Custom Nightguards

Protect Your Teeth and Jaw Joint From Nocturnal Clenching and Grinding

A dental nightguard is a clear plastic appliance that is worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. The appliance is custom made to fit your teeth and bite, and it is designed to stabilize the jaw joint and protect the teeth from clenching and grinding (also known as bruxism).

Excessive force from bruxism can create a great deal of inflammation in the jaw joint and cause destruction of the teeth. The nightguard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding or clenching against each other. This helps prevent damage such as chips, cracks, and enamel loss.

For some people, the way their teeth naturally close together is not the way their jaw joint wants to close, and the interlock of their teeth constantly forces their joint into a non-ideal position. This can lead to a great amount of inflammation and damage to the jaw joint, especially if heavy bruxing forces are then applied in this incorrect position. A nightguard acts to stabilize the jaw joint by providing an even plane for the teeth to close upon, which in turn allows the joint to close where it wants to. This relieves muscle tension and inflammation in the joint.

Signs that you may be clenching or grinding include:

  • Headaches
  • Clicking in the jaw joint
  • Muscle stiffness and muscle aches
  • Generalized sensitivity in the teeth
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Lost fillings
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Notching in the teeth near the gumline

If you have a strong gag reflex, ask us about our iTero® 3D scanner for your nightguard impressions!

For most people bruxism is a nocturnal habit that occurs while they are asleep and completely unaware it is happening, but for some there is also a daytime component. For daytime clenching and grinding, awareness is the key, along with a solid effort to stop the habit. However, some patients do find that they need to wear their appliance during certain daytime activities where they can’t seem to stop themselves from clenching and grinding, ie/ driving, studying, weightlifting, etc.

Nightguards are covered by most dental insurance plans, but even if you have to pay out of pocket, they are worth the investment. A nightguard is a more cost-effective solution in the long run compared to other expensive treatments such as crowns or veneers, which may be required if the teeth are left unprotected against the forces of bruxism. Generic, self-moulding nightguards can be purchased from retail stores, but these are typically not recommended as they tend to be bulky and ill-fitting. They may provide some protection from tooth wear, but they run the risk of creating TMJ issues if the bite is not even and stable.

Ask us about custom nightguards at your next visit or call us at 905-332-6433 to book an appointment!

Since 1999, Headon Dental has been proud to serve patients across Burlington and the surrounding areas including Oakville, Milton, Waterdown, Hamilton and Mississauga.