Night Guards for Bruxism

Custom night guards protect your teeth from grinding and help your jaw muscles finally relax. At Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, WV, we design them around your bite.

A sore jaw, dull headache, or tender teeth on waking may mean you grind or clench at night, often without knowing it.

Over time, this unconscious habit can wear down enamel, chip teeth, and place immense stress on your jaw joints.

The Toll of Nighttime Grinding

Clenching force during sleep can be several times greater than normal chewing pressure. The result can be flattened teeth, increased sensitivity, and fractured restorations.

Sore facial muscles that may lead people to seek jaw pain treatment
Morning headaches as strain radiates upward
Changes to your bite and long-term jaw joint problems

Why Store-Bought Guards Fall Short

Boil-and-bite guards aren't made for your mouth. They often feel bulky, slip out at night, or force your jaw into an awkward posture.

If an appliance feels tight, rough, or bulky, you simply won't wear it.

Our custom fabrication matches every contour of your teeth, eliminates irritating pressure spots, and accommodates your natural jaw rest position, so your brain adjusts quickly.

How Custom Night Guards Work

A Smooth Barrier

The guard keeps your upper and lower teeth from grinding directly against each other.

A Relaxed Jaw

It positions your lower jaw (mandible) in a relaxed state, easing pressure on surrounding muscles.

Depending on your alignment and joint health, a stabilization splint may guide your lower jaw into a comfortable resting posture so joints and muscles can heal. These appliances help interrupt the muscle-memory loop of clenching. Learn about TMJ splint therapy.

Getting Used to Your Guard

Put it in about 30 minutes before bed while you relax
Extra saliva at first is normal and settles down
Still awake an hour later? Remove it and try tomorrow
Build a consistent nightly routine

Wearing your guard all night is the key to protecting your teeth. We provide follow-up care so it keeps fitting comfortably as your muscles relax. See our broader bruxism treatment.

Common Questions

Can I use a store-bought mouthguard for grinding?

Generic boil-and-bite guards rarely provide the protection you need. They often feel bulky, slip out during sleep, or force your jaw into an awkward posture.

How does a night guard protect my teeth?

It creates a smooth barrier between your upper and lower teeth and positions your lower jaw in a relaxed state that eases muscle pressure.

What if I can't sleep with it at first?

If you're wide awake an hour later, take it out for the night and try again tomorrow. Building a routine takes patience.

Take the Next Step

Schedule a consultation with our team at Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, WV, to find out how a custom night guard can protect your smile and help you wake up pain-free.

Take the First Step to Better Sleep

If you’re ready to get the restful sleep you deserve, it’s time to speak to one of our sleep professionals. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. If you’re still unsure, take our short sleep quiz that identifies the most common sleep-related issues to see which ones you’ve experienced.