Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
 Teeth grinding at night—also known as bruxism—can quietly damage your smile, disrupt sleep, and cause chronic jaw discomfort. At Rolling Plains Dentistry, we offer professionally crafted dental night guards to protect your teeth and support long-term oral health. Whether you’re dealing with morning headaches, worn-down enamel, or TMJ-related pain, a custom-fit night guard for grinding teeth can make a significant difference.
What Is a Night Guard and How Does It Help Teeth Grinding?
A dental night guard is a specially designed mouthpiece worn while you sleep to cushion the teeth and reduce the effects of grinding or clenching. By absorbing the forces generated during bruxism, it prevents premature wear and tear, jaw tension, and other complications.
Night guards are commonly used to treat:
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Bruxism - Unconscious grinding of teeth during sleep that can wear down enamel and cause pain.
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TMJ Disorder - Night guards reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint.
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Jaw Clenching - Helps relieve muscle fatigue and tension in the jaw and neck. |
There are two main types:
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Soft Night Guards - Flexible and often used for mild cases.
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Hard Night Guards - Rigid and durable; ideal for more severe grinding or TMJ symptoms. |
Bruxism often occurs without the person realizing it, typically during sleep. Over time, untreated grinding can lead to cracked teeth, gum recession, and costly dental repairs.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Many people are unaware they grind their teeth until damage has already occurred. Identifying the signs early can prevent future complications.
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Morning Headaches - Persistent headaches after waking may stem from overnight clenching.
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Jaw Pain or Soreness - A tight, achy feeling in the jaw or neck in the morning.
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Chipped or Flattened Teeth - Evidence of enamel wear or fractures.
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Grinding Sounds - Reported by a sleep partner.
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Unexplained Tooth Sensitivity - Caused by enamel wear exposing dentin.
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Diagnosis During Dental Exams - Dentists may spot patterns of wear or jaw stress. |
While more common in adults, even children may experience bruxism. In pediatric cases, treatment should always be supervised by a dental professional.
Types of Night Guards – Custom vs. Over-the-Counter
When considering a mouth guard for grinding teeth, it's essential to understand the difference between custom-fitted and store-bought options.
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Custom Night Guards - Made from precise dental impressions or digital scans, offering a tailored fit, higher durability, and optimal protection.
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Over-the-Counter Night Guards - Readily available and affordable but often bulky, uncomfortable, and less effective.
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Boil-and-Bite Guards - A subset of OTC guards that offer slight customization but can still cause bite misalignment if not properly fitted. |
Custom night guards are typically thinner yet stronger than OTC options. Poorly fitting guards can lead to discomfort, speech interference, or even worsen TMJ symptoms. Material quality and design greatly influence how well a guard performs and how long it lasts.
Night Guards and TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is often linked to clenching and grinding during sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to jaw locking, facial pain, and joint damage.
Night guards can reduce the strain placed on the temporomandibular joint by promoting a relaxed jaw position. However, not all guards are created equal—individuals with TMJ often require specialized custom designs.
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TMJ-Specific Night Guards - Crafted to reposition the jaw and alleviate joint stress.
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Dentist Evaluation - A proper diagnosis ensures the right type of guard is prescribed.
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Ongoing Monitoring - Regular checkups help fine-tune fit and effectiveness. |
Professional supervision is vital, especially when managing TMJ-related symptoms, to avoid exacerbating the condition.
What to Expect from a Custom Night Guard Fitting
Getting a custom dental night guard involves a few easy steps, all managed by our experienced dental team.
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Initial consultation and assessment of your symptoms.
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Digital scans or physical dental impressions to ensure precise fit.
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Fabrication of the guard at a dental lab using high-quality materials.
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Final fitting and minor adjustments for comfort and function. |
You’ll also receive instructions on how to clean and care for your night guard. Most guards last several years with proper maintenance, though replacement may be necessary depending on wear. Regular dental checkups ensure continued effectiveness and comfort.
Cost and Insurance for Night Guards
Custom night guards are a proactive investment in your oral health. While pricing varies, their ability to prevent future dental damage makes them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
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Custom vs. Over-the-Counter - Custom guards cost more upfront but offer better results and durability.
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Insurance Coverage - Some dental plans provide partial coverage for night guards.
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Payment Flexibility - HSA and FSA funds may be applied to treatment costs. |
We recommend calling our office to learn about your specific coverage options and available payment plans.
Why Choose a Dentist for Your Night Guard
Choosing a dentist for your night guard ensures optimal protection, comfort, and long-term results. At Rolling Plains Dentistry, our dental team customizes every solution to suit the patient’s specific condition and lifestyle.
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Precision Fit - Custom guards based on detailed dental scans or impressions.
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Superior Materials - Long-lasting, medical-grade plastics designed for nightly use.
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Expert Care - Our dentists monitor your progress and adjust the fit as needed.
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TMJ Support - Advanced designs for complex cases involving jaw joint disorders. |
Our use of digital impression technology also ensures a more accurate and comfortable fit, reducing turnaround time and improving patient satisfaction.
Schedule Your Night Guard Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism or TMJ, a custom night guard could be the solution. At Rolling Plains Dentistry, we offer tailored options for both adults and teens, prioritizing comfort, protection, and long-term dental health.
Call 940-663-5353 to schedule your consultation and learn more about insurance eligibility, treatment options, and how to stop grinding teeth at night before it causes more harm.
FAQs
What is a night guard used for?
A night guard is used to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep. It cushions your teeth and jaw to reduce stress, protect enamel, and alleviate symptoms like jaw pain and headaches.
How do I know if I need a night guard?
Signs you might need a night guard include morning jaw pain, headaches, worn-down teeth, or a partner hearing you grind your teeth. A dentist can confirm if you're grinding and recommend the best solution.
Are custom night guards better than store-bought ones?
Yes, custom night guards are made to fit your teeth precisely, offering better comfort, durability, and protection. Over-the-counter options are more affordable but often bulky and less effective.
Can night guards help with TMJ disorder?
Yes, night guards can reduce pressure on the jaw joint and help relieve TMJ symptoms. For best results, a dentist may recommend a TMJ-specific guard tailored to your bite and joint alignment.
Is a night guard covered by insurance?
Some dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a night guard, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary. You should check with your provider or contact our office to find out about your specific benefits. |
