Night Guards

What Are Nightguards?

And Is There More Than One Type of Guard?

Yes! There are actually quite a few types—and they all fall under the umbrella of what's often called a bite guard or occlusal guard. These custom dental appliances are designed to protect your teeth, jaw, and muscles from clenching, grinding, and other tension-related habits. The type that’s best for you depends on what your mouth and muscles are doing behind the scenes.

Some of the Main Types

• Nightguards are worn while sleeping to reduce the damage from grinding or clenching at night.
  
  
• Dayguards are thinner and less bulky—designed for patients who clench while awake.
  
  
• NTIs are full-coverage appliances used for more severe clenching, muscle tension, or chronic headaches.

Each one is made with a specific goal in mind—some are built for protection, others for muscle deactivation, and some for both.

Not One-Size-Fits-All!

Every mouth is different. That’s why the same guard that works for one person might not be right for another. A custom fit isn’t just about comfort—it’s about making sure the appliance helps instead of getting in the way.

And while it might be tempting to order something online and try to handle it yourself, it’s worth checking in with your dentist first! A professional will make sure:

• Your teeth and dental work are healthy and ready for a guard
  
  
• Your bone levels are stable, especially if there’s a history of clenching
  
  
• Your TMJ is functioning properly and not under strain
  
  
• The appliance will support your bite without causing new issues
  
  

This kind of personalized care helps make sure you’re getting the right tool for your situation—and that it’ll actually do what it’s supposed to.

It’s all part of putting together a plan that feels comfortable, protects what you’ve got, and keeps everything working the way it should—now and long term!