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Custom Night Guards

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What Is a Night Guard?

A custom night guard is a comfortable, removable appliance worn while sleeping to help protect your child's teeth from the harmful effects of grinding (bruxism) and clenching. It is custom-made to fit your child's smile, providing significantly better comfort and protection than over-the-counter mouthguards.

While occasional grinding is common in children, persistent or severe grinding can lead to tooth wear, jaw discomfort, headaches, and damage to developing teeth. A custom night guard helps protect your child's smile while promoting a more comfortable night's sleep.

 

Who Can Benefit?

A custom night guard may be recommended for children, teens, and young adults who:

  • Grind or clench their teeth during sleep (bruxism)

  • Have worn, chipped, or fractured teeth

  • Wake up with jaw pain or facial muscle soreness

  • Experience frequent morning headaches

  • Have tooth sensitivity caused by grinding

  • Show signs of excessive wear on their teeth

  • Need to protect dental restorations from grinding forces

Not every child who grinds their teeth requires a night guard. During your child's examination, we will determine whether treatment is appropriate based on their age, symptoms, and stage of dental development.
 

Benefits

  • Protects teeth from excessive wear

  • Helps reduce the risk of chipped or fractured teeth

  • Cushions the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching

  • May reduce jaw discomfort and muscle fatigue

  • Comfortable custom fit

  • Durable and easy to wear

  • Helps protect dental restorations

  • Designed specifically for your child's growing smile

What to Expect

Getting a custom night guard is simple and comfortable.

Step 1: We perform a thorough examination to determine whether a night guard is appropriate.

Step 2: A digital scan or impression is taken of your child's teeth.

Step 3: A custom night guard is fabricated specifically for your child's smile.

Step 4: At the delivery appointment, we ensure the night guard fits comfortably and provide instructions for proper use and care.

As your child grows or if orthodontic treatment changes their bite, the night guard may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Parent-Friendly FAQ

 

Why does my child grind their teeth at night?

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is relatively common in children. It may be associated with normal growth and development, stress, certain sleep disorders, airway issues, or changes in the way the teeth come together. Many children outgrow the habit, while others may benefit from treatment.
 

Does every child who grinds their teeth need a night guard?

No. Many children experience mild grinding that causes no damage and eventually resolves on its own. A custom night guard is typically recommended only when grinding is causing tooth wear, discomfort, fractures, or other dental concerns.
 

Is a custom night guard better than one from the store?

Yes. A custom night guard is made specifically for your child's teeth, providing a more comfortable fit, better protection, and improved durability compared with over-the-counter products.
 

Can my child wear a night guard with braces?

In some cases, yes. However, because teeth are actively moving during orthodontic treatment, the type of appliance recommended may vary. We will determine the best option based on your child's individual needs.
 

How should we clean the night guard?

Clean the night guard each morning with a soft toothbrush and cool water or mild soap. Store it in its protective case when not in use, and avoid hot water or direct heat, which can cause it to lose its shape.
 

How long does a custom night guard last?

The lifespan depends on your child's growth, the severity of grinding, and normal wear. Growing children and teens may require a replacement as their teeth and jaws develop.
 

Will wearing a night guard stop my child from grinding?

A night guard does not stop grinding. Instead, it protects the teeth and helps reduce the damage caused by grinding and clenching.

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