Many adults grind or clench their teeth at night without knowing it. The signs show up at the dentist long before they show up in the mirror. This guide explains what bruxism actually does to teeth, gums, and the jaw, and how a custom night guard helps.
Signs you might be grinding
- You wake with a sore or tired jaw, especially on one side
- Headaches in the morning or at the temples
- Front teeth that look flat or chipped along the edges
- Sensitivity to cold without obvious cavities
- Recession at the gumline on certain teeth
- A partner who hears the grinding at night
- Small fillings or veneers that fracture earlier than expected
Bruxism is common during periods of stress and can also be related to sleep position and airway issues.
What grinding actually does
Teeth are designed to touch for only a few minutes a day, during chewing and swallowing. Nighttime grinding loads them for hours. Over time the forces show up as:
- Flat, worn front teeth that lose their natural edge translucency
- Cracks in the enamel that progress into fractures
- Receding gums on heavily loaded teeth
- Existing dental work (fillings, crowns, veneers) failing earlier
- TMJ (jaw joint) tenderness, clicking, or limited opening
How a night guard helps
A custom guard is a thin appliance you wear at night. It does two things: protects the surfaces of your teeth from each other and slightly changes how your jaw muscles fire when you clench.
It does not stop the grinding itself. It absorbs the forces so your teeth, dental work, and jaw joint are not the ones absorbing them.
Types of night guards
Over-the-counter "boil and bite" guards. Affordable, but bulky, ill-fitting, and often pushed out of the mouth at night. Many patients stop wearing them quickly.
Custom dental night guards. Made from a scan or impression of your bite, with the thickness and material chosen for your case (light grinder vs heavy clencher). Fits precisely; lasts years; far more likely to actually be worn.
For patients with TMJ issues or significant wear, your dentist may recommend a specific appliance design beyond a basic guard.
Why custom matters
A guard that fits poorly can do more harm than good. Loose guards can be chewed on like gum. Wrong-thickness guards can change your bite over time. A custom guard is sized to your specific arches and adjusted at delivery to fit your bite evenly.
Custom night guards are made at both Lincoln Park and Schaumburg. See our night guards page for the process.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a custom night guard last?
Most last 3 to 5 years. Heavy grinders may wear through them faster. We check yours at every visit.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Many PPO plans cover them under occlusal guard benefits when they are medically necessary (active wear, TMJ symptoms). We verify benefits in advance. See our insurance page.
Is there a connection to sleep apnea?
Sometimes. Grinding can be related to disrupted breathing at night. If you snore loudly, wake unrefreshed, or have other sleep symptoms, your dentist may suggest a sleep evaluation before deciding on the appliance type.
Can I wear a guard if I already have dental work?
Yes. In fact, a guard protects crowns, veneers, and implants from wear and fracture. We design the guard around your existing work.
What about daytime clenching?
Awareness exercises help. So does jaw posture training (lips together, teeth apart). Some patients also benefit from a thinner appliance worn during high-stress periods of the day.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Diagnosis of bruxism and the right appliance choice require an exam and a review of wear patterns.
