For Nighttime Grinding

Night Guards

If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or your dentist has noticed flattened or chipped enamel, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night — a condition called bruxism. A custom night guard creates a protective cushion between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of grinding and relieving strain on your jaw muscles and joints.

Custom night guards are far thinner and more comfortable than store-bought options, and because they’re made from a precise mold of your teeth, they stay in place through the night without feeling bulky or loose.

For Jaw Pain & Tension

TMJ Guards

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder causes pain and tension in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles — often showing up as jaw clicking, popping, soreness, difficulty opening your mouth, or recurring headaches and neck tension. A TMJ guard is designed to gently reposition the jaw into a more relaxed, neutral position, reducing the stress placed on the joint.

TMJ guards are often similar to night guards in design but are fitted and adjusted with the joint’s position in mind. We’ll evaluate whether a guard is appropriate for your symptoms and refer for further care if needed.

For Active Patients

Sports Mouth Guards

Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries — and most of them are preventable. A custom sports mouth guard provides significantly better protection than anything off a store shelf. Because it’s made from an impression of your exact teeth, it fits securely, stays in place on impact, and doesn’t interfere with breathing or communication.

We fit sports guards for kids, teens, and adults in football, soccer, basketball, baseball, martial arts, gymnastics, and any other contact or collision sport. Frisco ISD athletes and club sports players are always welcome.

Waking up with a tight, sore, or tired jaw is a classic sign of nighttime clenching or grinding that you may not even be aware of.

Tension headaches — especially around the temples — are often linked to jaw muscle overuse from grinding or clenching during sleep.

If we notice that your teeth look shorter, flatter, or more translucent at the edges than they should, that’s a sign of significant enamel wear from grinding.

Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, or pain when chewing, can indicate TMJ dysfunction that a guard may help relieve.

Repeated grinding can crack teeth, damage existing restorations, and fracture enamel. A night guard protects your teeth — and your investment in dental work — from further damage.

Many grinders don’t know they do it — a partner or family member who can hear it at night is often the first to raise the alarm. If someone has mentioned it, it’s worth getting evaluated.

• Made from exact impression of your teeth
• Precise fit — stays in place all night
• Thin enough to sleep comfortably
• Durable materials built to last 3 to 5 years
• Correct thickness for your level of grinding
• Often partially covered by dental insurance

• Generic size — often loose or bulky
• May fall out during sleep
• Uncomfortable enough to discourage use
• Wears out quickly, typically within months
• One-size material regardless of severity
• No insurance coverage

Exam & Evaluation

We assess your teeth, bite, and jaw and discuss your symptoms to determine the right type and material of guard.

Impressions Taken

We take a precise impression of your teeth — quick, comfortable, and the foundation for an accurate custom fit.

Lab Fabrication

Your guard is fabricated by a dental lab using the exact specifications of your bite. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Delivery & Fit Check

We seat the guard, check the fit and bite, and make any needed adjustments before you leave. Instructions for wear and care are included.

Custom night guards typically range from $300 to $600 depending on the type and material. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost when grinding or TMJ is medically documented. Patients on our Smile Savings Plan receive 20% off.

A night guard doesn’t stop the grinding behavior itself — it protects your teeth and jaw from the damage grinding causes. Think of it as protection, not a cure. Some patients find that reducing stress and caffeine, and improving sleep habits, also helps reduce grinding over time.

Most patients wear upper night guards, which tend to be more comfortable and stable. For certain TMJ presentations or bite issues, a lower guard may be more appropriate. We’ll assess your specific situation and recommend accordingly.

Yes — the guard doesn’t prevent clenching, but it absorbs and distributes the force so your teeth and jaw joint are protected from the pressure. Over time many patients report reduced soreness and fewer headaches.

With proper care, most custom guards last 3 to 5 years for night guards and 1 to 3 years for sports guards depending on use intensity. We check your guard at each cleaning visit and advise on replacement timing.

Many PPO plans cover night guards when grinding or TMJ is the documented diagnosis. Sports guards are generally not covered. We verify your benefits before your appointment and help you understand what’s included.

“I had no idea I was grinding until they showed me the wear on my teeth at a routine cleaning. Got a custom night guard fitted and the morning headaches I’d had for years are basically gone.”

— Patient, The Tribute

“Got a sports guard for my son who plays football. The custom fit is so much better than the boil-and-bite ones from the store — he actually wears it now because it’s comfortable.”

— Frisco Parent, Lone Star Ranch

“My jaw clicking and morning soreness were getting worse. The team here evaluated me thoroughly, fit me with a TMJ guard, and my symptoms have improved significantly. Really grateful.”

— Patient, Phillips Creek Ranch