Night Guards & Bite Splints In Saginaw: Stop Grinding, Save Enamel, Sleep Better

If your mornings start with tight jaws, headaches, or new chips along the biting edges, you might be clenching or grinding—also called bruxism. Over time, bruxism wears enamel, cracks fillings, and can strain jaw joints. A custom night guard (bite splint) protects your teeth while you sleep, reducing muscle overload and helping you wake up more comfortable. Here’s how we diagnose grinding, what a guard can (and can’t) do, and how to choose the option that fits your life.

What Causes Nighttime Grinding?

Bruxism is multifactorial. Stress tops the list, but bite interference, sleep posture, certain medications, and airway issues can all contribute. Many patients don’t realize they’re grinding until a partner hears it or a dentist sees flat, shiny wear facets on molars and incisors.

Signs You Might Need A Night Guard

• Morning headaches or temple tightness
• Jaw soreness, clicking, or limited opening
• Flattened or chipped edges on front teeth
• Fractured fillings or worn grooves on molars
• Sensitive teeth from enamel wear and exposed dentin

How A Custom Guard Works

A custom night guard is made from a precise model or scan of your teeth. It creates a stable, even platform for the bite that distributes forces, reduces clenching intensity, and shields enamel from tooth-to-tooth contact. Unlike store-bought boil-and-bite versions, a custom guard fits snugly so you’ll actually wear it.

Types Of Guards (And When We Choose Each)

• Hard acrylic splints: Durable, excellent for heavy grinders; easy to adjust
• Dual-laminate guards: Soft inside, hard outside for comfort + strength
• Anterior deprogrammers: Small front appliances that reduce muscle over-firing for select cases
• Daytime splints: For people who clench at work or while driving (yes, it happens)

We’ll recommend a design based on your wear patterns, jaw joint health, and comfort preferences.

The Process From First Visit To First Night

1. Exam & Photos: We document wear, check jaw joints, and review symptoms.
2. Digital Scan/Impressions: No goopy trays if we can scan—fast and precise.
3. Try-In & Adjust: We fine-tune contacts so the guard feels natural.
4. Home Routine: Wear nightly, clean with mild soap and a soft brush, and store in a ventilated case.

Bruxism And TMJ/TMD: What’s The Connection?

While not all clenchers have TMJ/TMD, muscle overuse can irritate joints. A guard reduces load, often easing symptoms like tenderness or clicking. If your case involves joint inflammation, we’ll layer in additional care—physical therapy exercises, posture tweaks, short-term anti-inflammatories, or referral for airway/sleep evaluation when appropriate.

Guard Vs. Invisalign Retainer: Are They Interchangeable?

Not really. Retainers hold teeth in alignment; they’re not engineered to distribute heavy forces. If you grind, wearing retainers alone can risk cracking them (and won’t protect enamel). We can often design a guard that also maintains alignment, but we’ll verify what’s best for your case.

Caring For Your Guard

• Rinse after use; brush gently with mild soap (avoid toothpaste abrasives).
• Soak periodically in a non-bleach denture cleaner if advised.
• Keep away from heat—car dashboards and hot water warp appliances.
• Bring your guard to cleanings so we can inspect and freshen it.

What Results To Expect

Most patients notice less morning tension within the first week, fewer chips over time, and a calmer jaw overall. A guard doesn’t eliminate stress, but it interrupts the damage stress can cause to your teeth and joints.

Ready For Comfortable Mornings?

Protect your enamel and your peace of mind. Call (817) 420-6676 to Schedule a Consultation at Eagle Mountain Dentistry in Saginaw. We’ll evaluate your bite, design a guard you’ll love wearing, and help you build a simple nightly routine.