What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom-made appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, cushioning them against the pressure of grinding and clenching.
By keeping your teeth from grinding directly against each other, a night guard helps prevent wear and damage, and can ease the muscle strain that leads to jaw soreness and headaches.
Do You Grind or Clench Your Teeth?
Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without knowing it, a condition called bruxism. Common signs include:
- Waking with a sore or tight jaw
- Frequent tension headaches, especially in the morning
- Teeth that look worn, flattened, or chipped
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Aching facial muscles
- A partner noticing grinding sounds at night
- Disrupted sleep
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth an assessment. We can check your teeth for the wear patterns that grinding leaves behind and talk through whether a night guard would help.
Why a Custom Night Guard Is Worth It
You can buy over-the-counter night guards, but they come with real limitations. Off-the-shelf guards are bulky, fit loosely, and can actually make things less comfortable, which often means people stop wearing them.
A custom night guard is made from an impression or scan of your teeth, so it fits precisely. That means:
- A more comfortable fit that’s easier to wear consistently
- Better protection tailored to your bite
- A more durable guard that lasts longer
- Less bulk, making it easier to sleep with
Because a night guard only works if you actually wear it, comfort makes a real difference.
How We Make Your Night Guard
Assessment
We examine your teeth and jaw, look for signs of grinding, and confirm whether a night guard is the right option for you.
Impression or Scan
We take an impression or scan of your teeth, which is used to make a guard that fits your mouth precisely.
Fitting
When your custom night guard is ready, we check the fit and comfort, make any adjustments, and show you how to wear and care for it.
Caring for Your Night Guard
A well-cared-for night guard lasts longer and stays hygienic. A few simple habits help:
- Rinse it and brush it gently after each use
- Store it in its case, dry, when not in use
- Keep it away from heat, which can warp it
- Bring it to your dental visits so we can check its condition
- Let us know if it becomes uncomfortable or shows signs of wear
With good care, a custom night guard can last for several years, though heavy grinding may wear it down faster.
Night Guards and Wider Jaw Care
For some people, grinding is part of a broader pattern of jaw tension or TMD, the group of conditions affecting the jaw joints and muscles. A night guard is often a helpful first step, but if you’re also dealing with ongoing jaw pain, clicking, or headaches, there may be more we can do.
Night Guards and Sport Guards
A night guard and a sport guard aren’t the same thing, even though both protect your teeth. A night guard is designed for grinding and clenching during sleep, while a sport guard protects against impact during physical activity. If you need protection for sports, we make custom sport guards too.
Night Guards and Your Coverage
Some dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for night guards, since they’re a protective appliance rather than a cosmetic one. We offer direct billing to most providers and can help you check whether your plan includes them. We’ll confirm any expected cost with you before we begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a night guard?
If you wake with jaw soreness or headaches, notice worn or sensitive teeth, or have been told you grind in your sleep, a night guard may help. We can check for signs of
Is a custom night guard better than one from the drugstore?
Yes, for most people. A custom guard fits precisely, which makes it more comfortable, more effective, and more durable. Because comfort determines whether people actually wear their guard, fit matters a great deal.
How long does a night guard last?
With good care, a custom night guard can last several years. Heavy grinding may wear it down faster, which is one reason we check it at your regular visits.
Can a night guard help with headaches?
For people whose headaches are linked to nighttime grinding or clenching, a night guard can ease the muscle strain that contributes to them. Results vary, and we’ll assess whether it’s likely to help in your case.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse and gently brush it after each use, store it dry in its case, and keep it away from heat. Bring it to your dental visits so we can check its condition.
Are night guards covered by insurance?
Some plans provide partial coverage for night guards as a protective appliance. We offer direct billing and can help you check your benefits before starting.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding
If grinding or clenching is wearing down your teeth or leaving you with a sore jaw, a custom night guard can help. Request an appointment at Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre, Monday through Saturday.