General Dentistry
Nightguards
Custom-fitted nightguards that protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep.
A lot of people grind or clench their teeth in their sleep and have no idea. The habit is called bruxism. Over time that pressure wears down enamel, makes teeth sensitive, and can leave your jaw sore. A nightguard is a thin appliance you wear to bed. It takes the force so your teeth don’t.
Signs you grind at night
Morning jaw soreness is the most common clue. Others include dull headaches when you wake up, teeth that feel sensitive for no clear reason, and edges that look flat or chipped. Sometimes a partner hears it first. Quite often we notice the wear during a routine exam before you’ve felt anything.
Say you wake up with a tight jaw most mornings and your back teeth have started to ache when you drink something cold. Those two together point toward clenching. A guard won’t stop the habit itself, but it can protect your teeth while you sleep and give the jaw muscles some relief.
If you’ve had crowns, veneers, or other dental work done, a guard also helps protect that investment from the same stress.
Why a custom guard, not a drugstore one
Store-bought guards come in a few sizes, and many people find them bulky. They slip, get chewed through, or end up in a drawer. A custom guard starts with an impression or scan of your teeth, so it matches your bite and stays put.
When yours is ready, we check the fit and make small adjustments until it feels right. After that, bring it along to your regular visits and we’ll make sure it still fits. We’ll only suggest a nightguard if we think it will help you.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
- Common signs include waking with a sore jaw, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or a partner noticing grinding sounds. Often we spot the wear on your teeth during an exam before you're even aware of it.
- Is a custom nightguard better than one from the drugstore?
- A custom guard is made from an impression of your own teeth, so it fits more securely and comfortably and tends to last longer. Store-bought versions can help in a pinch, but many people find them bulky and hard to keep in place.
- How long does a nightguard last?
- With good care, a custom nightguard typically lasts several years. How long yours holds up depends on how heavily you grind, and we'll check its fit and condition at your regular visits.
- How do I take care of my nightguard?
- Rinse it after each use, brush it gently, and store it dry in its case. Bring it to your appointments so we can make sure it still fits well and is doing its job.