What Is a Nightguard for Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism, the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, is a common condition that often occurs during sleep and can cause significant damage over time. The forces generated during grinding far exceed those of normal chewing, placing excessive stress on the teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles. Left unmanaged, bruxism can lead to worn enamel, cracked or fractured teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and the premature failure of dental restorations. A custom nightguard is the most effective and conservative way to protect against this damage.
Nightguards for Teeth Grinding: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 2 (records, then fitting) |
| Time needed | About 1 to 2 weeks to make |
| Anesthesia | None |
| Getting used to it | About one to two weeks |
| How long it lasts | Several years, depending on how hard you grind |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
Most grinding happens during sleep, so the signs are usually found by a dentist or noticed by a partner. A nightguard does not stop the habit, but it stops the damage.
- Flat, chipped or shortened teeth
- A sore jaw or dull headache on waking
- Teeth that are sensitive for no clear reason
- Cracked fillings or crowns
- A partner who hears grinding at night
Nightguards for Teeth Grinding at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, custom nightguards are fabricated from precise impressions of each patient’s teeth, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit that generic store-bought guards cannot match. The nightguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing and distributing the forces of grinding so that the teeth and jaw joints are shielded. Because the guard is custom fitted, patients find it comfortable enough to wear consistently, which is essential for effective protection.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Exam. We look for wear, cracks and muscle tenderness.
- Impressions or scan. A record of your teeth is taken.
- Fabrication. The guard is made to fit your teeth exactly.
- Fitting. The guard is adjusted so your bite contacts it evenly.
- Review. The fit is checked at your next visit.
Custom nightguards compared with store-bought guards
| Feature | Custom nightguard | Boil-and-bite guard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made from a model of your teeth | Moulded at home |
| Thickness | Thin and even | Bulky |
| Bite | Adjusted by the dentist | Not adjusted |
| Durability | Several years | Months |
Enamel does not grow back. A nightguard is worn so that the guard wears down, not the tooth.
Wearing and Caring for Your Nightguard
Daily care and long-term use
Every morning
- Rinse the guard and brush it with cool water and mild soap
- Let it dry and store it in its ventilated case
- Keep it away from heat and pets
Over the months and years
- Bring the guard to every dental visit
- Expect to need a replacement when it shows deep grooves or cracks
- Tell us about new dental work, because the guard may need refitting
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- The guard feels tight, loose or rocks
- Your bite feels different in the morning for more than an hour
- Jaw pain or headaches get worse
Catching Bruxism Early
Many patients who grind their teeth are unaware of the habit until damage becomes visible or symptoms like jaw soreness and headaches develop. A comprehensive oral exam can reveal the telltale signs of bruxism, including worn tooth surfaces, enamel fractures, and muscle tenderness, even before the patient notices symptoms. Early intervention with a nightguard prevents the kind of progressive damage that eventually requires dental crowns or more extensive full mouth reconstruction to repair.
Cost and Insurance
Preventative visits are the least expensive part of dental care, and they reduce the need for larger treatment later.
What affects the cost
- Whether X-rays are due
- The type of cleaning your gums need
- Add-on services such as fluoride, sealants or laser bacterial reduction
- Custom appliances such as nightguards and sports guards, which include a laboratory fee
Most dental plans cover exams, cleanings and X-rays at a high rate, often twice a year. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
