Night Guards
If you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or worn-down teeth — you may be grinding or clenching in your sleep without knowing it. Bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding) is one of the most common but underdiagnosed dental problems, and it can silently destroy enamel and stress your jaw joints over years. At Sacramento Holistic Dentist in Carmichael, CA, we fabricate custom night guards that protect your smile and reduce the strain on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). We serve patients from Sacramento, Carmichael, Roseville, and Folsom.
What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Matter?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, most commonly occurring during sleep. Because it happens unconsciously, many patients are unaware they are grinding until a partner notices the sound, or until Dr. Pekarski observes the telltale signs during an exam — flattened cusps, worn enamel, cracked teeth, or sensitivity at the gumline.
The consequences of untreated bruxism compound over time:
- Progressive enamel loss (enamel does not grow back)
- Tooth fractures, chips, and sensitivity
- TMJ pain, jaw muscle soreness, and clicking or locking
- Headaches, especially upon waking
- Damage to crowns, bridges, and other restorations
- Accelerated gum recession
Custom Night Guards from Precise Impressions
"Night guards are fabricated for those patients who grind their teeth. They are used to prevent enamel wear and damage that results when patients grind their teeth at night." At Sacramento Holistic Dentist, we fabricate custom night guards from precise impressions of your teeth — a fit that no over-the-counter boil-and-bite guard can replicate.
The process is simple and requires just two appointments:
- Appointment 1: Impressions and measurements of your teeth and bite are taken and sent to a professional dental lab
- Appointment 2: The finished guard is delivered, fitted, and adjusted to your exact bite
Custom guards are typically fabricated for the upper arch, distributing bite forces evenly across all teeth. Lower arch options are also available depending on your individual situation and Dr. Pekarski's recommendation.
Night Guards and Holistic Dentistry
From a holistic perspective, protecting existing tooth structure is always the priority. Enamel lost to bruxism cannot be replaced — it can only be restored with crowns or veneers at significant cost and with some reduction of remaining tooth structure. A custom night guard is an investment in protecting your natural teeth for life. Dr. Pekarski will also discuss any bite alignment or stress-related factors contributing to your grinding.
Why Choose Sacramento Holistic Dentist for Your Night Guard
At our Carmichael practice, we take a conservative, whole-patient approach to bruxism management. Your custom night guard is precisely fitted and adjusted to your specific bite — not a generic shape from a store shelf. We also check for related concerns like TMJ dysfunction, enamel erosion, and bite alignment during your exam. If bruxism has already caused tooth damage, Dr. Pekarski can discuss biocompatible restoration options using ORMOCER/Admira Fusion composite or ceramic crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — "the guards won't permanently cure bruxism but they can effectively help manage the condition," protecting your teeth and jaw from damage while you grind. Addressing underlying causes (stress, bite issues, sleep apnea) may reduce grinding over time.
Typically long-term, since guards manage symptoms without necessarily resolving the underlying cause. Many patients wear them indefinitely and find them comfortable after a short adjustment period.
Protection against enamel wear and tooth fractures; reduced TMJ and jaw muscle pain; fewer morning headaches; protection for crowns and other dental restorations; and better sleep quality for both you and your partner.
Call us to schedule a new impression appointment. Replacement guards can be fabricated from updated impressions. We recommend rinsing and storing your guard in its case when not in use to extend its lifespan.
Custom guards are fabricated from precise dental impressions by a professional lab, creating an exact fit to your teeth and bite. Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are a generic shape that often fits poorly, can alter your bite, and may actually worsen TMJ symptoms for some patients.
Yes — for many patients, a properly fitted night guard that distributes bite forces evenly significantly reduces TMJ-related pain and jaw muscle soreness. However, if your TMJ issues are more complex, additional evaluation may be recommended.