Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel sensitive for no obvious reason? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep — a condition called bruxism — often without knowing it. Left unchecked, nighttime grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, and strain your jaw. In this guide, Dr. Bradley Wank explains how a custom night guard protects your smile, what it costs, and why a professionally made guard is worth the difference over a drugstore version.

What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of your teeth, most commonly during sleep. Because it happens unconsciously, many people don't realize they do it until a partner hears it or a dentist spots the telltale wear. Over time, the repeated force — which can far exceed normal chewing pressure — flattens the biting surfaces, chips enamel, and can loosen or fracture teeth.

Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers, which is why we see it often in busy Manhattan professionals. Other contributors include an uneven bite, sleep apnea, caffeine, and certain medications. Identifying the cause matters, but protecting your teeth while you address it is the immediate priority.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

• A sore jaw, face, or neck, especially in the morning
• Dull headaches that start near the temples
• Teeth that are flattened, chipped, or increasingly sensitive
• A clicking or tight jaw joint
• Disrupted sleep for you or your partner from the sound of grinding

If two or more of these sound familiar, it's worth a quick evaluation. Grinding tends to progress slowly, so catching it early can save you from more extensive repair later.

How a Custom Night Guard Protects Your Teeth

A night guard is a custom-fitted appliance you wear while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth so the grinding force is absorbed by the guard instead of your enamel. Beyond protecting the teeth, a well-made guard can relax the jaw muscles and ease the morning soreness and headaches that come with clenching.

A custom guard from our office is made from an exact digital or physical impression of your teeth, so it fits precisely, stays comfortable, and doesn't shift or fall out overnight. That fit is what makes patients actually wear it — and a guard only works if it's in your mouth.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Night Guards

Store-bought guards can seem like a bargain, but a poor fit means many people stop wearing them — or the guard wears out quickly and stops protecting anything. A custom guard costs more upfront, but it's an investment that prevents far more expensive damage down the road.

When to See a Dentist

If you're waking up with jaw pain or headaches, or you've noticed your teeth looking worn or chipped, see a dentist before the damage adds up. We'll examine your teeth and bite for signs of grinding, talk through what's triggering it, and fit you for a guard that's comfortable enough to wear every night. You can explore our full dental services or get started as a new patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include a sore jaw or headache in the morning, flattened or chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and a partner hearing grinding sounds. A dentist can confirm it by spotting characteristic wear patterns during an exam.

How much does a custom night guard cost?
A professionally made night guard typically costs $300 to $800, depending on the type and materials. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost when grinding is causing damage — our team can check your specific benefits.

Are custom night guards better than store-bought ones?
Yes. Custom guards are made to fit your exact bite, so they're more comfortable, more durable, and more protective. Because they're comfortable, patients actually wear them consistently — which is what makes them effective.

Can a night guard stop my headaches?
Often, yes. Many patients find that morning headaches and jaw soreness improve significantly once a properly fitted guard relaxes the jaw muscles and stops the nightly clenching force.

Protect Your Smile Tonight

A custom night guard is a small step that prevents years of grinding damage. To be fitted for one with Dr. Bradley Wank on the Upper East Side, call (212) 867-0345 or contact our office. We're at 115 East 61st Street, Floor 6, New York, NY 10065, and we're welcoming new patients now.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bradley Wank, DDS, Daniel Wank DDS. Reviewed: August 3, 2026.

Sources: Mayo Clinic (Bruxism / teeth grinding); American Dental Association (MouthHealthy.org).