Are you grinding or clenching your teeth at night and waking up with a sore jaw?

That’s not supposed to happen—your teeth are wearing down while you sleep, and your body is crying out for help. Left unchecked, bruxism can crack enamel, trigger headaches, and cost you thousands in dental work.

Maybe your dentist told you to get a nightguard, but what is a nightguard good for? Do you really need one?

A nightguard puts a stop to the damage before it gets worse, but not all nightguards are equal. A bulky store-bought option won’t be good enough, so if you want real protection, a custom-made nightguard is the way to go.

What Is a Nightguard?

A nightguard is a protective dental appliance that covers your teeth and gums, worn while sleeping to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching.

In short, Nightguards protect your teeth while you sleep.

What Is a Nightguard Good For?

Millions of people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. Some wake up with a sore jaw and headache; others don’t notice the damage until their dentist points out worn-down enamel or small fractures.

Did you know that 10% of adults (and 15-40% of children) grind their teeth hard enough to cause long-term harm? The problem is that once enamel is gone, it never grows back.

That’s why nightguards are so important; they prevent you from grinding your teeth before it becomes an expensive disaster.

Nightguards Prevent Bruxism

Bruxism (teeth grinding) will eventually destroy your teeth if nothing is done to prevent it. This is because grinding your teeth is like grinding something down with sandpaper, cracking enamel, flattening molars, and potentially loosening fillings.

A nightguard absorbs this insane force and keeps your teeth from bumping against each other.

Without one, bruxism can lead to sensitivity, chipping, crowns or implants, and even tooth loss.

Nightguards Relieve Jaw Pain & TMJ Issues

Jaw pain and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues often go hand in hand with teeth grinding. This is because the constant tension from the movement of grinding strains the jaw muscles, resulting in soreness, stiffness, and sometimes clicking or popping sounds when chewing.

A nightguard keeps the jaw slightly apart, allowing the muscles to relax. It’s so effective that many people notice relief within weeks!

Nightguards Minimize Headaches & Facial Pain

Would you be surprised to learn that morning headaches and facial tension also stem from grinding?

Grinding is a repetitive motion that tightens muscles in the temples, jaw, and cheeks, causing dull, persistent pain in these areas. This can start small but often build into all-day pain.

A well-fitted nightguard reduces this constant movement, which ends up reducing the tension that triggers these headaches and facial pain.

Prevents Costly Dental Repairs With Nightguards

Cracked teeth don’t heal. Once compromised, they need a filling, crown, or, in severe cases, extraction.

What is a nightguard good for if you already have major damage to your teeth? Well, it can prevent even more damage. After all, a nightguard is cheaper than a root canal (and far less painful).

Nightguards Improve Sleep Quality

Better sleep is a bonus. Clenching and grinding trigger micro-awakenings (brief disruptions in sleep cycles), which will make people feel groggy (even after a full night of sleep).

And once again, a nightguard is effective at stopping this subconscious stress response, which will ultimately help you sleep deeper and wake up feeling rested instead of exhausted.

What Types of Nightguards Are There?

There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all nightguard. The right one for you entirely depends on how often you grind, how much pressure you apply, and what feels comfortable in your mouth.

One thing we will say on the matter, though, is that cheap, generic store-bought options exist, but they tend to be bulky, loose, and ineffective for many people because of how diverse mouths can be and what dental problems a person is dealing with.

Custom-made nightguards are the best option for those who want a snug (comfortable) fit with better protection to prevent long-term damage.

There are three main types of nightguards: soft, hard, and hybrids.

Soft Nightguards

If you clench more than grind or have mild bruxism, a custom-made soft nightguard provides cushioning without feeling too rigid. It’s flexible, lightweight, and comfortable enough for those who need protection but don’t apply extreme pressure in the middle of the night.

Hard Nightguards

People with heavy grinding tendencies need something a bit stronger. Specifically, they’ll need a custom-made hard nightguard, which is made from durable thermoplastic material (approx. 3mm thick) that can withstand intense pressure. This’ll keep teeth from grinding against each other and offers the most protection against fractures, worn enamel, and jaw strain.

While it will take some time to adjust to the firmer feel, it’s the best option for those with advanced bruxism or TMJ issues.

Hybrid Nightguards

For moderate grinders who need durability without the stiffness of a hard guard, a custom-made comfort hybrid nightguard is the perfect middle ground. It has a comfortable, soft inner layer and a protective, firm outer layer, making it both effective and easy to wear.

Why Choose a Custom Nightguard Over Store-Bought?

What is a nightguard good for if it doesn’t fit your teeth? Not much, but that’s what you’ll be getting with a generic store-bought nightguard.

A custom-made nightguard is, as the name suggests, custom-made! Meaning, your nightguard will fit you perfectly and actually protect your teeth. Plus, it’ll last longer, feel better, and do the job right, saving you from painful mornings and expensive dental repairs down the road.

Protect Your Smile: Why a Nightguard Is Worth It

So once again, what is a nightguard good for?

Protecting your teeth, preventing pain, and saving you from expensive dental work.

Grinding and clenching don’t stop on their own, but a custom-made nightguard stops the damage before it gets worse. Cheap, store-bought options can’t match the comfort and durability of a guard made just for you.

At Dental Labs Direct, we make high-quality, custom nightguards at a fraction of the cost of a dentist’s office. Don’t wait until grinding ruins your smile—order your custom nightguard today and wake up pain-free.