Nightguard & Mouthguards

If you often wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice chipped and worn-down teeth, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night – a condition known as bruxism. These are clear signs you could benefit from a night guard. A custom night guard will cushion and protect your teeth while you sleep, preventing further damage. Many of our Scottsdale patients also report more relaxed jaws and better sleep once they start using their night guards consistently.

A night guard is a protective appliance worn while you sleep to prevent damage from teeth grinding or clenching. In contrast, a sports mouthguard is worn during athletic activities to shield your teeth and mouth from impact and injury. While both are types of mouthguards, they serve different purposes. At our Scottsdale dental office, we custom-design night guards for nocturnal grinding and separate high-quality mouthguards for sports, ensuring you get the right type of protection for every situation.

Yes – a custom-fitted night guard or mouthguard is vastly superior to an over-the-counter version. Professional guards are tailored to your unique bite using precise molds or digital scans of your teeth, which means they fit comfortably and stay securely in place. By visiting our Scottsdale practice for a custom guard, you’re investing in premium materials and expert craftsmanship that provide maximum protection for your teeth. In contrast, boil-and-bite or one-size guards from the store often feel bulky or loose, irritate your gums and may not adequately safeguard your smile, especially for those with a high-end dental work or specific alignment needs.

In Scottsdale, a custom-made night guard generally costs a few hundred dollars, depending on the exact type and material used. While this is a higher upfront cost than a basic drugstore guard, the value is in the longevity and level of protection you receive. Our DMD Dental team uses durable, premium materials to ensure your guard lasts, and we will provide a personalized quote before treatment. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for night guards when medically necessary (for example, to treat bruxism or TMJ issues), which can greatly offset the investment. Ultimately, a custom night guard is a wise investment in protecting your teeth and any dental restorations from costly damage.

Absolutely. A custom night guard is often recommended for patients with TMJ disorder or chronic jaw pain from bruxism. By providing a cushioning layer between your upper and lower teeth, the guard minimizes the stress on your jaw joints and muscles during sleep. Over time, this can significantly reduce jaw pain, headaches, and even earaches associated with TMJ tension. Our Scottsdale patients have experienced notable relief and improved comfort by wearing their night guards nightly, as it encourages the jaw to rest in a more relaxed, natural position. In short, a well-fitted night guard not only protects your teeth but also promotes a healthier, pain-free bite and a better night’s sleep.