A night guard is designed to help protect teeth from forces associated with grinding and clenching during sleep.
Night Guards for Clenching & Grinding in Aldershot, Burlington
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or morning headaches? You may be clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, can gradually wear down teeth and place additional stress on the teeth, dental restorations, jaw muscles, and jaw joints. In some cases, it can contribute to cracked or broken teeth, damaged fillings or crowns, tooth sensitivity, and jaw discomfort.
At Aldershot Village Dental, we can assess your teeth and jaw for signs of bruxism and determine whether a custom night guard may help protect your teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching.
What Is a Custom Night Guard?
A custom night guard is a dental appliance made specifically to fit over your teeth. It is generally worn while sleeping to provide a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
Unlike an over-the-counter mouth guard, a custom dental night guard is made from impressions or digital records of your teeth and adjusted for your individual bite.
The goal is not necessarily to stop the grinding behaviour itself. Instead, the appliance can help protect your teeth from the damaging forces associated with grinding and clenching.
The Ontario Dental Association identifies a customized mouth guard as a treatment option dentists can provide to help prevent further damage from bruxism.
Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Many people grind their teeth while sleeping without realizing it. Sometimes a partner or family member notices the grinding sound first.
Possible signs include:
- Worn or flattened teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Damage to fillings or crowns
- Sore or tired jaw muscles
- Morning jaw stiffness
- Facial or temple discomfort
- Headaches after waking
- Tightness in the jaw
If you notice these symptoms, a dental examination can help determine whether bruxism or another condition may be contributing to them.
How Can a Night Guard Help?
For appropriately selected patients, a custom night guard may:
Help protect tooth surfaces from grinding
Reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact
Help protect crowns, fillings, and other restorations
Distribute forces created by clenching and grinding
Reduce the risk of additional wear or damage
Night guards are not a cure for every cause of bruxism. Stress, sleep disruption, dental factors, and other conditions may contribute to grinding or clenching, so treatment recommendations depend on the individual patient.
What to Expect
- 1.
Dental Examination
Your dentist will examine your teeth, bite, jaw muscles, and jaw joints and look for signs of wear or damage.
- 2.
Custom Records
If a night guard is appropriate, impressions or digital records are taken so the appliance can be customized to your teeth.
- 3.
Fitting Your Night Guard
Once your guard is ready, your dentist checks the fit and bite and makes adjustments when necessary.
- 4.
Follow-Up
Your teeth, bite, jaw, and night guard can be monitored at routine dental appointments. Adjustments or replacement may eventually be required due to wear or changes in your mouth.
Night Guard vs. Sports Mouth Guard
Although they can look similar, night guards and sports mouth guards serve different purposes.
A sports mouth guard is designed to help protect the teeth and mouth from impact during athletic activities.
Your dentist can recommend an appliance based on what your teeth need protection from.
Caring for Your Night Guard
To help keep your night guard clean and in good condition:
- Follow the cleaning instructions provided by your dentist
- Brush and floss before wearing it
- Rinse it after use
- Allow it to dry as recommended
- Store it in its protective case
- Keep it away from excessive heat
- Bring it to your regular dental appointments
- Contact your dentist if it becomes damaged or no longer fits properly
Why Choose Aldershot Village Dental?
At Aldershot Village Dental, we look beyond simply providing an appliance. We first assess your teeth, restorations, bite, and jaw to determine whether grinding or clenching is contributing to your concerns and whether a night guard is appropriate.
We provide personalized dental care for patients in Aldershot, Burlington, and surrounding communities, with treatment recommendations based on your individual oral health needs.
Book a Night Guard Consultation in Aldershot
If you are grinding or clenching your teeth, protecting them early may help reduce further wear and damage.
Contact Aldershot Village Dental to book an assessment for a custom night guard in Aldershot, Burlington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of the teeth. It can occur while awake or asleep, and some people are unaware that they do it.
How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth at Night?
Signs can include worn teeth, tooth sensitivity, cracked or chipped teeth, morning headaches, jaw soreness, or facial stiffness. A sleeping partner may also hear you grinding your teeth.
Does a Night Guard Stop Teeth Grinding?
A night guard does not necessarily stop the grinding or clenching behaviour. Its primary purpose is to help protect your teeth from the forces and damage associated with bruxism.
Can Grinding Damage Crowns and Fillings?
Yes. Prolonged grinding and clenching can contribute to cracked teeth and damage to crowns and fillings.
Can a Night Guard Help with Jaw Pain?
A night guard may help some patients whose jaw discomfort is associated with clenching or grinding, but jaw pain has many possible causes. A dental assessment is important before assuming bruxism is responsible.
Are Custom Night Guards Better Than Store-Bought Guards?
A dentist-made night guard is customized to your teeth and bite and can be professionally checked and adjusted. Whether you require a custom appliance depends on your symptoms, degree of tooth wear, bite, and overall dental health.
How Long Does a Custom Night Guard Last?
There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on how heavily you grind or clench, the appliance material, frequency of use, oral changes, and how well the guard is maintained. Your dentist can check its condition during regular appointments.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Night Guards?
Some dental insurance plans provide coverage for custom night guards or occlusal appliances, but coverage varies. Check your individual plan for eligibility, frequency limits, deductibles, and reimbursement requirements.