Teeth grinding, or bruxism, affects many people without them even knowing it. It often happens during sleep and can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, and jaw pain.
A night mouth guard helps protect your teeth while you sleep.
While many people buy generic versions online, the better choice is to visit your Arlington dentist and get a custom-made option. It may seem like a small difference, but the impact on your oral health can be significant.
What Night Guards Do
Night guards act as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. They reduce the damage caused by grinding and clenching at night. By placing a layer between your teeth, a mouth guard limits direct contact and spreads the pressure more evenly across your jaw.
If you experience morning headaches, worn-down biting surfaces, or aching in your jaw, you may need a night guard. These symptoms often go unnoticed for months or even years, particularly if they appear slowly over time.
Store-Bought vs. Dentist-Made Options
You can buy night guards online or at a pharmacy without a prescription. These come in standard sizes or as “boil-and-bite” types that you shape at home. It’s a convenient solution, but not always the best one.
A dentist-made mouth guard is created specifically for your teeth using molds taken in the office. They are sent to a dental lab where technicians fabricate your guard to match the exact contours of your mouth. This gives you a perfect fit and excellent protection.
Here’s how the two options compare:
Generic Night Guards (Store or Online):
- Come in standard sizes
- Made from inexpensive materials
- Slide around during sleep
- Tend to wear down faster
Custom Night Guards (From a Dentist):
- Molded to fit your teeth
- Made in a dental lab
- More stable during sleep
- Most durable for long-term use
How the Right Fit Makes a Difference
A better fit, more secure mouth guard means your night guard stays in place throughout the night. Evidently, this reduces the strain on your jaw muscles and helps prevent future problems.
A poorly fitting guard can make things worse by creating uneven pressure across your bite or irritating your gums.
Custom night guards from your dentist are designed to match the shape of your upper or lower teeth. Your dentist will decide which option is better based on how you grind and how your bite lines up.
In many cases, protecting the lower teeth with a custom-made lower guard offers more comfort and easier breathing.
When to Choose a Custom Option
If you grind your teeth heavily or have existing dental work, visit your dentist. A custom mouth guard is especially important for people who:
- Show visible wear on their teeth
- Experience frequent jaw pain or stiffness
- Have fillings, crowns, or bridges
- Need a long-lasting guard that won’t wear down quickly
As with most dental appliances, durability varies based on how often you use them and how hard you grind your teeth. If you’re a heavy grinder, a dental lab can create the most durable type of night guard tailored for that purpose. These are usually made from hard acrylic and can last for years.
Related Article: Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Wake Up?
Getting Your Mouth Guard From a Dental Office
Visiting your dentist for a night guard is a straightforward, stress-free process that begins with an initial appointment, during which your dentist takes precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth.
Once the impressions are taken, your dentist sends them to a dental lab. Skilled technicians at the lab use these molds to craft a custom mouth guard that fits the unique shape of your teeth. The dental lab uses high-quality, durable materials that are often more resistant to wear than those found in store-bought options.
After the night guard is made, you’ll return to the office for a fitting. During this visit, your dentist will place the guard in your mouth and evaluate how it aligns with your bite. They may make small adjustments to fine-tune the fit, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with your natural jaw movement.
Note: This step is important because even the smallest misalignment can cause irritation or reduce the effectiveness of the guard. With the proper fit, your custom night guard won’t shift, pinch, or rub against your gums while you sleep. Instead, it will feel stable and secure.
Compared to generic options, a custom night guard provides a better fit and greater comfort. You can wear it each night knowing it’s designed to give your lower teeth and jaw the protection they need—without causing pressure points or soreness. Over time, this personalized approach makes a big difference in how well your guard performs and how comfortable it feels.
If You Need a Mouth Guard to Stop Bruxism, Visit Your Dentist
A mouth guard for teeth grinding is not one-size-fits-all. Store-bought guards may seem more accessible, but they do not offer the same level of protection or comfort.
Your dentist can help you choose the right type of night guard, take precise impressions, and ensure a perfect fit.
In the long run, a custom night guard lasts longer, protects better, and helps you avoid costly dental repairs. If you’re waking up with sore teeth or jaw pain, it’s time to talk to your dentist about your options.
