Stop the Grind: How Night Guards Protect Your Smile

Do you find yourself waking up with sore teeth or an aching jaw on a regular basis? Have you experienced lockjaw or jaw sensitivity throughout the day? You may be struggling with chronic teeth grinding/clenching or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD for short).

If you are, there is nothing to fear and you are not alone! Our Midtown Dental Group team has extensive experience and training in providing custom night guards and dental treatments to help safeguard your smile and get you the relief you deserve! 

Here’s what you need to know about night guards, when they’re needed, and the role they can play in helping you protect your teeth and jaw. 

What Is a Night Guard?

Bruxism and TMD are two common dental problems that night guards can help treat. However, it’s important to note that these two dental issues aren’t always mutually exclusive, they are often tied together with one another. Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of teeth often done unconsciously while you sleep. It can be triggered by stress, sleep apnea, certain medications, teeth misalignment, or substances, such as caffeine or alcohol.

TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder, is a dental condition caused by issues with the temporomandibular joints (jaw joints) and muscles that connect your upper and lower jaw. These joints help control jaw movement allowing you to speak, eat, and open your mouth properly. TMD can be caused by bruxism, stress, orofacial injuries, misaligned bites, and more. Whether you’re struggling with bruxism, TMD, or a combination of the two, it’s crucial to schedule a dental consultation. If left untreated, both bruxism and TMD can wreak havoc on your long-term oral health.

How Do Night Guards Work?

Night guard therapy is a reliable treatment option that provides relief for many patients suffering from bruxism and TMD. Custom-made night guards can mitigate symptoms associated with bruxism and TMD. Night guards are designed to:

• Adjust bite alignment to reduce pressure on the TMJ
• Alleviate jaw pain, tension, and stiffness
• Minimize lockjaw and jaw clicking
• Prevent daytime headaches and muscle soreness
• Protect teeth and enamel from getting damaged by grinding and clenching

How Do I Know If I Need a Night Guard?

It’s not always easy to know right off the bat if you need a night guard. However, there are some common signs with bruxism and TMD you can be on the lookout for that will help you determine whether or not you should schedule a night guard consultation.

Signs of Bruxism

• Clicking or popping jaw 
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Elevated tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Sore facial muscles
• Worn-down, flattened teeth

Signs of TMD

• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Clicking or popping jaw
• Difficulty fully opening and closing your mouth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Teeth grinding and clenching
• Tooth sensitivity when eating or biting down

If you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact your local Midtown Dental Group office to schedule a night guard therapy consultation. During your visit, our experienced team will conduct a thorough dental examination, go over your health history, and determine the source of your symptoms. Once we have a full understanding of your dental needs, we’ll craft a fully customized treatment plan that’s right for you. 

Custom vs. Store-Bought Night Guards

Not all night guards are created equally. While it may be tempting to grab a low-cost boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all night guard from the store, it may not be able to provide you with the symptom relief you’re looking for. Because store-bought night guards aren’t tailored to your teeth, they may feel loose or bulky and lead to more discomfort over time. Without a secure fit, one-size-fits-all night guards can be less effective than their customized counterparts at tackling bruxism and TMD symptoms.

Personalized night guards are carefully designed to fit the natural grooves and dentition of your smile. They are made from high-quality dental materials and specifically created with comfortability, durability, and protection in mind. Before throwing a generic night guard into your shopping cart, our knowledgeable Midtown Dental Group team would love to answer your questions about dentist-crafted night guards and what they can do for your smile!

Night Guard FAQs

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

We understand that it’s not always easy to tell if you grind your teeth while you’re actively sleeping. However, there are some dental signs and clues that may help you determine if you’re grinding your teeth, such as:

• Facial pain
• Headaches upon waking
• Jaw soreness & tightness
• Tooth sensitivity
• Your friend or loved one hears grinding noises while you sleep

What are the dental health benefits of using a night guard?

Night guards offer several long-term health benefits for patients. They can help prevent tooth damage, preserve your dental restorations (crowns, veneers, fillings, bridges), reduce strain and pressure on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), promote facial muscle relaxation, minimize headaches, improve bite stability, enhance sleep quality, and boost your oral and overall well-being. 

Can a night guard cure bruxism?

No, a night guard can’t cure bruxism, but it can help you manage it. Night guards can’t eliminate teeth grinding and clenching, but they can protect your teeth while you sleep, reduce muscle tension, and enhance your sleep quality. They are a protective tool designed to alleviate the effects of bruxism and prevent long-term damage to your smile.

Are night guards uncomfortable to wear at night?

It depends on the type of nightguard you choose: custom or store-bought. Custom night guards are designed specifically for your bite and overall mouth shape so that it fits comfortably over your teeth. There may be a small adjustment period as you get used to sleeping with something over your teeth, but most patients report that they quickly forget they’re wearing one!

With store-bought night guards, you may run the risk of not being able to sleep peacefully throughout the night since they are known to shift, irritate the gums, and feel bulky/uncomfortable.

How do I keep my night guard clean?

Just like any other removable dental appliance, it’s important to properly clean your night guard on a regular basis. When you take it out in the morning, make sure to immediately rinse it off with cold or lukewarm water. Then, use a soft-bristled brush and a small dollop of unscented antibacterial soap to cleanse the guard. Next, rinse it off and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area to avoid mold and bacteria growth.

How much does a night guard cost?

The cost of a night guard can vary depending on your specific dental needs. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to schedule a consultation at Midtown Dental Group. We’ll evaluate your oral health, determine a treatment plan, and provide a full cost estimate with no hidden fees or surprises. That way, you can make the best decision for your smile and your finances without the fear of unexpected costs.

Ready To Sleep Easy?

Get Your Custom Night Guard

Looking for a reliable, high-quality night guard to help alleviate bruxism or TMD symptoms? At Midtown Dental Group, we take great pride in crafting precision-fit night guards to help our patients get the relief they need from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and TMD. We’ll use our 3D technology to create a custom mold of your teeth and use high-quality materials to craft your night guard. We’ll also discuss any additional treatment recommendations you may need to start combatting the underlying cause of your bruxism or TMD. Ready to get fitted for your expert-designed night guard? We’d love to help you get started on the journey. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation!