Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or teeth that feel tender? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. It is very common, and most people have no idea they do it until a partner hears it or a dentist sees the wear. At Dr. G Dental Studio in Westchester, Miami, a custom night guard is $280. Here is how to spot the signs, what a night guard does, and how we treat TMJ pain.

Signs you grind or clench your teeth

Grinding and clenching (also called bruxism) often happen during sleep, but many people also clench during the day, while driving, working at a computer or feeling stressed. Common signs include:

• A sore or tired jaw when you wake up
• Morning headaches, often around the temples
• Flat, chipped or worn-down teeth
• Teeth that feel sensitive to cold or sore when you bite
• Cracked fillings or crowns
• A partner who hears grinding at night
• Tight, enlarged jaw muscles at the sides of the face

TMJ symptoms to watch for

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. Constant grinding and clenching put extra strain on these joints and the muscles around them. TMJ problems can cause:

• Pain in the jaw, face, ear area or neck
• Clicking, popping or grating sounds when you open your mouth
• Trouble opening wide, or a jaw that feels stuck
• Pain when chewing
• Frequent headaches

Our office treats TMJ. Dr. Yordanka Gonzalez checks your teeth, bite, jaw joints and muscles to find out what is going on and which treatment fits you.

Custom vs. store-bought night guards

Pharmacy guards are cheaper up front, but they are made to fit everyone, which means they fit no one perfectly. A custom night guard is made from a model of your own teeth.

• Fit: a custom guard fits snugly, so it stays in place all night. Boil-and-bite guards are often bulky and can slip out.
• Comfort: a thinner, better-fitting guard is easier to sleep in, so you are more likely to wear it every night.
• Bite: a poorly fitting guard can change how your teeth come together. A custom guard is adjusted to your bite by your dentist.
• Durability: soft store-bought guards can wear through quickly, and some people chew on them, which can make clenching worse.

A custom guard does not stop you from grinding, but it takes the force off your teeth. It protects your enamel, fillings and crowns, and many patients find their jaw feels more relaxed in the morning.

How a custom night guard is made

• Exam: Dr. Gonzalez looks at the wear on your teeth, your bite and your jaw joints.
• Model of your teeth: we capture an exact model of your teeth. It is quick and painless, with no drilling or needles.
• Fabrication: your guard is made to fit your teeth precisely.
• Fitting: we try it in, check your bite and make small adjustments so it feels comfortable.

How to care for your night guard

• Brush your teeth before you put it in.
• Rinse it with cool water every morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid hot water, which can warp it.
• Let it dry, then keep it in its case, away from pets.
• Bring it to your checkups so we can make sure it still fits well.

When Botox may help with clenching

For some people with strong clenching, tight jaw muscles or tension headaches, Botox can help. Small doses in the jaw muscles may help them relax, which can ease clenching and some migraines. Results vary, and Botox is not a cure. It is often used together with a night guard, not instead of one. At our office, Botox is $10 per unit, cash price only. Learn more on our Botox in Miami page.

When to see a dentist

Book a visit if you notice worn or chipped teeth, morning jaw pain or headaches, or clicking that comes with pain. Treating grinding early can help protect your teeth from bigger repairs later. If your jaw is locked, you cracked a tooth or you are in severe pain, call us right away or see our emergency dentist in Miami page.

New patients can start with our $89 new patient visit, which includes a cleaning, exam, consultation and X-rays. Dr. Gonzalez will check for signs of grinding and TMJ problems and tell you whether a night guard, Botox or both make sense for you. We do not offer sedation. See all of our prices on our Miami dental prices page.

Night guards in Westchester, Miami

Busy work days, long drives and an extra cafecito can all add up to more clenching. Dr. G Dental Studio is at 2500 SW 107th Ave #45, Miami, FL 33165, in Westchester. Patients come to us from Westchester, Kendall, West Kendall, Doral and Sweetwater. Dr. Yordanka Gonzalez, DMD has over 25 years of experience, earned her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Hablamos español.

We are open Mon and Fri 9–5, Tue 9–7, Wed and Thu 9–4 and Sat 9–3 (closed Sunday). Call (305) 217-6453, book online or visit our contact page.

Night guard FAQ