Night Guards

Night guards help protect teeth from the damaging effects of clenching and grinding during sleep. At My Tooth Place in Westminster, California, Aury Arroyo-Lourenco, DDS, provides custom-made night guards designed to fit comfortably and protect your smile from long-term wear. Patients receive an evaluation of symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and tooth damage to determine the best approach for them. If you think nighttime grinding may be affecting your oral health, reach out to My Tooth Place by phone or request an appointment online today to schedule a visit.

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a custom dental appliance that you wear over your teeth while you sleep. It helps protect your teeth if you clench or grind at night, which many people do without realizing it.

Grinding and clenching can put a lot of pressure on your teeth and jaw. Over time, that pressure can wear down enamel, chip teeth, and cause jaw pain or headaches.

Why might you need a night guard?

You might need a night guard if you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or a tight feeling in your face. Some people also notice worn teeth, small chips, or discomfort when chewing.

These can all point to nighttime grinding (bruxism). Stress can play a role, and bite problems and sleep issues can also contribute. A night guard creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth and reduces the damage that grinding can cause.

How does a night guard help?

A night guard helps by absorbing some of the force from clenching and grinding. Instead of your teeth rubbing directly against each other, the guard acts as a barrier. That can lower the wear-and-tear on your teeth and help protect dental work like crowns, fillings, and veneers.

It can also reduce strain on the jaw muscles and joints, which may ease morning pain and tension. If you already have signs of damage, wearing a night guard can help prevent the problem from getting worse.

What happens when you get a night guard?

First, your My Tooth Place provider examines your teeth and asks about your symptoms. If they think a night guard can help, they take impressions or digital scans of your teeth. They use that information to create a guard that fits your mouth properly.

A custom fit matters because it helps the guard feel more comfortable and stay in place while you sleep. Once it’s ready, your provider makes sure it fits well and explains how to wear and care for it.

Can I use store-bought night guards?

Store-bought night guards may seem convenient, but they often don’t fit as well as a custom one. A poor fit can feel bulky, slip during sleep, or worsen your bite.

If you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, call My Tooth Place to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online today.