Do you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or headaches? You may be grinding or clenching at night without realizing it. Over time, bruxism can wear down enamel, strain your jaw, and put enough pressure on your teeth to cause chips or cracks. A custom night guard can create a protective barrier that reduces the force placed on your teeth while you sleep.
At Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu in Houston's Memorial Area, patients receive preventative care from a dentist with advanced cosmetic and restorative training. Dr. Shimizu is an Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a distinction held by only a small group of dentists worldwide.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a removable appliance worn over the teeth, usually while sleeping. It separates the upper and lower teeth so they do not grind directly against one another.
Custom night guards are created to fit the shape and bite of your mouth. Compared with many over-the-counter guards, a professionally made appliance can provide a more precise fit and may be more comfortable for regular use.
How a Night Guard Helps With Bruxism
Bruxism is the repeated grinding or clenching of teeth. It often happens during sleep, which means you may not know you are doing it until symptoms appear.
Possible signs of bruxism include:
- Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth
- Morning jaw soreness or tightness
- Tooth sensitivity
- Headaches, especially after waking
- Cracks or fractures in teeth or dental restorations
- Tender facial or jaw muscles
A night guard doesn't necessarily stop muscle clenching, but it can reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact and protect your smile from repeated pressure.
Can a Night Guard Help Protect Teeth From Cracking?
Grinding and clenching can create substantial stress on your teeth. Over time, this pressure may contribute to small cracks, damaged fillings, worn crowns, or fractures, especially in already weakened teeth.
A night guard creates a protective layer between your teeth that can reduce damage from repeated grinding and clenching. For patients who have had restorative or cosmetic dental work, shielding the teeth from nighttime grinding may also help preserve those restorations.
Custom Night Guard Candidates
You might be a candidate for a night guard if you regularly grind or clench your teeth, have unexplained tooth wear, or wake with jaw discomfort.
Dr. Shimizu can also assess whether other dental concerns are contributing to your symptoms. Because tooth pain, jaw soreness, and sensitivity can have several causes, an examination is important before choosing treatment.
What Is the Process for Getting a Night Guard?
The process begins with an evaluation of your teeth, bite, existing dental work, and signs of wear or cracking. If a night guard is appropriate, we take measurements or impressions of your teeth so we can make the appliance specifically for your mouth.
Once the night guard is ready, its fit and bite can be checked. We may make small adjustments so the appliance rests comfortably and does not place unnecessary pressure on your teeth or jaw.
How Do I Care for My Night Guard?
Keeping your night guard clean helps protect both the appliance and your oral health. Follow your dental team’s instructions, which may include:
- Rinsing the guard after each use
- Cleaning it regularly with the recommended method
- Allowing it to dry before storing it
- Keeping it in a protective case
- Bringing it to dental visits so its fit and condition can be checked
Night guards can wear down over time, particularly in people who grind heavily. Replacement might be recommended if the appliance becomes damaged, distorted, or no longer fits properly.
Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu for Night Guards in the Memorial Area, Houston?
Dr. Shimizu combines restorative knowledge with a strong understanding of bite relationships, dental materials, and long-term tooth protection. He earned DDS degrees from Hiroshima University School of Dentistry in Japan and Loma Linda University and later became an Accredited Fellow of the AACD, a credential held by only 85 dentists worldwide and three in Texas.
His approach emphasizes precision and careful attention to how each tooth works within the full bite. That perspective is especially valuable when protecting natural teeth, crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations from the repeated forces associated with bruxism.
Protect Your Teeth From Nighttime Grinding
Bruxism can gradually wear down your teeth before you realize damage is occurring. A custom night guard can help reduce direct grinding forces, protect vulnerable teeth and restorations, and lower the risk of additional wear or cracking.
To find out whether a night guard is right for you, book a consultation with Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu in the Memorial Area of Houston, TX. Call 281-531-0710 to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
