Bruxism — grinding and clenching, usually during sleep — generates forces far greater than normal chewing, and it continues for hours without the protective feedback you would get while awake. A night guard is a custom-fitted appliance worn over the teeth that absorbs and redistributes those forces.
Signs you may be grinding
Most people are unaware they grind. Typical signs include waking with jaw ache or a dull headache in the temples, teeth that are flattened or chipped at the edges, increasing sensitivity, restorations that keep fracturing or coming loose, a partner reporting grinding noises, and sometimes ridges along the side of the tongue or cheeks.
Your dentist at Parkway Dental will often spot the wear patterns before you notice symptoms.
What a night guard does and does not do
A night guard is protective, not curative. It does not stop you grinding — it ensures that when you do, the force is spread across an acrylic surface instead of your enamel and dental work. That distinction matters, because enamel does not regenerate and years of unprotected grinding can require extensive restoration.
Where stress, medication or sleep-disordered breathing are contributing factors, those are addressed alongside the guard.
Custom versus over-the-counter
A custom guard is made to your bite from an impression or scan, so it fits precisely, stays in place and distributes force evenly. Boil-and-bite guards are bulky, fit imprecisely and can in some cases encourage more clenching or allow teeth to shift. For a habit that will continue for years, a properly made guard is the sound investment.
Fitting and care
An impression or digital scan is taken and the guard is made in the laboratory. At fitting, your dentist adjusts it so contact is even across all teeth — an unadjusted guard that touches on only a few teeth can cause them to move.
Expect a few nights to adapt. Rinse and brush it with cool water and a soft brush each morning, and store it dry in a ventilated case. Never clean it in hot water, which warps the acrylic. Bring it to every checkup so wear can be monitored; most guards last several years.