Morning Jaw Pain or Soreness

Waking up with a sore, tight jaw or facial muscle fatigue is one of the most common signs of nighttime clenching — your jaw muscles have been working hard all night.

Headaches on Waking

Tension headaches that are present when you first wake up — particularly around the temples or at the back of the head — are often linked to bruxism and jaw muscle overactivity during sleep.

Worn, Flat, or Chipped Teeth

We can see the evidence of grinding on your teeth at your checkup — flat biting surfaces, small chips at the edges, and thinning enamel are all signs of chronic bruxism.

Tooth Sensitivity

As enamel wears down from grinding, the underlying dentin becomes exposed — leading to increased sensitivity to temperature and sweets that worsens over time without intervention.

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Grinding creates enormous force — often far exceeding normal chewing forces. Cracks, fractures, and broken cusps that seem to appear without obvious cause are frequently the result of unaddressed bruxism.

Clicking or Popping Jaw (TMJ)

Bruxism places repetitive stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Clicking, popping, locking, or pain in the jaw joint can be both a symptom and a consequence of chronic grinding and clenching.

Most Common

Custom Night Guard (Bruxism)

Fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth, a custom night guard fits exactly over your upper or lower arch and creates a protective barrier between your teeth. The material absorbs and redistributes the force of grinding rather than allowing it to transfer directly to your enamel and joints. Far more effective and comfortable than any over-the-counter option.

$300 – $600 depending on type and material

Active Patients

Sports Mouth Guard

Custom sports guards protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw from impact during contact and collision sports. They fit significantly better than store-bought boil-and-bite guards — which means they stay in place, don’t interfere with breathing or communication, and actually get worn. Recommended for football, basketball, hockey, soccer, martial arts, and any sport with collision risk.

$150 – $300

Custom-Fitted Guard (TFD)

• Made from precise impressions of your teeth
• Fits exactly — stays in place all night
• Proper thickness for your level of grinding
• Comfortable enough to actually wear consistently
• Reduces strain on the jaw joint
• Lasts 3 to 5+ years with proper care
• Designed by your dentist based on your bite

Over-the-Counter Guard

• Generic fit — often loose or bulky
• Frequently dislodges during sleep
• One-size material not matched to grinding severity
• Uncomfortable — many patients stop wearing them
• Can alter bite position and worsen jaw symptoms
• Needs replacing frequently
• No professional assessment of grinding severity

Exam & Assessment

We evaluate your teeth for signs of wear, check your bite, and assess jaw joint health to determine the right type and thickness of guard for your situation.

Impressions

Precise impressions or a digital scan of your teeth are taken and sent to the dental lab with specifications for your custom appliance.

Lab Fabrication

Your guard is custom-fabricated in the lab — typically ready within 1 to 2 weeks.

Fitting & Adjustments

You come in to try the guard. We check fit, bite, and comfort — making any adjustments needed before you take it home. You should leave with something that feels right immediately.

How much does a custom night guard cost?

A professionally made night guard typically ranges from $300 to $600 depending on the material and type. Many PPO dental plans provide partial coverage. Our Smile Savings Plan provides 20% off for patients without insurance.

How long does a night guard last?

With proper care, a custom night guard typically lasts 3 to 5 years. Heavy grinders may wear through guards more quickly. We check your guard at routine visits and can order a replacement when it shows significant wear.

Does insurance cover night guards?

Some PPO dental plans cover custom night guards — particularly when there is documented evidence of bruxism and tooth wear. Coverage varies significantly by plan. We verify your benefits before ordering and let you know what to expect out-of-pocket before proceeding.

Will a night guard cure my TMJ?

A night guard reduces the forces acting on the jaw joint during sleep, which can significantly reduce TMJ pain, clicking, and morning soreness for many patients. It is not a cure for all TMJ disorders — underlying bite issues or joint pathology may require additional treatment — but for bruxism-related TMJ symptoms it is often highly effective.

How do I clean my night guard?

Rinse it with cool water after each use and brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — not toothpaste, which is abrasive. Let it air dry before storing in its case. Never soak in hot water or use alcohol-based cleaners, which can warp or degrade the material.

Are store-bought guards okay?

They’re better than nothing for light grinding, but they have real limitations. Generic guards often fit poorly, which means most people stop wearing them. Improperly fitting guards can also shift the bite over time. If your grinding is causing measurable tooth wear or jaw symptoms, a custom guard is the appropriate solution.

“Had been waking up with jaw pain for years and just thought it was stress. My dentist here spotted the wear on my teeth immediately and recommended a night guard. Within two weeks of wearing it my morning headaches were almost completely gone.”

— Patient, The Tribute

“I tried two different store-bought guards and never wore them because they were so uncomfortable. The custom guard from here fits perfectly — I forget I’m wearing it. Wish I had done this years ago instead of wasting money on the cheap ones.”

— Patient, Lone Star Ranch

“Got a custom sports guard for my son who plays lacrosse. The fit compared to the generic ones from the sporting goods store is night and day. He actually keeps it in during games instead of taking it out every five minutes.”

— Frisco Parent, Phillips Creek Ranch