Waking up with jaw soreness, tension headaches, or sensitive teeth can be a red flag for bruxism—nighttime clenching and grinding. Left unchecked, bruxism wears down enamel, chips teeth, strains your jaw joints, and can even fracture fillings or crowns. A custom night guard from California Dental Group creates a protective barrier between your teeth, reducing forces that cause damage while your dentist addresses the underlying triggers. If you suspect you grind your teeth, understanding your options now can save you from bigger (and costlier) problems later.
What Exactly Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a thin, custom-made oral appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. Instead of enamel-on-enamel contact, the guard absorbs and redistributes bite forces. That means fewer microcracks, less flattening of biting surfaces, and greater protection for restorations like veneers, crowns, and implants. Because it’s fabricated from a precise impression, a custom guard from California Dental Group stays put comfortably and doesn’t interfere with breathing.
Signs You Might Need One
- Morning headaches or facial muscle soreness
- Jaw clicking, popping, or stiffness (TMJ symptoms)
- Chipped edges, small fractures, or flattened chewing surfaces
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or pressure without an obvious cavity
- Scalloped tongue or cheek biting lines
- Loved one reports grinding sounds at night
Any of these signs warrant a dental evaluation. At California Dental Group, we check your enamel patterns, measure muscle tenderness, and assess your bite before recommending the right guard.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter: Why Fit Matters
Boil-and-bite guards from a drugstore can be bulky, loose, and uneven, concentrating pressure on the wrong teeth. A custom guard is:
- Precisely fitted for comfort and retention (you can speak and breathe more easily).
- Balanced to distribute force evenly across the bite.
- Slimmer and stronger, improving wearability and longevity.
- Adjustable, so your dentist can fine-tune contact points as needed.
When a guard fits well, you’re more likely to wear it consistently—and consistency is what protects teeth.
What Causes Nighttime Grinding?
Bruxism is often multifactorial. Common contributors include stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances, stimulant use (caffeine, energy drinks), certain medications, and bite discrepancies. In some patients, airway issues or undiagnosed sleep apnea play a role. Your dentist may coordinate with your physician or a sleep specialist if breathing concerns are suspected.
Types of Night Guards
- Hard acrylic: Highly durable; ideal for heavy grinders and for adjusting bite contacts.
- Soft EVA: Cushioned feel for mild bruxism or first-time users.
- Dual-laminate: Soft inside, hard outside—comfort with strength.
- Daytime splints: For patients who clench while working or driving and need short-wear protection.
At California Dental Group, we match material to your bite force, enamel wear pattern, and comfort preferences.
The Process: What to Expect
- Exam and records: We evaluate teeth, gums, TMJ, and restorations.
- Impressions or digital scan: Precise models ensure a snug fit.
- Fabrication: Your guard is crafted to your bite specifications.
- Delivery and adjustment: We fine-tune contacts to avoid pressure points.
- Follow-up: We recheck fit and wear patterns at routine visits.
Most patients adapt within a week. If your guard feels high in one area or causes soreness, a quick adjustment solves it.
Caring for Your Night Guard
Rinse after each use, brush gently with a soft brush and liquid soap (avoid toothpaste—it’s abrasive), then air-dry completely before storing in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat to prevent warping. Bring your guard to every checkup so California Dental Group can inspect for cracks or uneven wear and clean it ultrasonically if needed.
Beyond the Guard: Long-Term Relief
A night guard protects teeth, but long-term comfort may require addressing root causes. Strategies can include stress management, limiting late-day caffeine and alcohol, jaw stretches and posture training, and correcting bite interferences. For select cases, orthodontics or conservative bite equilibration can reduce triggers. If airway issues are suspected, sleep testing and appropriate therapy can significantly reduce grinding episodes.
When to Replace
With proper care, custom guards often last several years. Replace sooner if you notice cracks, deep grooves, looseness, or persistent morning soreness despite good wear—signs that forces have changed or the appliance needs refitting.
Teeth should not ache every morning. If you’re noticing wear, sensitivity, or jaw pain, schedule a bruxism evaluation with California Dental Group. Call 800-407-0161 and ask about custom night guards designed for your bite, your comfort, and your long-term smile health.
