Custom Night Guards in Arlington, MA
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night — a condition known as bruxism. At Dental Pro, we provide custom-fitted night guards to protect your teeth, relieve discomfort, and preserve your smile while you sleep. Call us at (617) 607-2083 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.
What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Matter?
Bruxism is the habitual grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth — most commonly during sleep, when you have no conscious control over the behavior. It is a surprisingly common condition that many patients are not even aware of until a dental examination reveals the telltale signs of wear on their teeth, or a sleep partner notices the grinding sounds at night.
Left untreated, bruxism can cause significant damage over time. The constant pressure and friction can wear down tooth enamel, flatten or chip the biting surfaces of your teeth, crack or fracture existing dental restorations such as fillings or ceramic crowns, and put excessive stress on the jaw joints — potentially contributing to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, jaw pain, earaches, and chronic headaches. At Dental Pro, we take bruxism seriously and recommend early intervention to protect your teeth and your quality of life.
What Is a Custom Night Guard?
A night guard is a removable oral appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep to create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This cushioning layer absorbs the forces generated by grinding and clenching, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact and significantly reducing the damage that bruxism can cause over time.
At Dental Pro, we provide custom-fitted night guards that are fabricated specifically for your teeth and jaw using precise dental impressions or 3D digital scans. A custom night guard fits far more accurately and comfortably than generic over-the-counter options — which are often bulky, ill-fitting, and can actually interfere with proper jaw alignment. A well-fitted custom night guard from Dental Pro is designed to stay securely in place throughout the night without causing additional discomfort.
Custom Night Guards vs. Over-the-Counter Options
Many patients initially try store-bought boil-and-bite mouth guards as a low-cost solution for teeth grinding. While these can offer some degree of protection, they come with notable drawbacks. They are made from softer, less durable materials that wear down quickly, they rarely achieve the precise fit needed to properly protect all surfaces of the teeth, and their bulkier design makes them uncomfortable to wear through the night — meaning many patients stop using them before their teeth receive adequate protection.
A custom night guard from Dental Pro is crafted from high-quality dental-grade materials at a professional laboratory, offering superior durability, a precise fit, and far greater comfort. For patients dealing with significant bruxism, the investment in a custom guard can save considerably more in dental repair costs down the road — protecting your fillings, crowns, Invisalign results, and natural tooth enamel from unnecessary wear.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Many patients with bruxism are unaware of the habit until damage has already begun to occur. Some common signs that you may benefit from a custom night guard include waking up with jaw soreness, facial pain, or headaches, tooth sensitivity that has increased over time, visible wear, flattening, or chipping on the biting surfaces of your teeth, a partner reporting that you grind your teeth during sleep, and tightness or clicking in the jaw joint. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a dental cleaning and exam at Dental Pro so our team can evaluate your teeth for signs of bruxism and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
In addition to night guards, Dental Pro also offers custom sports mouth guards for patients who need protection during athletic activities. To learn more about all of our preventive and general dental services, visit our general dentistry page or call us at (617) 607-2083.
Ready to protect your smile while you sleep? Call Dental Pro at (617) 607-2083 or contact us to schedule your night guard consultation in Arlington, MA today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
What is a night guard and who needs one?
A night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn over the teeth during sleep to protect against the effects of teeth grinding and clenching — a condition known as bruxism. At Dental Pro, night guards are recommended for patients who show signs of bruxism, such as worn tooth enamel, chipped teeth, jaw pain, morning headaches, or increased tooth sensitivity. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth at night, schedule a dental exam so our team can evaluate your teeth and recommend the right solution.
How is a custom night guard made at Dental Pro Arlington?
At Dental Pro, the process of getting a custom night guard begins with dental impressions or a 3D digital scan of your teeth and bite. These precise measurements are sent to a professional dental laboratory where your night guard is fabricated from high-quality dental-grade materials. Once ready, you will return to Dental Pro for a fitting appointment where our team checks the fit and comfort and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure the guard seats properly and feels comfortable throughout the night.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?
Yes, in most cases. Custom night guards from Dental Pro are fabricated from superior materials, fit your teeth precisely, and are far more comfortable to wear through the night than generic boil-and-bite alternatives. Store-bought guards are often too bulky and wear down quickly, providing inconsistent protection. For patients with significant bruxism, a custom-fitted guard offers the level of protection needed to preserve your fillings, crowns, and natural enamel long-term.
How do I care for my night guard?
Caring for your night guard is simple. Rinse it with cool water after each use and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush — avoid using regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive. Store it in the protective case provided when not in use and keep it away from heat, which can warp the material. Bring your night guard to your regular cleaning and exam appointments at Dental Pro so our team can check it for wear and ensure it still fits properly over time.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain and headaches?
Yes. For many patients, a custom night guard from Dental Pro can significantly reduce or eliminate the jaw soreness, facial tension, and morning headaches associated with nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. By absorbing the forces of bruxism and preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact, the guard reduces the stress placed on the jaw muscles and joints throughout the night — allowing them to rest more fully and recover more effectively.
How long does a custom night guard last?
The lifespan of a custom night guard varies depending on the severity of your bruxism and how well the guard is maintained. Most custom night guards from Dental Pro last anywhere from one to five years or more. Patients with more severe grinding may wear through their guard more quickly. Our team will monitor the condition of your guard at routine visits and let you know when it is time for a replacement to ensure your teeth remain fully protected.
Does Dental Pro Arlington offer mouth guards for sports as well?
Yes. In addition to custom night guards, Dental Pro also provides custom sports mouth guards for patients who participate in contact or high-impact athletic activities. Like night guards, custom sports guards offer a significantly better fit and superior protection compared to store-bought options. Ask our team about getting fitted for either type of guard at your next visit, or contact us to schedule an appointment in Arlington, MA .