Teeth Grinding at Night? Your Coquitlam Guide to Custom Night Guards
Do you wake with tight jaws or morning headaches? You might be grinding or clenching at night.
A well-made night guard can protect your teeth and reduce muscle strain.
If you searched for a dentist near me or dentist Coquitlam, you are in the right place.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. It happens during sleep or while you focus.
Stress, bite issues, and sleep disorders can all play a role. Many people do not realize it is happening.
Common signs you might notice
- Morning jaw soreness or tightness.
- Dull headaches near the temples.
- Chipped edges or flattened chewing surfaces.
- Sensitivity to cold or pressure.
- Clicking or tired jaw joints on waking.
- Bed partner hears grinding sounds at night.
These clues suggest your enamel and jaw joints need protection soon.
Why a night guard helps
A night guard is a slim, custom appliance worn while you sleep. It spreads bite forces and cushions teeth.
That helps reduce wear, cracks, and muscle fatigue. It can also support calm, steady jaw joint movement.
Custom guard vs. store-bought trays
Custom night guard
- Designed from a precise digital scan.
- Balanced for your bite and jaw joints.
- Durable materials with a comfortable, secure fit.
- Lower risk of shifting teeth or sore spots.
Boil-and-bite or generic trays
- Affordable, but the fit can be bulky or loose.
- May concentrate pressure on a few teeth.
- Shorter lifespan and more nighttime movement.
For ongoing grinding, a custom guard offers better comfort and long-term value.
Explore appliances on our services page.
How we make your night guard
- Conversation and exam: We review symptoms, habits, and jaw joints.
- Digital scan: A quick, goop-free 3D scan replaces messy impressions.
- Design and fabrication: The lab crafts a precise, slim appliance.
- Delivery visit: We refine the bite for even contact.
- Follow-up: We recheck comfort and make small adjustments.
Daytime clenching and TMJ comfort tips
- Rest lips together, teeth apart; breathe through your nose.
- Use heat for 10 minutes, then gentle jaw stretches.
- Limit very chewy or hard foods during flare-ups.
- Track stress and try short breaks, breath work, or walks.
- Ask us about a daytime guard if clenching continues at work.
Protecting existing dental work
Grinding can chip fillings, crowns, and veneers. A night guard shields these restorations and your natural enamel.
It also helps protect implants from overload. Small changes now prevent big repairs later.
Care and cleaning
- Rinse after each use and brush gently with a soft brush.
- Use non-abrasive cleanser; avoid hot water and bleach.
- Air-dry fully before storing in a ventilated case.
- Bring your guard to hygiene visits for a pro clean and check.
Costs and coverage
Fees depend on materials and bite complexity. You receive a clear estimate before we start.
Some plans cover a portion of night guards. We help you review benefits and plan for
affordable dental care in Coquitlam.
When to call right away
Sudden tooth pain, a cracked tooth, or jaw locking needs quick attention.
Call us for urgent dental care in Coquitlam. Early care protects teeth and joints.
Sleep, snoring, and next steps
Grinding can appear with snoring or sleep apnea. If we see signs, we may suggest a medical sleep assessment.
Team care leads to better, more comfortable sleep.
Read more tips on our blog
and explore options on our services.
Have questions? Reach us on the contact page.
Your local partner for jaw comfort
You deserve calm mornings and a protected smile. Our trusted family dentist near you designs guards that fit and last.
Let’s map a simple plan that suits your sleep and schedule.