248-374-2273
Request Appointment
Guarding Your Grin Against Bruxism
Smile protection made easy.
Custom night guards designed for comfort and protection.

Night Guards for Bruxism in Novi, MI

Nighttime teeth grinding is one of those habits you may not notice until the symptoms start to pile up. Maybe it’s waking up with a sore jaw, tension headaches that linger through the day, or teeth that look more worn down than they should. Bruxism, which is essentially the constant grinding and clenching of your teeth, may require a bruxism night guard, sometimes called a teeth grinding night guard, to protect your smile and improve your comfort.

Goldstein Dental Group offers custom night guards to protect your teeth, ease jaw strain, and help you rest more comfortably. From explaining what’s happening to your bite to guaranteeing a perfect, comfortable fit, the team makes the process simple, supportive, and effective.

Schedule a night guard fitting today and take the first step toward peaceful sleep and long-term smile protection.

Woman with oral pain examining her teeth
When teeth grinding becomes a problem.

Signs You Might Be Ready for Night Guards to Protect From Bruxism

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can sneak up on you, often happening at night while you sleep. Left untreated, the constant pressure and friction can wear down teeth, strain your jaw, and disrupt your rest. Common signs that it may be time to consider a custom night guard include:

  • Morning headaches or facial pain
  • Jaw stiffness or soreness when you wake up
  • Chipped, cracked, or flattened teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure
  • Tightness in the neck or shoulders
  • Loved ones are noticing grinding sounds at night

Ignoring bruxism can lead to lasting damage needing cosmetic dental fixes, but a professionally fitted night guard provides a simple, effective solution. Goldstein Dental Group helps patients in Novi protect their teeth, ease discomfort, and rest more easily with custom-designed guards.

Request Appointment
Let’s get to protecting your bite.

What to Expect When Getting a Custom Night Guard

Feeling unsure about wearing a night guard is completely normal, but knowing the process can make it much easier. Our team begins the process with a thorough consultation to evaluate your symptoms of sleep bruxism, check for signs of wear, and understand how grinding or clenching affects your teeth and jaw.

Once we have a clear picture of what is going on, we’ll take precise impressions or digital scans of your upper and lower teeth and send them off to our dental lab to make sure that your dental night guard is perfectly customized.

Unlike bulky store-bought options or impression kits, a professional night guard fitting ensures your guard feels natural and comfortable, allowing you to breathe and sleep comfortably while it works silently to protect your smile.

When your custom-fitted night guards are ready, our team will walk you through how to use them, how to keep them clean, and what results you can expect. From start to finish, the process is designed to be simple, supportive, and reassuring so you can rest easy knowing your teeth and jaw are protected night after night.

Patient speaking with his dentist
Don’t get left in the dark about your night guards.

Night Guards for Bruxism: Your Questions Answered

What exactly is bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep but sometimes during the day without realizing it. While it may seem harmless at first, the repeated pressure can gradually wear away enamel, cause tiny fractures, or even contribute to gum recession and tooth loss if left untreated.

Because it often happens at night, most people don’t realize they’re grinding until their dentist points out the warning signs, or until the symptoms start interfering with daily life. It’s a good idea to visit a dentist for teeth grinding if you’re waking up with jaw pain, frequent headaches, increased tooth sensitivity, or notice visible changes in your teeth.

One of the most effective forms of bruxism treatment is a custom night guard for teeth, which protects your smile while you sleep and relieves the daily discomfort caused by clenching.

How do night guards work, and do I need a night guard?

A custom mouth guard for teeth grinding acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Instead of your enamel grinding against itself night after night, the guard absorbs the pressure and friction. This prevents chips, cracks, and excessive wear, while also easing the strain placed on your jaw muscles and joints.

Think of it as a cushion for your bite. By redistributing the force of clenching, a teeth grinding night guard helps reduce morning headaches, reduce damage to your teeth, and might improve jaw stiffness as well as TMJ-related discomfort. While it doesn’t stop the habit entirely, these custom dental appliances for sleep can mean the difference between ongoing damage and lasting protection.

How is a custom night guard different from a store-bought one?

Over-the-counter guards may seem like a quick fix, but their “one-size-fits-all” design usually means bulky plastic that shifts around at night, making them uncomfortable and less effective. This often leads to people abandoning them after only a few nights. A custom night guard, on the other hand, is made using digital scans or an impression of your teeth, so it fits snugly and securely.

When it comes to night guard vs mouth guard, the difference is noticeable; custom guards are thinner, more comfortable, and provide precise protection exactly where it’s needed.

Because they’re easier to wear consistently, they offer far better long-term results. Many patients find that a custom night guard is the best night guard for teeth grinding for this very reason.

How do I care for my night guard?

Keeping your night guard clean is essential for both effectiveness and hygiene. Luckily, the process is quick and easy:

  • Rinse your guard with cool water immediately after use
  • Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (avoid hot water, which can warp it)
  • Use mild soap or a non-abrasive cleaner and skip harsh chemicals or toothpaste
  • Let it air dry completely before storing
  • Keep it in its protective case when not in use
  • Bring it to your dental appointments so your dentist can inspect the fit and condition

A little daily care helps your night guard last longer and keeps it fresh. Proper care helps guarantee that your investment in a custom night guard lasts for years.

How much does a night guard cost at the dentist?

Wondering about the night guard cost at dentist offices? Prices vary depending on the type of guard, the materials used, and whether your insurance provides coverage. While the upfront investment may seem higher than store-bought options, the long-term benefits make it worthwhile.

A custom guard can save you from the expense of repairing cracked teeth, replacing worn-down enamel, or fixing broken crowns. Our team will walk you through your options to buy a custom night guard and help determine if insurance can offset part of the cost.

Protecting your teeth now often prevents far more costly dental work later.

Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?

Yes. For patients experiencing jaw soreness, clicking joints, or tension headaches, a night guard for TMJ pain may be part of effective TMJ treatment. By cushioning the bite, the guard reduces strain on the jaw joints and allows muscles to relax.

This approach is often included in broader sleep dentistry and preventive dental care plans. While not a cure-all, a properly fitted bruxism night guard can make a noticeable difference in relieving discomfort and preventing long-term joint damage.

Ready to protect your smile with the best night guard for teeth grinding? Schedule a night guard consultation today at Goldstein Dental Group in Novi for a professional fitting that’s tailored to your comfort.

Back To Top