General and preventive dentistry
Build an individualized plan for exams, prevention and follow-up.
Read the guide →Protection begins with the right diagnosis
Night guards for teeth grinding
A night guard is a removable appliance worn over the teeth. It may protect teeth or restorations from some effects of clenching and grinding, but it does not diagnose the cause of pain, permanently change the bite or guarantee relief from jaw symptoms.
Why an examination comes first
Tooth wear, fractures, muscle tenderness, jaw pain and headaches can have more than one cause. The dentist reviews symptoms, habits, teeth, existing restorations, bite and jaw movement before recommending an appliance or another evaluation.
What a guard may help protect
An appliance may create a protective surface between upper and lower teeth and reduce direct wear on natural teeth or restorations. Its design depends on the clinical goal. Evidence that appliances improve temporomandibular-disorder pain is limited, so benefits should not be overstated.
Custom fit and follow-up
A custom guard is made from dental impressions or a digital scan and then checked in the mouth. The dentist evaluates comfort, retention and contacts between the teeth. Follow-up is important because teeth, restorations and symptoms can change.
Cleaning and caring for the appliance
Follow the instructions supplied with your appliance. In general, rinse and clean it as directed, allow it to dry, store it in a ventilated case, keep it away from heat and pets, and bring it to dental visits so the fit and condition can be checked.
When to stop and call
Stop using the appliance and contact the dentist if it causes pain, creates a lasting bite change, becomes loose or sharp, cracks, or no longer fits. New or severe facial pain, swelling, trauma, limited opening or neurologic symptoms require prompt evaluation.
Connected care
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Dental cleanings and exams
Understand the different roles of an examination and professional cleaning.
Read the guide →Oral cancer screening
Know what a brief oral cancer examination checks and what follows a finding.
Read the guide →Emergency dentistry
Know when to call the dental office and when to seek emergency medical care.
Read the guide →A plan you can understand
Connect findings to the next step
Ask the dentist or hygienist to explain the findings, alternatives, expected benefits, limitations and timing. Recommendations should reflect your examination rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Explore all dental services →Confirm office availability
Services, clinicians and appointment availability may vary. Call your selected office before traveling. An online request is not a confirmed appointment.
Contact the office →Compare our locations →
01 / YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE
Margate
100 FL-7, Suite 300, Margate, FL 33063(954) 532-127402 / YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
236 Commercial Boulevard, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308(954) 568-8928Prefer our team to contact you?Request an appointment →
Your questions, answered
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
It may protect teeth from some effects, but it does not reliably stop the behavior or identify its cause.
Can I use an over-the-counter guard?
Ask a dentist before long-term use, especially if you have pain, dental work, missing teeth, sleep symptoms or a changing bite.
How long does a night guard last?
Wear, fit and material vary. Bring it to regular visits so the dentist can decide whether it needs adjustment or replacement.
Informed decisions
Plan your treatment and care
Restorative dentistry
Compare ways to repair teeth and replace missing teeth.
Explore your options →Dental implant cost factors
Know which stages and components to discuss in your estimate.
Explore your options →Dental implant recovery and maintenance
Prepare for healing, follow-up and long-term maintenance.
Explore your options →Get ready for your visit
Organize your paperwork, questions and next steps.
Independent patient resources
General education does not replace an examination, diagnosis or individual recommendation.