Custom vs. Store-Bought

Over-the-counter night guards are available at pharmacies, but the fit is approximate. A guard that does not fit correctly can shift during the night, be uncomfortable enough to interfere with sleep, or in some cases alter the bite over time.

A custom-fitted guard is made from an impression of your teeth. It fits precisely, stays in place, and is comfortable enough that patients actually wear it. Compliance is the whole point. A guard in the nightstand drawer does nothing.

Connection to Jaw Pain and TMJ

Grinding places significant force on the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint. For some patients, the night guard is enough to reduce symptoms. For others, the grinding is one part of a larger picture that includes jaw joint dysfunction.

If grinding is causing jaw pain, morning soreness, clicking, or headaches concentrated near the temples, a TMJ evaluation may be appropriate alongside the night guard. Learn more about TMJ treatment at Musso Family Dentistry.

The Process

Impressions of the teeth are taken at the first appointment and sent to a dental lab for fabrication. The finished guard is delivered at a second appointment, checked for fit, and adjusted as needed.

The material and thickness of the guard are determined based on the severity of the grinding and the patient's bite. Patients who grind heavily often require a harder material that will hold up over time.