By reducing unconscious clenching, a night guard can help you sleep more soundly and wake up without jaw tension. Many patients report fewer morning headaches or jaw soreness once they start using a guard.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Calgary
Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep
Do you wake up with headaches or sore teeth? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night (a condition called bruxism). Nighttime grinding is a common issue that can lead to worn-down enamel, cracked teeth, tooth sensitivity, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders over time. At Buffalo Run Dental, we offer custom-fitted night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep. A night guard (also known as a nocturnal bite guard or occlusal guard) is a durable plastic appliance worn over your teeth at night. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other and absorbing the pressure of clenching. With a night guard in place, you can sleep more comfortably and safeguard your smile from damage.
Our dentist will begin by taking an impression of your teeth to design your custom night guard. This ensures the guard is moulded precisely to your bite for a secure, comfortable fit. The guard is crafted from high-quality, rigid acrylic or soft laminate (depending on your needs) and is designed to withstand grinding forces. Once your night guard is ready, we’ll have you try it on, and we can make any necessary adjustments. A properly fitted night guard will stay snugly in place and allow you to breathe and sleep normally.
Request an Appointment
If you suspect you grind your teeth at night or have been told you do (often by a partner who hears the grinding sound), let us help you protect your smile. Contact our clinic to schedule an appointment for a custom night guard. With this simple device, you can prevent dental damage, ease discomfort, and get a more restful night’s sleep.
Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
Better sleep quality
Relief from jaw pain
The guard eases strain on the TMJ and jaw muscles, which can alleviate pain, stiffness, and fatigue in your jaws. It essentially gives your jaw a rest at night.
Reduced snoring
Keeping the jaw in a slightly open, relaxed position with a night guard may improve airflow for some people, potentially decreasing snoring or mild sleep apnea symptoms. (While not a dedicated snoring device, some patients notice this perk.)
Prevention of tension headaches
Many morning headaches are due to overnight clenching and muscle fatigue. A night guard helps prevent these by cushioning the clenching force and reducing stress on the head and neck muscles.
Protects your teeth
By stopping grinding, the guard prevents the excessive wear, chips, and cracks that can occur on your teeth. It also protects your dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) from damage caused by grinding forces. In the long run, this can prevent the need for more extensive dental work.
