Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) is a common condition, often occurring unconsciously while sleeping, that causes excessive wear, chipping, and fracturing of teeth, and severe stress on the jaw joints (TMJ). At Prime Smile Dental, we provide Custom Night Guards (Occlusal Splints) a highly effective, personalized dental appliance worn at night to create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This treatment prevents grinding damage, reduces muscle activity, and offers significant relief from associated jaw pain and headaches.
A night guard is a removable appliance, typically made of rigid, durable acrylic, that fits over either the upper or lower arch of teeth. It is designed to be worn specifically during sleep, when bruxism is most prevalent.
The custom-fit appliance serves several vital functions:
Stops the destructive forces of grinding, preserving tooth enamel and preventing costly future procedures like crowns or root canals due to cracks or fractures.
Relieves the chronic muscle tension and inflammation that contribute to soreness, facial pain, and frequent tension headaches often associated with bruxism.
By reducing the heavy impact on the joint itself, a night guard helps protect the cartilage and disk within the temporomandibular joint, managing TMD symptoms.
For both the patient and their partner, reducing grinding activity can lead to a more restful night’s sleep.
Creating an effective night guard requires precise measurement and customization:
Step 1Diagnosis and Consultation
The dentist examines your mouth for signs of wear (flat, worn teeth), muscle tenderness, and TMJ symptoms to confirm the need for a guard.
Step 2Digital Scan or Impressions
We take precise digital scans (or traditional impressions) of your upper and lower arches. This provides the exact measurements needed to create an appliance that fits perfectly and accurately controls the bite.
Step 3Custom Fabrication
The scans are sent to a specialized dental lab where a durable acrylic guard is fabricated to the dentist’s exact specifications.
Step 4Fitting and Adjustment
You return for the final fitting. The dentist meticulously checks the guard, adjusting it to ensure a comfortable, balanced fit that meets evenly on both sides when closed. You receive detailed instructions on wear and cleaning.
A custom night guard is highly recommended for any patient showing evidence of bruxism, including:
Teeth that appear flat, short, chipped, or have fine cracks (craze lines) in the enamel.
Patients who wake up with frequent headaches, especially tension headaches around the temples.
Waking up with tight, tired, or painful jaw muscles or experiencing jaw joint (TMJ) clicking/popping.
Patients with extensive cosmetic work (veneers) or expensive restorations (implants, crowns) that need protection from grinding forces.
The cost of a night guard in Aurora depends on the type of guard recommended, the materials used, and how complex your bite is. Custom night guards are made from impressions or digital scans for a precise fit, which helps improve comfort and durability. Pricing can also vary if your visit includes an exam or diagnostic evaluation for grinding-related concerns.
At Prime Smile Dental, we’ll assess your symptoms and tooth wear, then recommend the right type of guard. Our team can also help review your insurance or CDCP information and explain expected costs before moving forward whenever possible.
Night guards at Prime Smile Dental are recommended and planned under the guidance of Dr. Shideh Khalilakbar, our lead dentist. Dr. Khalilakbar evaluates signs of grinding, bite stress, and jaw discomfort to determine whether a night guard is appropriate and which style will fit your needs. She also reviews contributing factors—such as stress, bite alignment, or muscle tension—and provides practical tips to help reduce strain and protect your teeth long term.
Choosing a dental clinic is about more than services, it’s about feeling comfortable, informed, and confident in your care. At Prime Smile Dental in Aurora, we focus on clear communication, a calm environment, and consistent clinical standards for every patient.
We take time to listen to your concerns, explain findings in plain language, and walk you through treatment options so you can make informed decisions.
We accept CDCP and work with most dental insurance plans. Our team can help you understand coverage, billing, and expected costs before treatment whenever possible.
From a welcoming atmosphere to a gentle approach, our team works to make appointments feel calm and manageable—especially for patients who feel anxious about dental visits.
We use updated tools and thorough assessments to support accurate diagnosis and thoughtful treatment planning, with your long-term oral health in mind.
Store-bought guards provide simple cushioning but can throw off your bite, potentially worsening TMJ symptoms. A custom guard ensures a precise, balanced fit that protects teeth and promotes muscle relaxation.
Custom acrylic guards typically last 5 to 10 years, depending on the severity of your grinding. We check the wear and fit at every hygiene appointment.
A night guard primarily protects your teeth and jaw from the effects of grinding. While some patients may grind less, the appliance is designed to manage the destructive forces, not necessarily eliminate the underlying habit.
It’s common to produce more saliva initially, but this subsides after a few nights. Because our guards are custom-fitted, they are less bulky than store-bought options and rarely cause gagging.
If you suspect you grind your teeth at night or you’re noticing jaw pain, headaches, or tooth wear, book a night guard consultation at Prime Smile Dental in Aurora. Call the clinic or request an appointment online to get started.
