If you’ve ever woken up with a sore or tense jaw, or if your spouse has ever complained about the noise you make from grinding your teeth, you may consider getting a night guard. Bruxism (grinding) and clenching sometimes occurs during the day, but is a larger problem while you are sleeping. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, irritate your gums, cause jaw pain and even result in teeth breakage.
A night guard is a barrier that cushions your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. It’s very similar to athletic mouth guards, and is a custom-fabricated appliance that is specifically tailored to each patient. Depending on your personal needs, a night guard may be very thin to ensure comfort, or be a sturdier design that you can use for up to 10 years.
