A night guard is an oral appliance recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night. Grinding and clenching can cause severe damage to the teeth, which may lead to the need for restorative procedures. Because patients may not even know that they are grinding or clenching their teeth, a night guard may be recommended as a precautionary measure. 

At California Center for Laser Dentistry, we offer custom-made night guards that perfectly fit the patient’s teeth. They are made from soft plastic material and personalized so they comfortably fit in the mouth. The night guard will minimize the impact of grinding or clenching on a patient’s dentition. In addition, it will protect the teeth from additional stress placed on them. We generally recommend patients wear their custom-made night guards every night.

How Does a Night Guard Work?

If you clench and grind your teeth at night, you’re putting significant pressure on your jaw joint, which can cause damage over time. A night guard is worn over the teeth to protect them from grinding together while you sleep. It’s usually made from soft plastic or harder acrylic materials, depending on which type best suits your needs. 

The guard covers the teeth and acts as a protective barrier to keep the lower teeth from touching the upper ones. It also absorbs the grinding force, so the jaw joints aren’t overworked. A custom-fitted night guard provides a much more accurate and comfortable fit than an over-the-counter model, and most dentists recommend using a custom-fitted one. 

The Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard

Night guards are used to treat jaw clenching, grinding, and TMJ disorders that are caused by stress or anxiety. Stress and anxiety can cause people to grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it. The constant pressure from the jaw on the teeth can wear down the enamel and lead to more severe problems. Grinding can lead to headaches and damage to your teeth, affecting your bite. 

The night guard protects your teeth from these consequences and helps to prevent grinding altogether, so you don’t have to worry about waking up with a headache or feeling tense in your neck. 

This oral appliance can also be designed for patients who snore loudly due to the tongue's position against the soft palate in the back of the mouth. Snoring is caused by the vibration of the tissues in the throat. The night guard allows air to flow easily through the mouth, so the tissue doesn’t vibrate as much. And if you have a TMJ disorder, wearing a night guard can help to relieve your symptoms. It can also help with your chronic headaches.

Make an appointment with our dentist to get fitted for a custom-made night guard and sleep better during the night. Visit California Center for Laser Dentistry at 1844 San Miguel Dr #106, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, or call (925) 939-3997 to learn more about night guards.