Treatments
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it, often during sleep. A custom-made guard protects your teeth and jaw.
Bruxism — involuntary teeth grinding or clenching — affects a large share of the population, often without the person noticing since it mostly happens during sleep. Over time, it wears down enamel, can cause cracks, and frequently leads to headaches or jaw pain upon waking.
The night guard, custom-made from impressions of your mouth, is worn at night and absorbs the forces of grinding, protecting your teeth and reducing tension on the jaw joint.
The guard acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the direct wear caused by grinding.
By absorbing excess force, it reduces tension on the temporomandibular joint and jaw muscles.
Unlike generic guards sold at pharmacies, a custom-made guard perfectly fits the shape of your mouth for optimal comfort and protection.
Many patients who grind their teeth report fewer headaches upon waking once using the guard regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs like visible tooth wear, headaches or jaw pain upon waking, or a partner noticing the sound of grinding during your sleep are clues. An exam confirms and evaluates the extent of wear.
A few nights of adjustment is normal, but a well-fitted custom guard quickly becomes comfortable for most patients.
Its lifespan depends on the intensity of grinding and care, but a quality guard generally lasts several years with proper maintenance.
See Also
A custom night guard could help — let's talk about it.