Night Guards
A custom night guard cushions your teeth while you sleep — protecting them from nighttime grinding and clenching.
Save your smile from nighttime grinding
Grinding and clenching your teeth at night — called bruxism — can wear down enamel, crack teeth, and leave you waking with a sore jaw or a dull headache. A custom night guard fits your teeth precisely and absorbs that force so your smile stays intact.
Most people who grind don't even know they're doing it. The signs show up gradually: teeth that look flatter than they used to, new sensitivity, morning jaw tightness, or a partner who's heard the grinding. Because grinding can undo expensive dental work too — wearing down crowns, veneers, and fillings — a night guard is one of the simplest ways to protect the investment you've made in your teeth.
Unlike bulky store-bought guards, a custom guard from our Herscher office is made from an impression of your own teeth. It fits snugly, stays comfortable all night, and protects your bite evenly.
What to expect
Getting a custom night guard takes two short visits:
- We examine your teeth for wear patterns and check your bite
- An impression of your teeth is taken to build your custom guard
- Your guard is crafted to fit your teeth precisely
- At your fitting visit, we make small adjustments for perfect comfort
- You wear it nightly — rinse, brush gently, and let it air-dry each morning
Good to know. A night guard protects your teeth from grinding — it isn't a treatment for sleep apnea. If you snore heavily or often wake feeling unrefreshed, mention it at your visit; we can talk through your options, including our sleep apnea appliance services.
Who should consider a night guard
You may benefit from a custom night guard if any of these sound familiar:
-
Morning jaw soreness
Waking with a tight jaw, facial soreness, or a dull headache is a classic sign of nighttime clenching.
-
Visibly worn teeth
Flattened chewing surfaces, chipped edges, or teeth that seem shorter than they used to be point to grinding wear.
-
Dental work to protect
Crowns, veneers, implants, and fillings all last longer when nighttime grinding isn't wearing them down.
About insurance. We're in-network with most insurance companies and accept most major PPOs; we do not accept HMOs or Medicaid. Many PPO plans offer partial coverage for night guards — our team will confirm your benefits before we begin.
Night guard FAQs
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking with a sore jaw or dull headache, teeth that look flat or worn, new sensitivity to hot or cold, or a partner who hears grinding while you sleep. We can also spot telltale wear patterns at your regular exam.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?
Yes. Store-bought guards are one-size-fits-most and often feel bulky, which makes them hard to sleep in. A custom guard is made from an impression of your teeth, so it fits snugly, stays comfortable all night, and protects your bite evenly.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A night guard protects your teeth and eases strain on your jaw muscles, but it doesn't cure grinding itself. We'll monitor your bite and jaw health at your regular checkups and adjust your care as needed.
How do I take care of my night guard?
Rinse it after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and let it air-dry in its ventilated case. Bring it to your checkups so we can confirm it still fits well — with good care, a custom guard lasts for years.
Waking up with a sore jaw?
Call Herscher Dentistry today to schedule your visit — new patients are always welcome.