Signs you may be clenching or grinding
Many people clench or grind their teeth at night without knowing it. Common clues include waking with a sore or tired jaw, morning headaches, teeth that feel sensitive or look worn and flattened, chipped edges on fillings or crowns, and a bed partner who hears grinding.
Clenching also strains the jaw joints (the TMJ) and the muscles around them, which is why it is so often linked to jaw pain, clicking and tension that spreads into the temples, neck and shoulders.
How a night guard helps
A night guard is a thin, custom-made appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It keeps the upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, protecting enamel, fillings and crowns from wear and fracture.
By giving the jaw a stable, cushioned position, it also reduces the load on the joints and muscles. That is what relieves TMJ and jaw pain for many patients, and why a night guard can also ease stress-related tension and neck or shoulder pain.
Custom-fitted, made for you
Dr. Whitlow takes an impression or digital scan of your teeth, and the guard is made to fit them precisely. A custom guard is slimmer, more comfortable and more durable than a store-bought one, and it is designed around your bite rather than forcing your jaw into an unfamiliar position.
Bring the guard to your routine visits so we can check its fit and condition. If your teeth, fillings or crowns change, the guard may need an adjustment or a replacement.
YOUR QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
It protects your teeth and jaw from the effects of grinding rather than stopping the habit itself. Most patients notice less jaw soreness and fewer morning headaches within a few weeks of wearing it consistently.
Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?
Often, yes. Reducing clenching and giving the jaw a stable resting position takes pressure off the joints and muscles. Tell us where you feel pain and when it is worst so we can design the guard around your bite.
Is a custom guard better than one from the pharmacy?
A custom guard fits your teeth precisely, so it is thinner, more comfortable and less likely to shift your bite. Boil-and-bite guards are bulky and wear quickly, and some can make jaw discomfort worse.