About night guards
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it — a condition called bruxism. Over time, grinding wears down enamel, cracks fillings, breaks crowns, and contributes to TMJ pain, morning headaches, and disturbed sleep.
A custom night guard is a thin, comfortable appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth like a retainer. It absorbs the force of grinding and clenching, protecting both your teeth and your jaw joints from damage.
Custom guards are far more comfortable, better-fitting, and longer-lasting than over-the-counter "boil and bite" guards from the drugstore. Most patients adjust within a few nights and many tell us their jaw soreness disappears almost immediately.
When you might need this
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a visit. Only a doctor can diagnose your specific situation, but these are common reasons patients come in for night guards.
Morning jaw soreness or stiffness
A jaw that aches when you wake up is one of the clearest signs of nighttime grinding or clenching.
Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
Tension headaches that show up before the day has even started are often caused by overworked jaw muscles.
Worn, flat, or chipped teeth
Tooth surfaces that are unusually flat, shorter than they used to be, or chipping along the edges are classic signs of grinding wear.
A bed partner says you grind at night
Many grinders only find out because someone hears them. Audible grinding deserves an evaluation.
TMJ clicking, popping, or pain
Jaw-joint symptoms often accompany grinding and improve significantly with a properly designed night guard.
You have crowns, veneers, or implants to protect
Existing restorations are an investment worth protecting. A night guard prevents grinding from damaging or fracturing them.
Your visit, step by step
- 01
Evaluation of wear patterns
Your doctor checks your teeth, restorations, and jaw joints for signs of grinding and discusses your symptoms.
- 02
Digital impression
A quick 3D scan with our iTero scanner replaces traditional putty impressions. The scan goes straight to the lab.
- 03
Custom fabrication
Your guard is fabricated in a lab to fit your specific bite. Materials and thickness are matched to your grinding intensity.
- 04
Fit and adjustment
About one to two weeks later, you return for a fitting. We make any small adjustments so the guard feels balanced and comfortable.
- 05
Wear instructions
You wear the guard nightly. We follow up at your next cleaning to check the fit and note any wear on the guard itself.
- 06
Long-term monitoring
We monitor your teeth, restorations, and the guard at every recall visit and replace the guard when wear warrants.
Why patients choose us for this
Digital scan, no putty
A quick iTero scan replaces messy impressions and produces a more accurate guard.
Lab-grade materials
Our lab-fabricated guards are far more comfortable and durable than any over-the-counter option.
Bite analysis
Your guard is tuned to your specific bite, not a generic shape — the difference is immediate.
Protects existing restorations
Crowns, veneers, and implant restorations all benefit from the protection of a properly fitted guard.