How Do Night Guards Protect Your Smile While You Sleep?

This Article Will Address:

• What is a night guard?
• How do I know if I need a night guard?
• Are night guards comfortable to wear?
• Do I have to wear my night guard every night?
• Can a night guard help with snoring or sleep apnea?
• Will a night guard fix my teeth grinding?
• Can a night guard cause my teeth to shift?
• How do I choose the right night guard?
• What is the difference between soft and hard night guards?
• Can I wear a night guard on just my upper or lower teeth?
• What happens if I don’t wear a night guard?

Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

Do you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or sensitive teeth? You could be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it. This unconscious habit, known as bruxism, can lead to significant dental problems over time, including worn-down enamel, fractures, and chronic jaw pain. At Bright Dental Studio in Bismarck, ND, we offer custom-fitted night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep. Designed for comfort and durability, our night guards provide relief from bruxism and help preserve your healthy smile.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a protective dental device worn while sleeping to prevent teeth grinding and clenching. It acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, reducing pressure and preventing long-term damage to your enamel and jaw joints. While store-bought night guards are available, a custom-fitted night guard from a dentist ensures a superior fit, better protection, and greater comfort.

What Can a Night Guard Help With?

• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Prevents excessive wear and damage to enamel.
• Jaw Clenching – Reduces strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
• TMJ Disorders (TMD) – Alleviates jaw pain, tension, and clicking sounds.
• Headaches and Facial Pain – Minimizes tension-related headaches caused by clenching.
• Tooth Sensitivity – Protects exposed enamel and reduces sensitivity from grinding.
• Cracked or Chipped Teeth – Prevents further damage to weakened teeth.
• Gum Recession – Reduces the risk of gum damage from excessive grinding.
• Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea – Some night guards help reposition the jaw for better airflow.
• Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Promotes restful sleep by reducing unconscious grinding and clenching.
• Costly Dental Repairs – Prevents the need for crowns, fillings, or extractions due to excessive wear.

How Do I Know If I Need a Night Guard?

Bruxism often goes unnoticed until symptoms appear. If you experience any of the following, a night guard may be the right solution:

• Waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or facial soreness
• Noticing worn, cracked, or chipped teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Disrupted sleep due to teeth grinding

A professional evaluation at Bright Dental Studio can determine if a night guard is necessary and which type will work best for your needs.

Are Night Guards Comfortable to Wear?

One of the biggest concerns people have about night guards is comfort. A well-made, custom night guard is designed to fit snugly and comfortably without interfering with breathing or sleep. Unlike bulky over-the-counter options, our custom-fitted night guards at Bright Dental Studio are made using precise impressions of your teeth to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Do I Have to Wear My Night Guard Every Night?

For the best protection, yes, you should wear your night guard every night. Occasional use may provide some relief, but consistent wear prevents long-term damage to your teeth and jaw. If you’re adjusting to wearing a night guard, try wearing it for short periods before bed to help your mouth get used to the new sensation.

Can a Night Guard Help with Snoring or Sleep Apnea?

Some night guards are designed to help with snoring and mild sleep apnea by repositioning the lower jaw to open the airway. However, not all night guards serve this purpose. If you experience chronic snoring or sleep apnea, we can help determine whether a custom oral appliance would be a better solution for you.

Will a Night Guard Fix My Teeth Grinding?

A night guard won’t stop bruxism, but it will protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching. Teeth grinding is often caused by stress, misalignment, or sleep disorders. Along with wearing a night guard, addressing underlying causes—such as stress management techniques or orthodontic treatment—may help reduce grinding over time.

Can a Night Guard Cause My Teeth to Shift?

A properly custom-fitted night guard should not cause tooth movement. However, an ill-fitting or poorly made night guard could exert uneven pressure on your teeth. That’s why it’s important to have your night guard professionally crafted and adjusted as needed. If you ever feel discomfort or shifting, schedule a visit to Bright Dental Studio for an evaluation.

How Do I Choose the Right Night Guard?

Not all night guards are the same. The right one for you depends on the severity of your bruxism and your comfort preferences. The three main types include:

• Soft Night Guards – Best for mild grinding, providing a cushiony feel.
• Hard Night Guards – Made from durable acrylic, ideal for severe grinders and those with TMJ issues.
• Hybrid Night Guards – A mix of soft and hard materials, designed for moderate grinding.

At Bright Dental Studio, Dr. Crystal Schmidt will assess your needs and recommend the best type for long-term protection and comfort.

Can I Wear a Night Guard on Just My Upper or Lower Teeth?

Yes, night guards can be worn on either upper or lower teeth, depending on your bite, comfort level, and grinding patterns. Dr. Schmidt will determine the best fit for your unique needs.

What Happens If I Don’t Wear a Night Guard?

Ignoring teeth grinding can lead to serious oral health problems, including:

• Enamel erosion – Increased risk of cavities and tooth sensitivity
• Chipped or fractured teeth – Leading to costly repairs
• TMJ disorders – Chronic jaw pain, headaches, and limited jaw movement
• Gum recession – Increased exposure to tooth roots and sensitivity

Wearing a night guard is a simple, proactive solution to prevent these long-term issues.

Why Choose Bright Dental Studio for Your Night Guard in Bismarck, ND?

• Custom-fit night guards designed for maximum comfort and durability
• Expert care from Dr. Crystal Schmidt, a trusted Bismarck dentist
• Comprehensive dental solutions for preventative, restorative, and cosmetic needs
• Patient-centered approach ensuring personalized, compassionate care

Schedule Your Night Guard Consultation Today

Don’t wait until teeth grinding causes irreversible damage. Protect your smile with a custom night guard from Bright Dental Studio in Bismarck, ND. Schedule a consultation today and let Dr. Crystal Schmidt create a personalized solution for your dental health.

Call us now or book an appointment online to get started!

Sources

• American Dental Association: Understanding Bruxism and Night Guards
• National Sleep Foundation: The Relationship Between Teeth Grinding and Sleep Disorders
• Journal of the American Dental Association: The Effectiveness of Custom-Fitted Night Guards in Bruxism Management