If you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or teeth that are visibly wearing down, there's a good chance you're grinding or clenching your teeth at night — a condition called bruxism. Most people who grind don't know they're doing it until the damage shows up. A custom night guard is one of the most effective, conservative ways to protect your teeth and relieve the strain on your jaw joints (TMJ).
At Newpoint Family Dental in Unionville, CT, we see bruxism regularly and address it with precision-fitted night guards that are comfortable enough to wear every night and durable enough to withstand years of grinding forces.
Signs You Might Need a Night Guard
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Jaw pain or tightness, especially in the morning
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
- Tooth sensitivity from enamel wear
- A partner who tells you they hear grinding at night
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Night Guards
Store-bought night guards are generic, bulky, and often uncomfortable enough that patients stop wearing them. Our custom guards are fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth, creating a slim, well-fitting appliance that stays in place comfortably all night. The difference in fit, durability, and long-term tooth protection is significant.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can cause jaw pain, limited opening, clicking, locking, headaches, and ear pain. While a night guard addresses the clenching and grinding component, TMJ treatment may also include jaw exercises, lifestyle modifications, anti-inflammatory protocols, and bite analysis. We take a comprehensive approach, identifying the contributing factors and addressing them systematically.
Patients from Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, and across Farmington Valley come to Newpoint for TMJ evaluation because we listen to symptoms, examine thoroughly, and create practical treatment plans — not just hand you a guard and wish you well.