable occlusal surface, it can lower the muscle activity associated with grinding. Many patients report a decrease in morning jaw tightness and tension-related headaches after consistent use.
Night guards are not a cure for bruxism, but they are a widely accepted frontline tool to prevent damage and reduce symptoms. When paired with strategies that address underlying causes — such as stress management, bite evaluation, or treatment for sleep disorders — a guard becomes part of a comprehensive plan to preserve oral health and improve comfort.
There are different types of night guards available, and they vary in materials, fit, and durability. Store-bought or boil-and-bite guards offer a ready-to-wear option that may provide short-term protection for mild grinding. However, these products are generic in shape and often lack the precise fit and thickness control that a dental professional can provide.
Custom night guards, made from impressions or digital scans of a patient’s mouth, are fabricated to match individual tooth anatomy and bite relationships. This precision fit improves comfort, minimizes slippage during sleep, and allows the dentist to select a material with the right balance of flexibility and strength for a given patient’s grinding pattern.
Choosing between an over-the-counter guard and a custom appliance depends on the severity of bruxism, any existing dental restorations, and specific patient needs. For patients with heavy wear, restorations, or TMJ discomfort, a professionally made guard is often the recommended option because it offers better protection and long-term performance.
When a patient comes in with signs of grinding or jaw pain, the first step is a focused evaluation. The dentist will review symptoms, examine tooth wear, check for tenderness in the jaw muscles, and assess bite alignment. This clinical picture helps determine whether a night guard is an appropriate recommendation and what type of appliance will be most effective.
If a custom night guard is indicated, the process typically involves capturing an accurate record of the teeth through digital scanning or traditional impressions. These records guide the dental laboratory in fabricating an appliance that suits the patient’s bite and grinding forces. The result is a snug, comfortable device designed to stay in place and perform reliably night after night.
Once the guard is ready, the patient returns for a fitting appointment. During this visit the dentist will confirm the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and explain correct insertion and removal. Follow-up visits allow the clinician to fine-tune the appliance and monitor symptom changes over time. Many patients notice measurable symptom relief within weeks of consistent nightly use.
Proper care extends the life of a night guard and keeps it hygienic. Rinsing the appliance after use, brushing it gently with a non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap, and storing it in its case away from heat or direct sunlight are basic best practices. Regular inspection for cracks, thinning, or warping helps identify when a guard needs repair or replacement.
Patients should bring their night guards to regular dental visits so clinicians can evaluate fit and condition alongside the teeth and gums. As dental work, occlusion, or bruxism patterns change, adjustments or a new appliance may be necessary to maintain effective protection. Ongoing communication with your dental team ensures the appliance continues to meet clinical goals.
Certain warning signs — such as increased jaw clicking, persistent or worsening pain, or obvious damage to the guard — warrant prompt review. Early intervention prevents further tooth damage and allows the care team to explore additional strategies, whether that means a different appliance design, bite management, or collaboration with medical providers for sleep-related issues.
Night guards are a practical, proven way to protect teeth and reduce the painful side effects of bruxism. When selected and fitted by a dental professional, a custom appliance provides superior comfort and protection compared with generic alternatives. The goal is to preserve dental structure, reduce muscular tension, and improve overall sleep-related quality of life.
If you suspect you grind your teeth or wake with jaw pain, schedule an evaluation with our team to explore options tailored to your needs. The office of New Day Dentistry evaluates each case individually to recommend a safe, effective approach to managing bruxism and protecting your smile.
Contact us to learn more about night guards and whether a custom appliance is right for you. Our team can guide you through the evaluation and fitting process and help you take steps toward greater comfort and long-term oral health.
Bruxism is commonly linked to a mix of factors that include stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns, as well as physical contributors such as an uneven bite, missing teeth, or abnormal tooth alignment. Medical conditions and certain medications can also increase the likelihood of involuntary clenching and grinding. Because many people grind their teeth during sleep, the condition frequently goes unnoticed until symptoms appear or a dental professional observes wear during an exam.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical evaluation in which a dentist examines tooth wear, checks for enamel fractures or chips, and assesses tenderness in the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. The clinician will review your medical and sleep history and may ask about daytime habits and symptoms like morning headaches or jaw soreness. In some cases, additional sleep assessment or collaboration with a physician is recommended to identify contributing sleep disorders.
A night guard creates a durable barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact, which reduces the microtrauma that causes enamel wear, chips, and cracks. The appliance helps redistribute and absorb the forces generated by grinding and clenching, minimizing stress on individual teeth and restorative work. By providing a stable occlusal surface, a guard can also reduce excessive muscle activity during sleep.
Beyond protecting dental structures, night guards can decrease strain on the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint, often resulting in less morning jaw tightness and tension-type headaches. While a guard does not cure the underlying causes of bruxism, it serves as an effective frontline tool to limit damage and improve comfort. When combined with strategies to address triggers, a night guard becomes part of a broader plan to preserve oral health.
Store-bought or boil-and-bite guards offer an accessible short-term solution but are made from generic molds that cannot match an individual’s precise tooth anatomy or bite relationship. These over-the-counter products may fit less securely, feel bulkier, and wear more quickly, which can reduce their protective effectiveness for people with moderate to severe bruxism. They can be helpful for occasional mild grinding but have limitations when consistent, long-term protection is needed.
