Everything You Need to Know About Night Guards: Protecting Your Teeth & Jaw

Lidia902
Oct 24
3 min read

If you suffer from frequent headaches, TMJ pain, bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), or chronic jaw soreness, a night guard (also called an occlusal splint, bite guard, or dental guard) may offer significant relief. In this article, we’ll explain how night guards work, the benefits, types, and why they’re an important tool in TMJ and bruxism treatment.

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What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a custom‑fitted appliance—usually made of hard material - that fits over your upper or lower teeth. Worn while you sleep, it helps:

Cushion the forces from clenching and grinding
Reduce wear and damage on your tooth enamel
Prevent abnormal jaw joint (TMJ) stress
Help reposition the jaw in a more favorable alignment – when guided by a TMJ Specialist like Dr. Stanislav Martynovych.

Because it forms a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, the night guard helps dissipate harmful forces and offers protection and relief.

Why Use a Night Guard?

Here are the main reasons dentists recommend night guards, especially for patients with TMJ disorder or bruxism:

Reduce tooth wear and cracking — grinding can erode enamel and cause tooth fractures
Alleviate jaw, facial, and neck pain — by decreasing direct load on the TMJ
Prevent future dental damage — like chipping, loosening, or restoration fractures
Improve muscle comfort — by reducing repetitive stress to muscles and ligaments
Provide diagnostic feedback — how worn the guard becomes gives you and your dentist insight into grinding severity over time

If you already have TMJ or bruxism issues, a night guard is often part of a multi‑modal treatment plan. It is not necessarily a standalone cure, but it’s a protective and therapeutic tool.

Types of Night Guards

There are several types of night guards. Choosing the right one depends on your grinding pattern, severity, comfort needs and dentist choice:

Soft nightguard
Hard nightguard
NTi
Hybrid nighguard

For serious bruxers or patients with TMJ issues, a custom-fitted hard acrylic night guard (laboratory made) is generally preferred because it offers more precise occlusal support and long-term durability.

How Is a Custom Night Guard Made?

A digital scan — a TMJ specialist like Dr. Stanislav Martynovych.will captures an accurate mold or digital image of your teeth and bite.
Laboratory fabrication — The dental lab creates your custom guard, ensuring a perfect fit and proper occlusal contacts.
Adjustment and fitting — At your follow-up appointment, your dentist will fine-tune the guard to ensure comfort, balanced contacts, and smooth jaw movement.
Monitoring and maintenance — Over time, we check for wear, retension, and fit, making adjustments or remaking as needed.

How to Wear & Care for Your Night Guard

Insert before sleeping — Wear it every night (or as prescribed).
Clean daily — Use a nonabrasive toothpaste or mild soap with a soft toothbrush; rinse well.
Store dry & ventilated — Always allow air to circulate in the storage case to prevent mold.
Check routinely — Bring it to dental visits so the dentist can assess wear, cracks, fit.
Replace when needed — Typically a night guard lasts 2–5 years (depending on severity, material, and maintenance).

How a Night Guard Complements TMJ & Bruxism Therapy

If you suffer from TMJ disorder and bruxism, a night guard is part of a continuous treatment:

Part of a multimodal approach — Night guards are often combined with physical therapy, stress management, bite correction, orthotic splints, or muscle relaxants.
Diagnostic tool — The pattern of wear on the night guard shows your clenching/grinding tendencies and may help refine TMJ treatment.
Preventive role — Even when other therapies reduce symptoms, a night guard helps maintain gains by protecting teeth and joints against relapse.
Support during adjustment periods — For patients changing their bite alignment, orthodontics, or occlusal adjustments, the night guard acts as a stabilizer.