Night Guards for Bruxism: Protecting Your Teeth While You Sleep

Many people grind or clench their teeth at night, a condition called Bruxism and often don’t even realize it. Usually it is a room partner who notices the grinding sounds first. Left untreated, bruxism can damage teeth, strain the jaw joint and cause frequent headaches. At MI Dental, we offer custom night guards to protect your teeth, relieve jaw discomfort and improve your quality of sleep.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, most commonly at night during sleep. While occasional grinding might not cause harm, chronic bruxism generates excessive force that your teeth and jaw joints are not designed to handle.

Signs of bruxism include:

• Flattened or chipped teeth (loss of natural tooth cusps)
• Sore or tired jaw upon waking
• Clicking or popping sounds from the TMJ (jaw joint)
• Frequent headaches or facial pain
• Tooth sensitivity from worn enamel

The Impact of Bruxism on Teeth and the Jaw

• Tooth Wear: Over time, the enamel wears down, and teeth lose their natural cusps, looking flat like a “tabletop.”
• Chipping & Cracking: Grinding weakens enamel, leading to chips and fractures.
• Jaw Strain: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) absorbs this extra force, which may cause morning soreness, headaches or even structural changes in the joint.
• Long-Term Risk: Chronic bruxism can alter the natural curvature of the condyle (jawbone structure).

The Solution: Custom Night Guards

A Night Guard is a custom-made dental device worn while sleeping. It:

• Maintains a small protective space between the upper and lower teeth.
• Prevents enamel against enamel contact during grinding.
• Keeps the jaw in a more neutral and relaxed position.
• Reduces strain on the TMJ and associated muscles.
• Serves as a habit breaker for grinding or clenching.

How We Make Your Night Guard at MI Dental

1. Digital Scan: We take a 3D digital scan of your upper and lower teeth (no messy impressions).
2. Lab Fabrication: The scan is sent to a dental lab that fabricates the guard precisely to fit your mouth.
3. Delivery & Fitting: At your next visit, we try it in, make small adjustments if necessary and ensure comfort.
4. Patient Instructions: We show you how to wear, clean and maintain your night guard.

Benefits of a Night Guard

• Protects natural teeth from wear and fractures.
• Relieves morning jaw soreness and headaches.
• Helps preserve TMJ health.
• Improves sleep comfort for many patients.

Fun Fact: Sports Guards vs. Night Guards

While night guards protect against bruxism during sleep, sports guards are designed for athletes to protect against sudden impacts. Both are protective devices, but each serves a very different purpose!

Don’t let nighttime grinding wear down your smile or cause chronic jaw pain. Book your consultation at MI Dental in Kitchener today to see if a custom night guard is right for you.

1. How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Most patients don’t notice, but dentists can often tell by the wear on your teeth. Sometimes, a sleeping partner notices grinding sounds.

2. Can bruxism cause headaches?
Yes. Grinding and clenching strain the jaw and facial muscles, often leading to morning headaches or migraines.

3. Are night guards uncomfortable to wear?
Custom night guards are designed to fit precisely and are generally comfortable after a short adjustment period.

4. How long does a night guard last?
With proper care, most night guards last several years, though heavy grinders may need periodic replacement.