Custom night guards are fabricated from digital scans or impressions taken by a dental professional and are designed to fit the unique contours of a patient’s teeth and occlusion. This precision improves comfort, reduces slippage during sleep, and allows the clinician to choose a material with the right balance of resilience and thickness for a given grinding pattern. For patients with significant wear, restorations, or TMJ complaints, a custom appliance typically offers superior protection and durability.
Individuals who show signs of progressive tooth wear, enamel fractures, frequent jaw pain, or damage to dental restorations are strong candidates for a custom night guard. Patients who report chronic morning headaches, noticeable jaw tightness, or who have a history of heavy grinding during dental examinations often benefit from a professionally fitted appliance. A custom guard is also recommended when over-the-counter options have proven uncomfortable or ineffective.
A candidacy assessment includes evaluating the extent of dental wear, the presence of crowns or implants, and any temporomandibular joint symptoms that could influence appliance design. The dentist will consider sleep patterns and any underlying medical factors that may contribute to bruxism. Based on this comprehensive review, the clinician recommends the appliance type and complementary strategies to manage the condition.
The evaluation starts with a focused dental exam to document wear patterns, check restorations, and palpate jaw muscles and joints for tenderness or clicking. Your clinician will review your symptoms, medical history, and sleep habits to identify potential triggers and to determine whether further testing or referrals are needed. This assessment guides the decision about whether a night guard is appropriate and which design will provide the best protection.
If a custom guard is recommended, the dentist captures an accurate record of your bite using digital scanning or traditional impressions, then coordinates fabrication with a dental laboratory. When the appliance returns, you will have a fitting appointment to confirm comfort and occlusion and to allow the dentist to make any necessary adjustments. The dentist or hygienist will also provide instructions for correct insertion, removal, and nightly use to maximize effectiveness.
Proper care extends the life of your night guard and keeps it hygienic. Rinse the appliance after each use, brush it gently with a soft-bristled brush and mild, non-abrasive soap or toothpaste, and allow it to air dry before storing it in its protective case away from heat and direct sunlight. Avoid harsh cleaners, boiling water, or prolonged exposure to hot temperatures, as these can warp the appliance.
Inspect the guard regularly for cracks, thinning, or changes in fit and bring it to routine dental visits so your clinician can evaluate its condition alongside your oral exam. If you notice persistent odor, visible deterioration, or increasing discomfort, discontinue use and seek a professional review. Following the care instructions provided at fitting helps maintain function and hygiene over time.
Lifespan varies based on material, grinding intensity, and how well the appliance is maintained; some guards last a year or more while others may need replacement sooner for heavy grinders. Regular clinical checks during dental visits allow your provider to monitor wear on both the appliance and your teeth, which helps determine appropriate replacement timing. Visible signs such as thinning, cracking, warping, or a noticeably loose fit indicate it is time to replace the guard.
Changes in your bite, new dental restorations, or evolving bruxism patterns can also necessitate a new appliance to ensure ongoing protection. Promptly addressing these changes prevents further dental damage and maintains the protective benefits of the night guard. Your dentist will advise a replacement schedule tailored to your individual needs and wear patterns.
A night guard can reduce jaw muscle strain and provide a more stable occlusal surface, which may relieve muscle-related jaw pain and tension-type headaches associated with nocturnal bruxism. By limiting excessive clenching and distributing forces more evenly, the appliance often leads to decreased morning tightness and fewer grinding-related headaches for many patients. However, the degree of relief depends on the underlying cause of the pain and the design of the appliance.
Because temporomandibular joint disorders have multifactorial causes, a night guard is typically one component of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy exercises, behavioral strategies, or collaboration with medical providers. If jaw clicking, persistent pain, or limited mouth opening occurs, the dentist may recommend additional diagnostics or referrals to ensure a comprehensive approach. Ongoing monitoring helps determine whether the guard is providing sufficient symptom control or if alternative interventions are needed.
Yes, night guards can and often should be used when patients have crowns, bridges, or implants, because these restorations are at increased risk for damage from grinding forces. A well-fitted custom appliance can protect both natural teeth and restorative work by absorbing and redistributing occlusal load and minimizing direct contact that could lead to fractures or loosening. The dentist will factor existing restorations into the appliance design to provide appropriate coverage and protection.
Patients with extensive restorative treatment may require a sturdier material or a specific guard design to ensure optimal protection and fit. During the evaluation, clinicians assess the condition of restorations and recommend an appliance that balances comfort with durability. Regular follow-up visits help confirm the guard is safeguarding both natural teeth and prosthetic components effectively.
If you notice persistent or worsening jaw pain, increasing clicking or locking of the jaw, or if symptoms do not improve after consistent use of a night guard, you should seek further evaluation. These signs may indicate that additional interventions are needed, such as bite adjustment, targeted physical therapy, or assessment for sleep-related disorders that contribute to bruxism. Early reassessment prevents ongoing tooth damage and addresses any emerging complications promptly.
For a comprehensive evaluation and personalized plan, schedule a consultation with the office of New Day Dentistry or another qualified dental provider who can coordinate care and recommend next steps. Collaborative care between dental and medical professionals is sometimes necessary to identify and treat underlying contributors like obstructive sleep apnea or chronic stress. Timely intervention helps protect oral health and improve overall comfort and sleep quality.
