Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache that you can’t quite explain? Does your partner tell you they hear grinding sounds while you sleep? You might be dealing with bruxism, which is the clinical term for teeth grinding. Our team at Imagine Dental can protect your comfort and your smile with a custom night guard in Phoenix or Ahwatukee!
This post discusses the problems teeth grinding can cause, compares over-the-counter night guards to custom night guards, and explains why a night guard from a dentist is well worth the investment.
What Is Teeth Grinding and Why Does It Matter?
Bruxism is far more common than most people realize. In fact, millions of Americans grind or clench their teeth, often while they sleep. Because it happens unconsciously, many people don’t even know they’re grinding their teeth until their dentist spots signs of damage.
Here are some signs that you may be grinding your teeth at night:
- Jaw pain or tightness, especially in the morning
- Frequent headaches that start near your temples
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity that seems to be getting worse
- Disrupted teeth or tension in your neck and shoulders
- Previous sleep apnea diagnosis
Without intervention, teeth grinding wears down your enamel, increases your chances of cracking teeth, shortens the lifespan of dental work, and strains your jaw joints. The damage can build up slowly, but it adds up over time. A custom night guard from a dentist is the best way to create a reliable barrier between your upper and lower teeth so grinding does less harm.
The Problem with Store-Bought Night Guards
A $30 night guard from a drugstore can seem tempting, but there are some real drawbacks worth knowing about.
- They don’t fit your mouth comfortably. Over-the-counter guards use a basic boil-and-bite process that gives you a rough approximation of your upper teeth, but not a precise fit. That means the guard may feel bulky or shift around. Over-the-counter guards aren’t crafted to balance your bite, meaning they put uneven pressure on your teeth and jaw, which is why…
- They can make things worse. A poor fit doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It can actually put even more strain on your jaw and even change the way your jaw sits. Plus, over-the-counter guards are made from a rubbery material, so they are “chewy,” which stimulates your jaw muscles to spasm even more. Together, these aspects of cheaper night guards can create painful and expensive problems down the road.
- They wear out fast. Store-bought guards use lower-quality materials that don’t stand up to heavy use. In fact, many people chew through them in just a few weeks or months. If you have to replace your guard frequently, the money you thought you were saving goes down the drain.
- You probably won’t wear it consistently. If a night guard is uncomfortable or leaves you waking up with even more fatigued or strained muscles, you’ll probably stop using it. A guard sitting in your nightstand drawer won’t do any good!
What Makes a Night Guard from a Dentist Different?
A custom night guard from a dentist is crafted to fit your bite precisely. We start with impressions of your teeth, including how they fit together and where your lower jaw may need more support while you sleep.
This is the most important feature of a custom night guard. Depending on your specific case, a night guard from a dentist can help to relieve strain by preventing your jaw muscles from clenching tightly or even hold your jaw in a healthier position to improve your airway for better nighttime breathing.
Custom night guards provide:
- A precise fit that stays in place and feels comfortable
- Thinner, stronger materials that can stand up to heavy use
- Proper jaw alignment to support your bite while you sleep
- Protection for dental work to help it last as long as possible
- Comfort that can actually improve your sleep so you want to keep wearing it
Our team creates custom night guards in Phoenix and Ahwatukee designed for your unique smile. Our guards are durable, comfortable, and effective.
A Long-Term Investment in Your Comfort
A custom night guard typically costs more up front than a store-bought option, but it lasts much longer. In fact, a night guard from a dentist can last several years before it needs to be replaced, where many people chew through store-bought guards within a few weeks or months.
When you break it down by cost per year, custom guards often come out ahead. And that’s before you factor in the dental work you might need (like crowns, bonding, or TMJ treatments) if grinding goes unprotected.
You can get the best lifespan out of your guard with a few simple steps:
- Rinse it before and after wearing it.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (and no toothpaste) every morning. You can use mild dish soap if desired, but cool water and a soft brush is sufficient!
- Store it in the case your dentist provides.
- Sanitize it weekly with diluted white vinegar or denture cleaner.
- Bring it to your regular checkups so we can check it for wear and give it a deep clean!
What NOT to Do with a Custom Night Guard
- Never use hot or boiling water, which can warp the shape of your guard.
- Avoid toothpaste and other abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface.
- Don’t use alcohol products like mouthwash, which can degrade the material.
- Avoid storing it in hot areas (direct sunlight, hot car, or near radiators).
- For weekly sanitizing, don’t soak it for more than 30 minutes.
- Stop using it if it’s cracked, painful, or damaged. Get in touch to discuss adjustments or replacement!
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Night Guard in Phoenix or Ahwatukee!
If you wake up with jaw pain, struggle with headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing or chipping, you may want to consider bruxism treatment. The earlier you start protecting your teeth and jaw joints, the better!
Our team is here to help you get more restful sleep and wake up feeling comfortable and refreshed. Get in touch to schedule a consultation and find out if a custom night guard in Phoenix or Ahwatukee is right for you!
