Night Guards

A night guard is a custom oral appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching, a condition often called bruxism. Many patients seek a night guard after noticing worn or chipped teeth, morning jaw soreness, headaches, or a partner mentioning the sound of grinding at night. At 1st Family Dental in Chicago, our dentists can evaluate your bite and jaw function to determine whether a night guard is appropriate for you.

When a Night Guard May Help

Teeth grinding (bruxism) — protects enamel from ongoing wear caused by nighttime clenching.
Jaw joint discomfort — can ease strain on the jaw joint associated with clenching patterns.
Morning headaches or jaw fatigue — sometimes linked to overnight muscle tension.
Worn, cracked, or loosened teeth or restorations — a guard helps prevent further damage.

Related Care at Our Practice

For patients with jaw joint symptoms, Dr. Rukaya Lilo, a dentist with residency training in Orofacial Pain, offers evaluation and treatment related to TMJ concerns, which can go hand in hand with a night guard recommendation. 1st Family Dental also provides broader TMJ Treatment as part of our services, so grinding-related symptoms can be assessed thoroughly rather than in isolation.

Getting Started

A conversation with one of our dentists about your symptoms, bite, and dental history is the first step toward finding out whether a night guard is a good fit for your smile.