Protecting Your Smile From Pressure You May Not Even Notice
Many people who grind their teeth have no idea they are doing it. Teeth grinding often happens during sleep or during stressful moments throughout the day, and the first signs usually show up as a sore jaw, a morning headache, or a dentist noticing worn or chipped teeth. Unconscious grinding of the teeth during sleep is a condition known as bruxism, and it often goes hand in hand with clenching. At Today’s Dentistry in Vancouver, WA, we offer personalized care to help protect your natural teeth, restorations, and long-term comfort.
What Causes Teeth Grinding and Clenching?
Teeth grinding and clenching can have several contributing factors. Stress, certain medications, sleep disturbances, and lifestyle habits may play a role. Sleep bruxism and daytime clenching are also different behaviors and may require different approaches.
Grinding during sleep can also be connected to sleep-related breathing problems such as snoring or sleep apnea. Because our office provides sleep apnea and snoring treatment, our team can look at the bigger picture and help determine whether a sleep-related breathing disorder should be evaluated as part of your care.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
- Jaw soreness, tightness, or fatigue when you wake up
- Dull headaches, especially around the temples
- Teeth that look flat, worn, chipped, or cracked
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Gum irritation or receding gums
- Clicking, popping, or discomfort in the jaw joint
- A partner who hears grinding sounds at night
If you are grinding your teeth in your sleep most nights, it is worth scheduling an evaluation before the damage progresses.
Custom Night Guards, Designed In-House
A custom night guard helps protect teeth and restorations by providing a carefully designed surface between the upper and lower teeth. Although a night guard does not necessarily stop sleep bruxism, it can reduce the risk of tooth wear and restoration damage. In some patients, an appropriately designed appliance may also help manage associated muscle discomfort.
Dr. Barber and Dr. Arlauskas custom fit every night guard to ensure your comfort and safety. Unlike store-bought guards, which can feel bulky and shift during the night, a custom guard is shaped to your exact bite.
Because our practice uses an in-house digital workflow, we capture your bite with digital scans rather than messy traditional molds. Our in-house digital laboratory then uses digital design and 3D printing to fabricate your appliance, which keeps your care coordinated with the same team from scan to fitting.
Why Teeth Grinding Matters for Implants and Restorations
Grinding forces can be powerful enough to chip veneers, crack crowns, and place excess stress on dental implants. For patients investing in zirconia full-arch restorations or fixed implant-supported dentures, managing grinding and clenching is an important part of protecting that investment.
Dr. Arlauskas has a clinical focus on full-arch treatment, bite function, and TMJ-related concerns. When we plan implant and restorative cases, we evaluate bite forces from the start, and we may recommend a protective night guard after your final restoration is delivered. Keeping implant planning, surgery, restorations, and protective appliances under one roof means everyone involved in your care is working from the same records and the same goals.
Simple Changes That Can Help
At your appointment, Dr. Barber and Dr. Arlauskas will talk through habits that may help, keeping in mind that daytime clenching and nighttime grinding are managed differently.
For daytime clenching, awareness is often the most useful tool. Noticing when you clench and resting your jaw with your lips together and teeth slightly apart can make a real difference. Avoiding excessive gum chewing may also help reduce jaw muscle fatigue.
For nighttime grinding, lifestyle changes such as limiting alcohol and caffeine and managing stress may be part of a broader plan, but they will not necessarily eliminate sleep bruxism. That is why protecting your teeth and restorations with a custom night guard, and evaluating for possible sleep-related breathing issues, remain central to our approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a store-bought mouth guard good enough?
Over-the-counter guards can offer some protection, but they often fit loosely and may not hold up well over time. A custom night guard is shaped to your bite for better comfort, stability, and protection.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Not necessarily. A night guard is primarily designed to protect your teeth and restorations from grinding forces. Our team can also discuss other factors, such as sleep-related breathing, that may be worth evaluating.
Will insurance cover a night guard?
Coverage varies by plan. We accept many PPO plans, and our team is happy to review your benefits and discuss financing options for qualified applicants.
Protect Your Teeth at Night
If you suspect you may have issues with teeth grinding, there is no reason to wait for chipped teeth or worsening jaw discomfort. Today’s Dentistry provides comprehensive, in-house teeth grinding and clenching solutions, welcoming patients from Orchards, Salmon Creek, Camas, Battle Ground, and communities throughout the Portland metro area. Call our office or use our online scheduling tool to request your consultation, and let our team help you protect your smile for years to come.
