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Preventive care

Custom night guards in Saratoga Springs

Waking up with a tired jaw or a dull headache? You may be clenching or grinding in your sleep. A night guard puts a thin barrier between your teeth so they wear less.

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What does a night guard do?

Think of a night guard as a slim plastic shield. It sits on one row of teeth, top or bottom, during sleep. When you clench or grind, your teeth press into the guard instead of each other. That can slow wear and take some strain off your jaw muscles.

  • Dentists may call it an occlusal guard
  • Made to fit your teeth, so it stays in through the night
  • Helps protect fillings, crowns and other dental work

Signs you may grind at night

Most people who grind do not know they do it. Clues often show up in the morning or at your checkup:

  • A sore or tight jaw when you wake up
  • Aching at the sides of your head
  • Edges of teeth that have gone flat, chipped or short
  • New tooth sensitivity to cold
  • A partner who hears grinding noises at night
  • Cracks in teeth or dental work that keeps breaking

Stress, some medicines, caffeine and sleep problems can all play a part. Your dentist will look for wear patterns and check your jaw muscles. If grinding seems linked to snoring or pauses in breathing, we may suggest a sleep check with your medical provider.

How your night guard is made

  1. Exam. We look for wear, feel the jaw muscles and hear what has been bothering you.
  2. Impressions. We capture a copy of your teeth, which the guard is built on.
  3. Fitting. When your guard is ready, we place it, check how your teeth meet on it and smooth any spots that press.
  4. Follow-up. After you have worn it for a while, we check in to see how your jaw feels and make small changes if needed.

It can take a few nights to get used to. Some people notice extra saliva or a snug feeling at first. That usually settles quickly.

Looking after your guard

  • Brush your teeth before you put it in.
  • In the morning, rinse it and brush it gently with a soft brush and cool water.
  • Dry it and keep it in its case, away from pets. Dogs love to chew them.
  • Avoid hot water and dishwashers, which can bend the plastic.
  • Bring it to each checkup. Holes, cracks or a loose fit mean it may be time for a new one.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about custom night guards

Does wearing a guard end the grinding habit?
Not always. It mainly protects your teeth from the grinding. Many people find their jaw feels better too, but the habit itself may continue.
Do I have to wear it every night?
That is the goal. Grinding can happen any night, so wearing it as a habit gives your teeth steady cover.
Is a night guard uncomfortable?
It may feel odd for the first few nights. It should not hurt. If it presses on a tooth or your jaw feels worse, call us and we can adjust it.
Can I use a sports mouth guard at night instead?
It is not a good swap. Sports guards are soft and thick, and some people chew on them more. A night guard is shaped for sleep. For sports, see our mouth guard page.
Does insurance help with the cost?
Some plans cover part of a night guard when grinding is found. See our insurance and payment page or ask us to check your benefits.

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Our Saratoga Springs team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

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