Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night? Here’s What a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding Can Do

Most people who grind their teeth don't find out from their own experience. They find out from a partner who hears it at 2am, or from a dentist who spots worn enamel at a routine checkup. If you've been waking up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel more sensitive than they used to, a night guard for teeth grinding may be the simple fix you've been missing. At Mann Family Dental Care, custom occlusal guards are available for $400 for a limited time.

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding

Grinding and clenching often happen during sleep, so the clues usually show up in the morning. Common signs include:

• Jaw soreness or tightness when you wake up
• Morning headaches, especially around the templesTeeth that look flatter, shorter, or chipped at the edges
• New tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• A partner mentioning grinding or clicking noises at night
• Crowns or fillings that crack or loosen without an obvious cause

Stress, sleep issues, and bite alignment can all play a role. According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep-related grinding (called bruxism) is common and often goes unnoticed until problems appear.

Why Grinding Is More Than a Bad Habit

Your jaw muscles can put a surprising amount of force on your teeth. Night after night, that pressure wears down enamel, and enamel doesn't grow back. Over time, grinding can lead to cracked teeth, damaged dental work, and jaw pain that follows you through the day.A cracked tooth can often be repaired with a same-day crown, but it's far better to protect the tooth before it breaks. That's where a guard comes in.

Custom Night Guard vs. Store-Bought

You can buy a boil-and-bite guard at a drugstore, and plenty of people try that first. The problem is fit. Store-bought guards are often bulky, slip out during the night, and can put uneven pressure on your teeth and jaw. Many end up in a drawer after a week.

A custom night guard for teeth grinding is made from impressions or digital scans of your own mouth. It fits your bite, stays in place, and is comfortable enough that you'll actually wear it. That last part matters most, because a guard only works if it's in your mouth.

What a Custom Occlusal Guard Protects

A custom occlusal guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. It helps protect against:

• Worn enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Damage to crowns, fillings, veneers, and bridges
• Jaw strain from clenching

If you've already invested in dental work, a guard is one of the most affordable ways to help protect it.

How Getting Fitted Works

The process is simple and straightforward:

1. Evaluation. We look at your teeth, bite, and any signs of grinding or clenching.
2. Impressions or scans. We capture the exact shape of your teeth so the guard fits your mouth.
3. Fitting. Once your guard is ready, we check the fit, make any adjustments, and show you how to wear and clean it.

Because we're open evenings and Saturdays, your appointments can fit around your work schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does a night guard for teeth grinding cost?
For a limited time, custom occlusal guards are $400 at Mann Family Dental Care. Call to confirm current pricing!
• Is a night guard the same as an occlusal guard?
Yes. "Occlusal guard" is the clinical term. Most people call it a night guard.
• Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A guard doesn't stop the grinding itself, but it absorbs the pressure so your teeth take less damage. We can also talk through possible causes during your visit.
• Can I use a sports mouth guard instead?
No. Sports guards are built to absorb impact, not constant grinding pressure. We offer sports mouth guards separately.
• How long does a custom night guard last?
With good care, a custom guard can last several years. Bring it to your checkups so we can inspect it for wear.

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