Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Beaverton, OR
Waking up with a sore jaw or worn teeth? A custom night guard shields your smile, and we can talk through why you grind.
Most people find out they grind from someone else: a partner who hears it, a dentist who sees flattened tooth surfaces, or a jaw that aches on waking. The good news is that protection is simple, and catching it early saves teeth.
Clues that you might be grinding
What you feel
Jaw soreness or tightness in the morning, headaches near the temples, tired facial muscles, ear-area discomfort, or teeth that feel sensitive.
What we see
Flat, shiny or chipped edges, cracked enamel, worn-down front teeth, notches at the gumline and cheek-tongue ridges.
What others notice
Grinding or clicking noises at night. Sleepers rarely hear themselves, so a partner’s observation is a helpful clue.
Not all wear means grinding, and not every grinder has symptoms. That is why an exam matters. Dr. Gvozden looks at wear patterns, muscle tenderness and the way your teeth meet.
Why does it happen?
Stress and anxiety are common triggers, but they are not the whole story. Sleep disruption, including snoring or suspected sleep apnea, caffeine and alcohol, some medications and a bite that does not fit together comfortably can contribute. Often several factors overlap and none is identified for certain.
A night guard does not stop the urge to grind. What it does is take the damage. Think of it as a bumper: teeth glide against plastic rather than against each other. If we suspect a sleep-related breathing issue, we may suggest that you speak with your physician.
Why not just buy a guard at the drugstore? Boil-and-bite guards can be bulky and imprecise, and a poor fit can change how your teeth meet or make grinding feel worse. A custom guard is made for your mouth, so it is thinner and more comfortable to wear regularly.
How a custom night guard is made
- Exam. We check teeth, gums, jaw joints and muscles, and discuss your sleep and stress.
- Impressions or scan. A precise record of your upper or lower teeth is taken; it takes only a few minutes.
- Fabrication. A dental lab makes the guard to fit your bite. Material and thickness are chosen based on how heavily you grind.
- Fitting. We check comfort, fit and how your teeth touch, and adjust where necessary.
- Follow-up. Bring the guard to routine checkups so we can look for wear and confirm it still fits well.
Caring for your night guard
- Rinse it after each use and brush it gently with a soft brush and mild soap, not hot water
- Let it dry and keep it in its case, away from pets and heat
- Never chew on it or wear it while eating
- Bring it to every visit; it can loosen or wear thin over time and may need replacing
Guards protect against wear, but they do not restore lost enamel. If grinding has already worn or cracked teeth, crowns or tooth-colored fillings can rebuild them. Guards are also often advised to protect new restorations and dental implants, which are sensitive to heavy forces.
Other ways to ease jaw strain
A night guard is only one piece. Small daily habits can lower the load on your jaw, especially if clenching also happens while you are awake at a desk or behind the wheel.
- Notice clenching during the day: teeth should rest apart, lips together, tongue relaxed
- Cut back on caffeine late in the day and limit alcohol near bedtime
- Try a wind-down routine, such as a warm shower, stretching or quiet reading
- Apply a warm compress to sore jaw muscles in the morning
- Avoid gum chewing and very chewy foods when your jaw is sore
If pain is persistent, the jaw locks or clicks painfully, or you have trouble opening wide, mention it at your visit. Those can be signs of a jaw joint problem that deserves a closer look, and we will let you know if another provider should be involved.
Upper or lower guard?
Guards can be made for either arch. Upper guards are more common and tend to be stable, while lower guards can feel less bulky and suit some people better, especially if you have a strong gag reflex or a bite that favors it. Dr. Gvozden will recommend one based on your teeth and any restorations, and it is fine to say if it feels wrong in the first weeks. Most people adapt within a few nights, and small adjustments make a large difference in comfort.
If you have a lot of dental work, such as crowns, bridges or implants, protecting it with a guard is often money well spent. Ask us how a guard would fit into your overall plan.
Is my child grinding too?
Kids grind more often than parents expect, especially during growth spurts, when baby teeth are loosening and during periods of change or stress. Many children outgrow it and do not need a guard at all, particularly because baby teeth are replaced. A sleeping child’s teeth grinding sounds alarming, but it is often a phase.
We would still like to know if it is frequent, if your child complains of jaw or ear pain, or if the teeth look shortened. Dr. Hsu can evaluate the pattern, check whether allergies, mouth-breathing or an airway concern may be contributing, and decide together with you whether anything beyond watching is needed. Learn more about children’s checkups or see pediatric dentistry at Bien Dental. Kids who play sports need a different guard, covered on our sports mouthguard page.
Adults can call (503) 822-0096 to schedule a grinding evaluation, and families are welcome to book together.
Questions patients often ask
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common clues include morning jaw soreness, headaches, sensitive teeth, and flat or chipped teeth. A dental exam can confirm wear patterns typical of grinding.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Not usually. It protects teeth and reduces stress on the jaw by acting as a cushion, but the underlying habit may continue. Managing stress and sleep habits can help too.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how hard you grind and how you care for it. Some last for years while heavy grinders wear through them sooner, so we check yours at routine visits.
Can I use a store-bought mouthguard instead?
Some people do, but over-the-counter guards can be bulky and poorly fitted, which may make them uncomfortable or less protective. A custom guard is made from your own impression.
Should my child wear a night guard?
Usually not. Baby teeth change so quickly that most grinding in kids is watched rather than treated. Dr. Hsu can look at your child’s teeth and advise if anything more is needed.
Is a night guard covered by insurance?
Some plans cover night guards, often with a frequency limit. We check your plan and let you know before making one. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).