Night Guards

If you wake up with jaw soreness, dull headaches, or teeth that look worn down, you may be grinding in your sleep without realizing it. Dr. Jafari fits custom night guards at Inova Dental Clinic to protect your teeth and ease the tension before it turns into bigger problems. A small appliance worn while you sleep can make a real difference.

Night Guards in Sterling, VA

Bruxism — the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching — is one of the most common things patients don’t know they have until a dentist points it out. Night guards are the standard, proven treatment: a custom-fit plastic appliance that sits over your teeth and keeps them from grinding together while you sleep.

Dr. Jafari may also recommend a night guard for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, which cause jaw joint pain, clicking, and muscle tension. The same appliance that shields your teeth can help relieve pressure on the jaw joint and reduce discomfort over time.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Bruxism usually happens at night, so most people don’t catch themselves doing it. Watch for these signs:

• Jaw soreness or fatigue when you wake up
• Recurring morning headaches or migraines
• Facial pain or earaches without an obvious cause
• Teeth that look flattened, chipped, or unusually worn
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Scalloped impressions along the sides of your tongue

Any one of these on its own is worth mentioning at your next visit. Several together are a strong signal that a night guard could help.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Guards

Pharmacy boil-and-bite guards exist, but they bulk up in your mouth and rarely stay in place all night. A custom guard from Dr. Jafari is made from precise impressions of your teeth, so it fits snugly, stays put, and doesn’t interfere with your breathing or sleep quality. It’s also built from a harder, more durable material that holds up to grinding forces over time.

Custom guards are also used alongside occlusal adjustments when bite alignment needs attention beyond what a guard alone can address.

Night Guards and TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders involve the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and they can cause pain that radiates into your ear, neck, and temple. When the joint is under repeated stress — often from grinding or a misaligned bite — symptoms tend to get worse over time.

A custom night guard helps by keeping your jaw in a relaxed, properly aligned position while you sleep. It doesn’t cure the underlying issue, but it relieves the nightly strain that makes TMJ pain flare. Many patients notice a significant reduction in morning pain within a few weeks.

What to Expect

Getting fitted for a night guard takes two short visits. At the first, Dr. Jafari takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental lab. At the second, you pick up your finished guard and get a chance to make sure the fit is right before you leave. Most patients adjust to wearing it within a few nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does a night guard do?

It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth so they can’t grind against each other. This prevents enamel wear, reduces jaw muscle tension, and — for TMJ patients — takes pressure off the joint during sleep.

How is a custom night guard different from one I buy at the pharmacy?

Custom guards are made from precise impressions of your teeth, so the fit is exact. Store-bought guards are generic shapes that often feel bulky, shift during the night, and can actually stress the jaw if they don’t sit right. A well-fitted custom guard is also more durable — it’s built to take grinding forces that would wear through a soft boil-and-bite in weeks.

How long will my night guard last?

With regular cleaning and proper storage, most custom night guards last five to ten years. Heavy grinders may go through one sooner. Dr. Jafari will check your guard at routine visits and let you know when it’s time for a replacement.

How do I clean and care for it?

Rinse it under cool water before and after each use, then give it a gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush. Let it air-dry before putting it in its case — storing it wet encourages bacterial growth. Bring it to your dental appointments and Dr. Jafari can inspect it for wear.

Will it be uncomfortable to sleep in?

There’s usually a brief adjustment period — a few nights to a week — while your mouth gets used to something new. Because the guard is made to match your teeth exactly, it shouldn’t feel loose or bulky. If it’s causing pain or leaving marks, call the office; small adjustments can fix most fit issues quickly.

Does insurance cover night guards?

Coverage varies by plan. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost when a night guard is prescribed for bruxism or TMJ. Inova Dental Clinic accepts Medicaid and most major insurance. Call us at (703) 433-1400 and we can help you check your benefits before your appointment.

Ready to stop waking up with a sore jaw? Call (703) 433-1400 or schedule a visit — Dr. Jafari will take a look and let you know if a night guard is the right fit for you.