You may not think much about what’s happening with your teeth while you sleep, but your smile might be telling a different story. For many adults, subtle issues like jaw soreness, facial tension, or worn dental work start gradually, often without any pain at first. One simple solution that’s often overlooked? A custom night guard.

Night guards aren’t just for people who grind their teeth. They can also help with bite balance, joint comfort, and protecting dental restorations—all while you sleep. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it might be time to schedule an appointment about whether a night guard is right for you.

1. You Wake Up With Jaw Soreness or Stiffness

One of the most common indicators of nighttime stress on your teeth is waking up with tightness or soreness in your jaw. This may feel like a dull ache near your ears, a clicking sensation when you open your mouth, or general tension that lasts into the morning.

A night guard acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, helping to ease the pressure and prevent jaw strain. Over time, this can reduce discomfort and help your joints relax during rest.

2. You’re Experiencing Unexplained Headaches or Facial Tension

Frequent morning headaches or a feeling of tension in your temples, cheeks, or neck could point to bite-related muscle strain while you sleep. Even if you’re not a heavy grinder, mild clenching can create enough stress to affect nearby muscles.

A custom night guard is designed to balance your bite and limit unnecessary strain. Patients often report better sleep and fewer tension-related symptoms once their jaw has a more supported position overnight.

3. Your Teeth Are Showing Signs of Wear or Flattening

Have your teeth started to look shorter, flatter, or more worn than before? That’s often a sign of nighttime friction. Even if you don’t feel pain, your enamel could be silently wearing down—especially on the biting surfaces.

A night guard creates a barrier that helps prevent tooth-to-tooth contact. It also absorbs pressure, protecting your enamel and preserving the shape and structure of your teeth long term.

4. You Have Dental Work Worth Protecting

If you’ve invested in crowns, veneers, bridges, or bonding, a night guard can help protect that work from accidental damage while you sleep. Even mild grinding or clenching can chip or wear down restorations—sometimes without you even realizing it.

Your dentist can create a guard that fits precisely around your dental work, offering peace of mind and extending the life of your treatment.

5. Your Bite Feels “Off” in the Morning

Do your teeth feel misaligned or slightly uncomfortable when you bite down first thing in the morning—but improve throughout the day? That may be a sign of nighttime clenching that’s subtly shifting your bite position.

A night guard helps stabilize your jaw and prevent uneven pressure, so you wake up with a more balanced, comfortable bite.

Think you might benefit from a custom night guard? Let’s talk about it. Schedule an evaluation and we’ll help you decide if a custom-fit appliance can support your bite, your comfort, and your overall smile health—while you sleep.

Call Jonathan F. Powell, DDS at 281-944-4752 for an appointment in Richmond, TX. You can also request an appointment online.