Night Guards
A night guard, also known as an occlusal guard or nocturnal bite plate, is a dental appliance designed to protect the teeth and jaw during sleep. It is typically made of a durable, custom-fitted plastic material and is worn over either the upper or lower teeth.
Night guards serve several purposes:
● Teeth grinding (bruxism) prevention: Many people unconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. Night guards provide a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from coming into direct contact and minimizing the damage caused by grinding or clenching.
● Tooth wear prevention: Bruxism can lead to excessive wear and damage to the tooth enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity, fractures, and other dental problems. Night guards help to distribute the forces of grinding or clenching, reducing the risk of tooth wear and damage.
● Jaw muscle relaxation: By providing a cushioning effect and reducing muscle tension, night guards can help relax the jaw muscles and alleviate discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
● TMJ pain relief: Night guards can help alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorders, such as jaw pain, headaches, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint, by stabilizing the jaw and reducing pressure on the TMJ.
Night guards are typically recommended and custom-fabricated by a dentist based on an evaluation of the patient’s dental and medical history, symptoms, and oral examination findings. While over-the-counter night guards are available, custom-fitted night guards provided by a dentist offer a better fit, comfort, and effectiveness in protecting the teeth and jaw during sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a night guard?
If you wake with a sore jaw or headaches, notice flattened or chipped teeth, or your partner hears you grinding at night, a night guard can protect you. Grinding (bruxism) wears enamel, cracks teeth and restorations, and strains the jaw joint. A guard is a small investment compared to repairing the damage.
How is a custom night guard made?
We take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth and our in-house lab fabricates the guard to fit precisely. A second short visit confirms the fit and bite adjustment. Custom guards are far more comfortable and effective than boil-and-bite versions.
How long do night guards last?
With nightly wear, a well-made guard typically lasts 3 to 5 years — we check it at your exams and resurface or replace it when wear shows. Heavy grinders may wear through sooner.
Over-the-counter vs. custom night guard?
OTC guards are bulky, ill-fitting, and can shift the bite or fall out at night — some even worsen jaw pain. A custom guard holds your jaw in the correct position, is thin enough to sleep in, and is made from durable lab material. If you grind hard, custom is the only option that really protects your teeth.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Many PPO dental plans cover part of a night guard when it’s medically necessary for bruxism. Our team checks your benefits and gives you the exact out-of-pocket cost before we begin.