Night Guards and Teeth Grinding
Grinding and clenching wear the teeth down, crack fillings and strain the jaw muscles and joints. Most people do it at night and do not know until a family member hears it or a dentist sees the wear.
At our Oakville office, Dr. Agatha Bis looks for why you grind before recommending an appliance. She has practised dentistry for over 30 years, with a clinical focus on the bite and the jaw joints.
Signs You May Be Grinding
- Flat, worn or chipped teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Sore or tired jaw muscles on waking
- Morning headaches, often at the temples
- Clicking or pain in the jaw joints
- Cracked teeth or broken fillings
- A partner hears grinding at night
Why People Grind
Grinding is often blamed on stress. Stress can make it worse, but it is rarely the whole explanation. Grinding is often sustained by structural factors: a bite that does not close evenly, the position of the lower jaw, and the airway during sleep.
If these are not assessed, a guard may protect the teeth while the cause continues.
What to Expect
We examine the teeth for wear and check the bite, the jaw muscles and the jaw joints. We ask about sleep, snoring and headaches. If needed, we take X-rays or a digital scan of the teeth.
We then explain what we found and which appliance, if any, fits your situation.
Night Guard or Orthotic?
A night guard is a hard acrylic cover that protects the teeth from wear. It does not change where the jaw sits.
If the jaw joints are involved, a different appliance, an orthotic, may be recommended. The teeth are the stops that set where the lower jaw closes and where the jaw joint seats. An orthotic replaces those stops and is adjusted to bring the jaw into a more stable position.
Appliances that cover only the front teeth remove the back-tooth stops. In patients with a jaw joint problem, the closing muscles can then push the joint backward and cause pain. This is why we check the joints before an appliance is made. Learn more about TMJ treatment.
Common Questions
Can I buy a night guard at the pharmacy?
Store-bought guards are soft and fit loosely. Soft material can increase clenching in some people, and a poor fit can change how the teeth meet. A custom appliance is made from a scan of your teeth and adjusted to your bite.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A night guard protects the teeth. It does not remove the reasons you grind. That is why we assess the bite, the jaw joints and the airway.
How long does a night guard last?
With care, several years. Bring it to your check-ups so we can check the fit and the wear.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many plans cover part of the cost of a night guard. We submit your claim electronically.
Read more: articles on teeth grinding
Grinding or waking with a sore jaw? Book an assessment with Dr. Agatha Bis.