What Is A Night Guard?
A night guard is a protective oral appliance worn while you sleep. Similar to how a sports mouth guard helps protect teeth during athletic activity, a night guard creates a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth.
This barrier can help reduce the damage caused by grinding and clenching. While a night guard may not stop the habit itself, it can help protect your teeth and support a more comfortable bite.
Night guards may be recommended to help with:
- Teeth grinding during sleep
- Jaw clenching
- Worn or flattened teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Morning headaches
- Jaw soreness or tightness
- Stress-related clenching habits
- Protection for crowns, veneers, or other dental work
Why Choose A Custom Night Guard?
There are many types of mouthguards available, including pre-formed options and boil-and-bite guards. While these may work for short-term or limited use, they are not always the best fit for patients who grind or clench regularly.
A custom night guard is designed to fit your teeth and bite more precisely. This can make it more comfortable to wear, more stable during sleep, and better suited for long-term protection. A poorly fitting guard may feel bulky, shift during the night, or fail to protect the teeth evenly.
Dr. Habibi can help you decide whether a custom night guard is the right choice based on your symptoms, dental history, and oral health.
Signs You May Need A Night Guard
Many patients do not realize they grind or clench their teeth because it often happens during sleep. Sometimes a spouse or partner notices the grinding sound. Other times, signs are found during a routine dental exam.
You may benefit from a night guard if you notice:
- Jaw pain or tightness when waking up
- Frequent morning headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Teeth that look worn, flat, or chipped
- Pain when chewing
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Tension in the face, neck, or temples
- Cracked fillings, crowns, or dental restorations
- A history of grinding during stressful seasons
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to grinding, we can evaluate your bite and help you understand what may be happening.
What To Expect When Getting A Night Guard
The process for a custom night guard is simple and comfortable. During your visit, Dr. Habibi will examine your teeth and bite, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether a night guard is appropriate.
If a custom appliance is recommended, impressions or digital scans may be taken so the guard can be made to fit your mouth. Once your night guard is ready, we will check the fit, make adjustments if needed, and explain how to wear and care for it.
Our goal is to provide a night guard that feels comfortable enough to wear consistently and durable enough to help protect your teeth over time.
Protecting Your Long-Term Oral Health
Grinding and clenching can create more damage than many patients realize. Over time, the pressure can wear down enamel, damage restorations, contribute to tooth sensitivity, and place strain on the jaw joints.
A night guard is a conservative way to help protect your smile and reduce the risk of future dental problems. It may also help patients preserve existing dental work, including crowns, fillings, veneers, bridges, or implant restorations.
At Pacific Dental Center, we focus on helping patients prevent problems when possible, not just treating them after they become more serious.
Schedule A Night Guard Consultation In Pacific, MO
If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night, Pacific Dental Center is here to help. Dr. Natalia Habibi provides personalized care and custom night guard recommendations for patients in Pacific, MO.
Call (636) 257-3997 today to schedule an appointment.
FAQs About Night Guards
What does a night guard do?
A night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. It helps reduce the wear, chips, cracks, and sensitivity that can happen from nighttime grinding or clenching.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, worn teeth, chipped teeth, or tension in the face and jaw. Dr. Habibi can also look for signs of grinding during your dental exam.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?
A custom night guard is designed to fit your teeth and bite more precisely. This can make it more comfortable, stable, and effective for long-term use compared to many over-the-counter options.
How long does a night guard last?
The lifespan of a night guard depends on how heavily you grind, how often you wear it, and how well it is cared for. During routine exams, our team can check your night guard and let you know if it needs adjustment or replacement.
Can a night guard stop grinding?
A night guard does not always stop the grinding habit itself, but it can help protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding and clenching.
