The Short Answer: A Night Guard Protects Your Teeth From the Damage Caused by Grinding
If you grind or clench your teeth during sleep — a condition known as bruxism — your Calgary dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth. Bruxism places enormous force on your teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ), often causing damage that is costly and difficult to reverse. A night guard acts as a protective barrier, absorbing that force and preventing further wear before serious problems develop.
What Is Bruxism and How Common Is It?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, most often occurring during sleep. It is more common than many people realise — studies suggest that sleep bruxism affects approximately 8–10% of adults. Because it happens while you are asleep, many patients are completely unaware they grind their teeth until a dentist spots the signs during a routine examination.
Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
- Flattened, chipped, or worn-down tooth enamel
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Jaw soreness or tightness upon waking
- Headaches, particularly in the temples
- Facial pain or earache not related to an ear infection
- Disrupted sleep for you or your partner due to grinding sounds
If you are waking up with a sore jaw or frequent headaches, it is worth mentioning to your dentist — these are classic warning signs that bruxism may be at work.
Why Untreated Bruxism Causes Serious Dental Damage
The biting force generated during sleep grinding can far exceed the pressure produced during normal chewing. Over time, this chronic pressure leads to a range of dental problems that extend well beyond surface wear:
- Enamel erosion: Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it does not regenerate. Once worn away, it is gone permanently.
- Cracked or fractured teeth: The repeated stress of clenching can cause hairline fractures or full cracks, which may require crowns or, in severe cases, extractions.
- TMJ disorders: Chronic bruxism strains the temporomandibular joint, leading to TMJ dysfunction — a painful condition that can affect chewing, speaking, and jaw movement.
- Gum recession: The pressure from grinding can contribute to gum recession, exposing sensitive root surfaces and increasing the risk of decay.
- Damage to existing dental work: Fillings, crowns, bridges, and veneers are all vulnerable to accelerated wear from bruxism.
Addressing bruxism early with a night guard is far less costly — in both time and money — than repairing the damage it causes.
How a Custom Night Guard Works
A night guard, also called an occlusal splint or bruxism guard, is a removable oral appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. At Expressions Dental in Calgary NW, custom night guards are fabricated from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a precise, comfortable fit that over-the-counter alternatives simply cannot match.
The guard creates a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, redistributing the force of grinding across the appliance rather than concentrating it on your enamel and jaw joints. It does not stop the grinding reflex itself, but it prevents the destructive contact that causes lasting damage. Many patients also notice a significant reduction in morning jaw soreness and headaches once they begin wearing a custom guard consistently.
What to Expect When Getting a Night Guard at Your Calgary Dentist
The process of getting a custom night guard is straightforward and entirely non-invasive. Your dentist will:
- Examine your teeth for signs of wear, cracking, or enamel erosion
- Assess your jaw joints and bite alignment
- Take precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth
- Have a custom appliance fabricated in a dental laboratory
- Fit and adjust the guard at a follow-up appointment to ensure optimal comfort
Most patients adapt to wearing their night guard within a few nights. Your dentist will provide care instructions to keep the appliance clean and extend its lifespan — typically several years with proper maintenance.
Book a Bruxism Assessment at Expressions Dental in Calgary NW
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, or if your jaw feels sore and your teeth look more worn than they should, do not wait for the damage to worsen. The experienced team at Expressions Dental, a licensed family and cosmetic dental clinic serving Calgary NW and surrounding communities, can assess your bite, identify signs of bruxism, and recommend the right protective solution for your smile. Book your appointment today at expressionsdental.ca — your teeth will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a night guard and do I really need one if I grind my teeth?
A night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep to protect your teeth from the damage caused by bruxism (tooth grinding and clenching). If your dentist has identified signs of enamel wear, jaw soreness, or cracking, a night guard is one of the most effective ways to prevent further damage — avoiding costly restorative treatments down the road.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Many people who grind their teeth are unaware of it because it happens during sleep. Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, noticeably worn or flattened teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and facial muscle tightness in the morning. Your dentist can identify the physical signs of bruxism during a routine examination.
Is a custom night guard better than the kind I can buy at a pharmacy?
Yes — a custom night guard made from dental impressions provides a precise fit that over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards cannot replicate. Custom appliances are more comfortable, more durable, and more effective at properly distributing the forces of grinding, which means they protect your teeth and jaw joints far better than generic alternatives.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain and TMJ problems?
A custom night guard can significantly reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by preventing the grinding contact that causes chronic muscle and joint stress. Many patients experience noticeable relief from morning jaw pain, facial soreness, and tension headaches after consistently wearing a properly fitted night guard.
How long does a night guard last and how do I take care of it?
With proper care, a custom night guard typically lasts between two and five years, depending on the severity of your grinding and how well it is maintained. You should rinse it after each use, clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, store it in its protective case, and bring it to your dental appointments so your dentist can check it for wear.
How much does a night guard cost at a Calgary dentist?
The cost of a custom night guard in Calgary varies depending on the type of appliance and your dental office, but it is generally covered partially or fully by many dental insurance plans under restorative or preventive benefits. At Expressions Dental in Calgary NW, the team can help you understand your coverage and the out-of-pocket cost before you commit to treatment.
If I wear a night guard, will my teeth grinding go away on its own?
A night guard does not eliminate the bruxism reflex itself — it protects your teeth from the damage grinding causes while you sleep. Managing the underlying causes, such as stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders, may help reduce grinding over time. Your dentist at Expressions Dental can discuss a comprehensive approach tailored to your situation.