Waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or teeth that feel “tired” isn’t something you should just accept. For many people, those signs point to nighttime grinding or clenching—also called bruxism. The tricky part? Most patients don’t realize they’re doing it until the damage shows up. Over time, grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, and even break dental work like crowns. A custom nightguard is a simple, comfortable way to protect your smile while you sleep. At BENE Dental, we create custom nightguards for patients looking for relief and protection in both Boston and Norwell.
Let’s break down why grinding happens, how it affects your teeth, and why a professionally made guard is worth it.
Why People Grind Their Teeth at Night
Teeth grinding has a few common causes, and sometimes it’s a mix:
- Stress or anxiety: When your body holds tension, your jaw often does too.
- Bite alignment issues: If teeth don’t fit together evenly, your jaw may try to “correct” it overnight.
- Sleep-related factors: Some people clench more with snoring, airway issues, or certain sleep disorders.
- Lifestyle triggers: High caffeine intake, alcohol, or some medications can increase grinding.
Even if you don’t feel it happening, your jaw muscles and teeth are taking a lot of pressure every night. A nightguard protects your teeth while we also help you understand what’s driving the habit.
Signs You Might Be Grinding or Clenching
Because grinding happens during sleep, symptoms are usually what tip people off. Watch for:
- Morning jaw soreness or tightness
- Headaches in the temples or behind the eyes
- Chipped, shortened, or flattened teeth
- Tooth sensitivity that seems to come out of nowhere
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint (TMJ)
- A partner hearing grinding sounds at night
If any of these sound familiar, a nightguard can help stop damage before it gets worse.
How Grinding Can Damage Your Smile
Grinding is more than an annoying habit—it can change your teeth permanently. Over time it may lead to:
- Enamel loss: Once enamel wears away, it won’t grow back.
- Cracks or fractures: Teeth can split under repeated pressure.
- Broken dental work: Fillings, veneers, and especially crowns (caps) can crack or loosen.
- Bite changes: Worn teeth can affect how your upper and lower teeth meet.
- TMJ pain: Clenching strains jaw joints and muscles, leading to chronic discomfort.
Many patients only discover bruxism after we spot wear during routine visits. That’s why protecting early matters.
Botulinum toxin therapy may be recommended for patients who grind aggressively and wake up with headaches or tight jaw muscles. Research suggests injections can lessen muscle intensity and pain for several months, and when paired with a nightguard, many patients feel more comfortable while also protecting their teeth from wear.
Why a Custom Nightguard Works Best
There are store-bought nightguards, but they often feel bulky, fall out, or don’t protect evenly. A custom nightguard in Boston or Norwell is made specifically for your bite, which makes a huge difference.
Custom guards:
- Fit snugly and comfortably
- Protect teeth evenly (not just a few spots)
- Last longer, especially for heavy grinders
- Reduce jaw strain more effectively
- Feel natural enough to sleep with consistently
Most people who struggle with over-the-counter options do great with a custom one because it actually fits their mouth.
What Getting a Nightguard at BENE Dental Looks Like
The process is easy:
- Exam and bite check to confirm grinding signs and evaluate your jaw.
- Digital scan or impressions to capture your exact tooth shape.
- Custom fabrication for a guard designed to match your bite and grinding strength.
- Fitting visit to make sure it feels right and protects correctly.
Once it’s ready, you wear it nightly. Many Boston and Norwell patients tell us they notice less jaw tension within the first week.
Nightguards and Invisalign: A Helpful Pair
If you’ve had Invisalign—or are considering Invisalign in Boston or Norwell—night-time grinding is something we pay attention to. Grinding can slow or complicate tooth movement if not managed. A nightguard can:
- protect aligned teeth from wearing back down
- stabilize results after Invisalign
- reduce retainer damage for clenchers
So if you’re investing in straighter teeth, protecting them at night helps keep that result long-term.
Caring for Your Nightguard
Keeping your nightguard clean is simple:
- Rinse with cool water after use
- Brush gently (no harsh toothpaste)
- Store in a ventilated case
- Keep away from heat (hot water can warp it)
- Bring it to cleanings so we can check wear
Most guards last a few years, but heavy grinders may need replacement sooner. We’ll monitor that with you.
Sleep Better, Protect Your Smile
Grinding can sneak up on you, but the damage doesn’t have to. A nightguard is a small step that prevents big problems—like cracked teeth, broken crowns, or chronic jaw pain.
If you’re waking up sore, noticing sensitivity, or someone’s told you that you grind at night, schedule a visit with BENE Dental. We’ll help you get the right fit and protect your smile with a custom nightguard in Boston or Norwell.