Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Because bruxism often happens during sleep, many patients have no idea they are doing it. A partner may hear the grinding, or your body may give you clues. Common signs include the following.
- Soreness or tightness in the jaw, especially in the morning
- Headaches or pain around the temples and ears
- Teeth that look flat, worn, chipped, or cracked
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Clicking, popping, or limited movement when opening the jaw
- Tension in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Indentations along the edges of the tongue or cheeks
If any of these sound familiar, an exam can help us find out whether grinding is the cause and recommend the right next step. Regular dental exams are also a good time for us to spot early signs of wear.
Benefits of a Custom Fitted Night Guard
A night guard acts as a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth. Instead of grinding against each other, your teeth meet the smooth surface of the appliance. Patients often notice several advantages.
- Protection for tooth surfaces. The guard absorbs the force of grinding so enamel and existing dental work take less of a beating.
- Relief from jaw soreness. Reducing stress on the TMJ can ease aching in the jaw and around the ears.
- Fewer grinding related headaches. Many patients wake up with less tension in the jaw and facial muscles.
- Comfort and a secure fit. A guard made from impressions of your own teeth feels better and stays in place more reliably than a one size fits all product.
- Easier to wear consistently. A comfortable guard is one you will actually use, which is what makes it effective.
- Long term savings. Preventing cracked teeth, worn enamel, and damaged restorations can help you avoid more complex and costly treatment later.
From Impressions to a Night Guard That Fits Just Right
Getting a custom night guard is simple and comfortable. Because the appliance is made specifically for your mouth, a little time up front leads to a guard that feels natural and works well. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
01
Exam and Bite Evaluation
We review your symptoms, check your teeth and gums for signs of wear, and evaluate your jaw joint and bite to determine whether a night guard is the right choice.
02
Impressions of Your Teeth
We capture an accurate model of your teeth so the appliance can be made to match your mouth precisely.
03
Custom Fabrication
Your night guard is crafted as a removable acrylic appliance designed for durability and comfort.
04
Fitting and Adjustment
We check the fit, make any adjustments, and make sure the guard feels secure and comfortable before you take it home.
05
Wear and Care Instructions
We show you how to wear, clean, and store your night guard so it lasts.
06
Follow Up Visits
We check the fit over time and look for changes in your symptoms so the appliance continues to do its job.
Who Is a Candidate for a Night Guard?
A night guard may be a good fit for many patients, and our team will evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite to confirm whether it is the right solution. You may be a candidate if you fall into any of these groups.
- Patients who clench or grind their teeth during sleep or during the day
- Anyone with jaw pain, ear soreness, or TMJ discomfort
- Patients whose teeth show signs of wear, flattening, or chipping
- People who have invested in crowns, veneers, or other restorations and want to protect them
- Patients who wake up with headaches or facial tension
- Those dealing with high stress, which often makes grinding and clenching worse
Why Treating Grinding Early Makes a Difference
Grinding rarely stops on its own, and the damage tends to add up quietly. Enamel that wears away does not grow back, and cracked or worn teeth may eventually need restorations such as dental crowns. A night guard is a simple, protective step that helps you avoid more involved treatment later. That fits our practice philosophy, which centers on prevention and healthy teeth for life.
Night guards are different from sports mouth guards, which are designed to protect against impact, and from oral appliances used to treat snoring and sleep apnea. If you are not sure which type of appliance you need, our team will help you find the right fit. You can also learn about our sleep dentistry services.
Making Night Guard Costs Clear
Many patients wonder how a night guard will fit into their budget and whether insurance helps. Coverage varies from plan to plan, so our team will review your benefits and explain your estimated costs before any treatment begins. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Wake Up More Comfortable and Protect Your Smile
If you are waking up with a sore jaw, noticing worn teeth, or simply want to protect the dental work you have invested in, a custom night guard can help. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to evaluate your symptoms and create a guard made just for you. Schedule your visit today and take the first step toward relief.
Book Your Night Guard VisitFrequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
A night guard is a removable, custom fitted dental appliance worn over the teeth, usually during sleep. It creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth so grinding and clenching do not wear down tooth surfaces, and it helps reduce stress on the jaw joint.
Common signs include a sore or tight jaw in the morning, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and clicking in the jaw. A partner may also hear grinding noises. A dental exam can confirm whether grinding is affecting your teeth.
A night guard can help relieve stress on the temporomandibular joint, which may reduce soreness or pain in the jaw and around the ears. Because TMJ problems have several possible causes, we evaluate your jaw and bite first to make sure a night guard is the right approach.
Bruxism is a condition that causes clenching and grinding of the teeth. It often happens during sleep, and many people are unaware of it. Over time it can wear down enamel, damage dental work, and contribute to jaw pain and headaches.
A custom night guard is made from impressions of your own teeth, so it fits more precisely, feels more comfortable, and stays in place better than a generic product. Store bought guards are often bulky and may not fit well, which can make them harder to wear consistently.
Most patients adjust within a few nights to a couple of weeks. A custom guard should feel snug but comfortable. If it feels tight, causes pain, or affects your bite, let us know so we can adjust it.
The lifespan depends on how much you grind, the material, and how well you care for the guard. Heavy grinders may wear through a guard sooner. We check the guard at your regular visits and let you know when it is time for a replacement.
Coverage varies by plan, and some plans cover part of the cost of a night guard. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier. Our team can verify your benefits and explain your costs before you begin.
