What is a Night Guard?

A Night Guard is a device used to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of tooth grinding. Night Guards are designed to prevent damage to the teeth, from the constant grinding forces that take place at night while you are asleep.

TMJ disorders are commonly treated with a night guard. Worn at night, this dental appliance positions the jaw in a way that reduces stress on the muscles of the face and neck and protects the enamel surface of the teeth when TMH disorders include clenching and grinding of the teeth.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following, a night guard might be the best treatment option for you, if you suffer from TMJ Disorders:

• Do you grind or clench your teeth?
• Do you have stiff muscles around your jaws?
• Do you suffer from frequent headaches or neck pain?
• Do you hear clicking or popping when you open your mouth?
• Is it hard or painful to open your mouth wide when you eat or yawn?
• Have you suffered an injury to your neck, head, or jaws?
• Do you have arthritis in other joints?
• Have you noticed your teeth no longer touch when you bite?