Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep without realizing it. This habit, called bruxism, can wear down teeth, cause chips and cracks, and leave your jaw sore in the morning.
A custom night guard from Smile Innovations of Fairfield fits over your teeth while you sleep, creating a cushion that absorbs grinding forces and helps protect your natural teeth and dental work.
Good to know
- Fit
- Custom-made for your teeth, so it's easier to wear every night
- Replacing
- We check it at your checkups and tell you when it's time
Signs you might be grinding your teeth
Because grinding often happens during sleep, the signs can be easy to miss. Common clues include:
- Waking up with jaw soreness, tightness, or headaches
- Teeth that look flattened, worn, or chipped
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- A partner hearing grinding sounds at night
- Cracked fillings or crowns
Why a custom night guard?
Store-bought guards come in generic sizes and can feel bulky or loose. A custom night guard is made from impressions or scans of your own teeth, so it fits more securely and comfortably. A better fit makes it easier to wear every night, which is what protects your teeth. Custom guards are also shaped to your bite, so your dentist can make sure your teeth meet evenly against the guard.
A night guard doesn't necessarily stop you from grinding, but it takes the wear and pressure instead of your teeth. Protecting your teeth now can help you avoid more extensive repairs later.
Getting your night guard
Your dentist will look for signs of wear, check your bite and jaw, and talk with you about your symptoms. If a night guard is a good fit, impressions or a scan of your teeth are taken and your guard is custom-made. At a follow-up visit, your dentist checks the fit and makes any adjustments so it's comfortable.
Grinding is sometimes linked to stress, sleep issues, or bite problems. If snoring or breathing pauses during sleep are also a concern, ask about sleep apnea and snoring appliances.
Caring for your night guard
- Rinse and gently brush your guard each morning
- Let it dry and store it in its case
- Keep it away from heat, which can warp it
- Bring it to your regular checkups so we can check its condition
What causes teeth grinding?
Grinding and clenching can have several causes, and often more than one is involved. Stress and anxiety are common contributors. Certain sleep problems, an uneven bite, caffeine, alcohol, and some medications may also play a role.
Over time, untreated grinding can lead to worn enamel, chipped or cracked teeth, sensitive teeth, and broken dental work. In some people it also contributes to jaw muscle soreness and headaches. A night guard can't change every cause, but it can help protect your teeth while you and your dentist look at the bigger picture.
Questions