A night guard effectively prevents tooth damage caused by grinding and clenching, protecting teeth from further wear while relieving the jaw joint and chewing muscles. A night guard is a custom-made plastic device that shields against tooth grinding, clenching, and potential tooth damage. It also alleviates pain in the jaw joints, muscles, and head by reducing unnecessary pressure. In fact, a night guard can be the solution to multiple oral health issues, particularly for those with a tight, deep bite or improper tooth contacts.

Why You Should Consider a Night Guard

It’s essential to address oral health problems as soon as symptoms arise. Delayed treatment leads to intensified symptoms and increased treatment complexity and costs. Disruptions in chewing function, such as tooth grinding, can cause headaches, muscle soreness, facial and jaw joint pain, and tooth wear over time. Many of our patients who grind their teeth often have a tight, deep bite with improper contacts. These misalignments can be effectively resolved with Invisalign treatment, as aligning the teeth improves bite function and relieves jaw pressure. In fact, after undergoing Invisalign, many of our patients no longer need a bite guard and find the Vivera retainer to be a more comfortable and durable alternative for maintaining alignment.

Benefits of a Night Guard

Jaw Joint Relief
Nighttime jaw muscle tension can radiate to the neck, shoulders, and temples, potentially causing ear discomfort. A Night guard helps stabilise the jaw joint by positioning it correctly during sleep, reducing stress on the jaw.

Muscle Relaxation
Excessive muscle activity at night can lead to pain when chewing, yawning, or touching facial muscles. The added height from the bite guard allows chewing muscles to relax during sleep, helping break the pain cycle.

Reduced Tooth Wear
The outer enamel layer protects our teeth from external stimuli, but grinding can wear it down, causing tooth sensitivity. The night guard serves as a barrier, reducing tooth wear, protecting fillings, preserving tooth length, and minimising cracks and nerve damage.

Better Force Distribution Across Teeth
The guard is designed to prevent uneven pressure on individual teeth, which can lead to shifting. It stabilises the bite and evenly distributes forces, protecting against improper contacts. If a misaligned bite is the issue, your dentist may suggest Invisalign as a treatment to further correct alignment.