Do I Really Need a Nightguard?
If your dentist has recommended a nightguard, you may wonder whether it’s really necessary. While not everyone needs one, a custom nightguard can help protect your teeth, dental work, and jaw from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching during sleep.
What Is a Nightguard?
A nightguard is a custom-made appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep.
Its purpose is to help protect your teeth and dental restorations from the excessive forces created by grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism.
A nightguard does not usually stop you from grinding your teeth, but it helps reduce the damage that grinding can cause.
How Do I Know If I Need a Nightguard?
Many people who grind or clench their teeth don’t realize they’re doing it.
Your dentist may recommend a nightguard if you have signs such as:
- Worn or flattened teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Broken fillings
- Damaged crowns
- Jaw soreness
- Morning headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Signs of excessive bite forces
Sometimes these signs are discovered during a routine dental examination before symptoms develop.
What Happens If I Don’t Wear One?
Not everyone who grinds their teeth will experience severe damage, but untreated grinding may increase the risk of:
- Cracked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Broken fillings
- Damaged crowns or veneers
- Jaw discomfort
- Excessive tooth wear
The goal of a nightguard is to reduce these risks before permanent damage occurs.
Will a Nightguard Stop Me From Grinding?
Usually, no.
Most people continue to grind or clench while wearing a nightguard.
Instead, the appliance acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping absorb and distribute the forces created during grinding.
This helps protect both your natural teeth and your dental restorations.
Why Can’t I Just Wait Until Something Breaks?
It’s often much easier—and less expensive—to prevent damage than to repair it.
Once a tooth cracks or a restoration breaks, treatment may involve:
- Tooth-colored bonding
- A crown
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth replacement if the tooth cannot be saved
A nightguard is intended to help reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring in the first place.
Why Is a Custom Nightguard Recommended?
Custom nightguards are made to fit your teeth precisely.
A properly fitted appliance is generally:
- More comfortable
- More stable
- Better able to distribute biting forces
- Designed specifically for your bite
We’ll evaluate your teeth and bite to determine the type of nightguard that’s most appropriate for your needs.
Will I Have to Wear It Forever?
That depends.
Some people experience temporary grinding during periods of stress, while others continue to grind for many years.
We’ll continue to monitor your teeth and discuss whether ongoing use is appropriate during your regular examinations.
Our Total Oral Health Approach
At Total Dentistry, we don’t recommend a nightguard simply because you grind your teeth.
We evaluate your entire oral system, including:
- Signs of tooth wear
- Bite function
- Existing restorations
- Jaw muscles
- Gum health
- Areas of excessive force
If we recommend a nightguard, it’s because we believe it can help protect your long-term oral health—not just your teeth today.
The Bottom Line
A custom nightguard is designed to protect your teeth, dental restorations, and jaw from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching.
While not everyone needs one, patients who show signs of excessive bite forces often benefit from wearing a properly fitted nightguard while they sleep.
If you’ve been told you grind your teeth or you’re wondering whether a nightguard is right for you, contact Total Dentistry to schedule an examination. We’ll evaluate your bite, discuss your symptoms, and recommend the treatment that’s best suited to your long-term oral health.