Nightguards for Teeth Grinding in Scottsdale, AZ: Do You Really Need One?
- Dr. Jacob Kent
- Dec 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Teeth grinding and clenching are more common than many people realize, especially during sleep. If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or notice changes in your teeth, a nightguard for teeth grinding may be an important step in protecting your oral health. At American Family Dentistry, we often recommend a nightguard as a proactive way to reduce damage, ease strain on the jaw, and help preserve both natural teeth and dental restorations.
A nightguard is not about overcorrecting a problem. It is about protecting first. By placing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, a properly fitted dental nightguard can help prevent wear, chips, cracks, and stress on the jaw joints. The right approach always starts with an exam, so we can confirm signs of grinding and recommend the option that fits your needs.
If you are concerned about teeth grinding, call American Family Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ to schedule a nightguard evaluation with Dr. Jake Kent, DDS.
This Article will address
Do I really need a nightguard for teeth grinding?
What is a nightguard and who should wear one?
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
What happens if I do nothing about grinding or clenching?
Can a nightguard help with TMJ and jaw pain?
Over-the-counter vs custom nightguards, what is the difference?
How long do dental nightguards last?
How do you care for a nightguard?
Cost and insurance considerations for nightguards
Do You Really Need a Nightguard for Teeth Grinding?
A nightguard is commonly recommended when signs of teeth grinding or clenching are present. Grinding places excessive force on the teeth and jaw, often without you realizing it. Over time, this pressure can damage enamel, crack teeth, and shorten the lifespan of crowns, fillings, and other dental work.
A nightguard helps protect your teeth and can reduce stress on the jaw by buffering biting forces. Because many people grind in their sleep, the first step is a professional evaluation. At American Family Dentistry in Scottsdale, we look for subtle signs that indicate whether a nightguard would be beneficial for you.
What Is a Nightguard and Who Should Wear One?
A nightguard is a dental appliance worn over the teeth while you sleep. It creates a protective cushion that helps absorb and distribute biting forces.
What a nightguard does while you sleep
Acts as a barrier between upper and lower teeth
Reduces direct tooth-to-tooth contact
Helps limit wear, chips, and fractures
Protects existing dental restorations
Who is a good candidate for a dental nightguard
You may benefit from a nightguard if you experience:
Worn or flattened teeth
Chips or cracks without clear cause
Sensitive teeth
Morning jaw fatigue or facial soreness
Frequent headaches
Jaw tightness or discomfort
Recent crowns, veneers, or other restorative work you want to protect
How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth at Night?
Many people who grind their teeth are unaware of it because it happens during sleep. Symptoms often appear gradually.
Common signs of teeth grinding and clenching
Flattened or uneven tooth surfaces
Cracked or chipped teeth
Tooth sensitivity without decay
Sore jaw or facial muscles in the morning
Morning headaches
Clicking or tenderness near the jaw joint
How a dentist can confirm bruxism
During an exam, we look for wear patterns on teeth, changes in your bite, and stress on restorations. This evaluation is straightforward and patient-friendly, and it helps determine whether a nightguard is appropriate.
What Happens If I Do Nothing About Teeth Grinding or Clenching?
Ignoring teeth grinding often leads to more complex dental issues over time. Without protection, grinding can cause:
Progressive enamel loss
Cracked or fractured teeth
Broken fillings or crowns
Increased tooth sensitivity
Gum irritation from excessive force
Worsening jaw discomfort
Addressing grinding early is often simpler and more cost-effective than repairing damage later. A nightguard is a preventive step designed to protect your long-term oral health.
Can a Nightguard Help With TMJ?
Some nightguards can help reduce strain associated with clenching, which may ease certain TMJ-related symptoms.
Nightguards and jaw joint stress
A nightguard can help limit excessive muscle activity and protect the teeth from heavy forces. However, TMJ symptoms have multiple causes, including bite alignment, muscle tension, and joint structure. A nightguard is one part of a broader evaluation.
When TMJ symptoms should be evaluated by a dentist
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:
Persistent jaw pain
Locking or limited jaw movement
Painful clicking or popping
Worsening headaches or facial pain
Over-the-Counter vs Custom Nightguards: What Is the Difference?
Not all nightguards are the same. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right level of protection.
Over-the-counter nightguards
Pros:
Easily available
Lower initial cost
Cons:
Bulkier fit
Less precise bite alignment
Shorter lifespan
May not protect evenly
Can worsen symptoms if the fit is poor
Custom nightguards from your dentist
Custom nightguards are designed specifically for your bite.
More comfortable fit
Tailored thickness and balance
Better protection for crowns and restorations
Greater durability for frequent grinders
What to expect when getting a custom nightguard
A dental exam to confirm the need
Impressions or digital scans of your teeth
Fabrication of the nightguard
Adjustments to ensure comfort and proper fit
How Long Do Dental Nightguards Last?
The lifespan of a nightguard varies based on several factors.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
Severity of grinding
Material used
Fit and bite alignment
Cleaning and storage habits
Accidental damage, including pets chewing on them
Signs it is time to replace your nightguard
Cracks or holes
Thinning material
Warping or poor fit
Persistent odor
How Do You Care for a Nightguard?
Proper care helps extend the life of your nightguard.
Daily cleaning and storage basics
Rinse after each use
Gently brush with a soft toothbrush
Allow it to dry completely
Store in a ventilated case
What to avoid
Hot water
Harsh chemicals
Leaving it loose in bags or pockets
Exposure to pets
Most patients wear their nightguard nightly, as directed by their dentist.
Cost and Insurance Considerations for Nightguards
Coverage for nightguards varies by insurance plan and medical necessity. Our team can review benefits with you by phone and help you understand available options.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Teeth
If you grind or clench your teeth, a nightguard can play an important role in protecting your smile, reducing jaw strain, and preserving dental work. At American Family Dentistry, we take a down-to-earth, research-supported approach to dental care, focusing on solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle.
To learn whether a nightguard is right for you, call American Family Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ to schedule a personalized evaluation with Dr. Jake Kent, DDS. We look forward to helping you protect your smile for years to come.
