Skip to content
Dental Salon
Book now

Preventive

Night guards

A night guard (occlusal splint) is a custom appliance worn over the teeth, usually during sleep, to cushion the jaws and reduce wear from clenching or grinding (bruxism). It helps protect enamel and existing dental work and can be part of a broader plan when jaw soreness or morning tension may be related to bite habits.

A clear custom night guard on a dental model in a bright treatment room at Dental Salon.

Many people clench or grind without realizing it, especially at night. Over time, that habit can wear enamel, chip teeth, or stress crowns and fillings. A guard made from impressions of your mouth fits more securely and evenly than store boil-and-bite options, so forces are spread the way your dentist intends.

At Dental Salon we review what you are noticing (morning jaw tightness, sensitive teeth, a partner hearing grinding), examine your bite and teeth, and discuss whether a night guard is the right next step. If it is, we walk you through material choices, what the first nights in a guard feel like, and how to keep it clean. We schedule fit checks so small adjustments keep it comfortable.

Who it's a good fit for

  • You wake with jaw soreness, sensitive teeth, or headaches and suspect grinding or clenching
  • Your front teeth look shorter or more worn at the edges than they used to
  • You have new crowns, veneers, or implants and want a night guard to protect them while you sleep
  • You tried an over-the-counter guard that felt bulky, rubbed your gums, or would not stay in place

What to expect

  1. Exam: symptoms, sleep habits, and prior jaw or orthodontic care
  2. Impressions or digital scans for a custom night guard
  3. Delivery: seat the guard, check bite, review insertion, removal, and cleaning
  4. Follow-up: small adjustments after several nights of wear if needed

Common questions

How is a custom night guard different from one from a drugstore?
Custom guards are fabricated from models of your teeth, so they seat evenly and stay in place with less bulk. That usually means better comfort, better protection, and fewer sore spots than generic trays you soften in hot water at home.
Will wearing a night guard cure my jaw pain?
A guard often reduces muscle strain and tooth wear from grinding, which helps many people feel better. Jaw pain can have several causes, though, so we treat the guard as one part of a plan. If symptoms persist, we discuss other options or referrals when appropriate.
How long does a night guard last?
Many patients get several years from a well-made guard with proper care, but heavy grinders may wear through the material sooner. Bring it to checkup visits so we can look for wear and tell you when a replacement makes sense.
Does dental insurance cover night guards?
Some plans contribute toward bruxism appliances; others apply the benefit only to certain codes or once per number of years. We verify benefits when we can and give you a written estimate before you commit.
Do you accept patients without insurance?
Yes. We offer a membership plan for uninsured patients ($350/year for the first member, $300/year for each additional member) that covers exams, x-rays, two standard cleanings, a take-home whitening kit, and 15% off other procedures.
Are night guards FSA or HSA eligible?
Yes. Custom night guards prescribed for bruxism (grinding) or to protect dental work are eligible expenses under FSA and HSA accounts. Bring your account card to the delivery appointment.

Book a consultation

Available at both offices. Pick the one that's closer to you.

Related