Occlusal Guards and Night Guards

At Parkway Dental in St. George, UT, our mission is to help patients achieve healthy, strong, and comfortable smiles that last a lifetime. For many individuals, nighttime teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and bite misalignment can lead to painful complications and long-term oral health problems. Fortunately, occlusal guards and night guards offer an effective, non-invasive solution to protect your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.

Led by Dr. Bekki T. Patton, DDS, and Dr. Drew J. Purser, DMD, our team provides custom-designed occlusal and night guards to help patients enjoy pain-free mornings, prevent dental damage, and preserve the integrity of their smiles.

Understanding Occlusal Guards and Night Guards

Occlusal Guard

An occlusal guard is a custom-made oral appliance designed to cover the biting surfaces of the teeth. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing the upper and lower teeth from coming into direct contact. Occlusal guards are used to treat a variety of dental concerns, including bruxism (teeth grinding), TMD/TMJ disorders, bite misalignments, and excessive tooth wear.

Night Guard

A night guard is a type of occlusal guard specifically worn during sleep. Since teeth grinding and clenching most often occur unconsciously at night, these guards are designed to prevent excessive pressure on the teeth and jaw while a patient sleeps.

Although the terms “occlusal guard” and “night guard” are sometimes used interchangeably, night guards are generally worn for bruxism during sleep, while occlusal guards may also be recommended for daytime use in certain cases, such as severe jaw clenching or sports-related protection.

Why Patients Need Occlusal and Night Guards

Many patients are unaware they grind or clench their teeth until a dentist identifies the signs during an exam. Others may wake up with jaw soreness or frequent headaches without realizing the source of their discomfort. Left untreated, chronic grinding and clenching can lead to:

• Worn or flattened teeth
• Chipped, fractured, or broken teeth
• Tooth sensitivity from enamel loss
• Jaw pain and tension
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Headaches or migraines
• Receding gums or gum irritation
• Bite misalignment
• Disrupted sleep for both patients and partners

At Parkway Dental, we believe prevention is the key to protecting your long-term oral health. Custom occlusal and night guards are one of the most effective ways to reduce damage and improve comfort.

Causes of Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

Understanding the underlying causes of bruxism and jaw tension helps our dentists create tailored treatment plans. Common causes include:

• Stress and Anxiety - Emotional stress often manifests physically, leading to subconscious clenching and grinding.
• Sleep Disorders - Conditions like sleep apnea can increase nighttime bruxism.
• Bite Misalignment - When the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, the jaw may compensate with grinding.
• Medications - Certain antidepressants and medications have been linked to increased bruxism.
• Lifestyle Factors - Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or smoking can exacerbate teeth grinding.
• Neurological Conditions - Rarely, bruxism may be linked to neurological issues.

Because the causes vary, Dr. Patton and Dr. Purser take a personalized approach, ensuring each guard is customized for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

The Benefits of Occlusal and Night Guards

Investing in a custom occlusal or night guard from Parkway Dental offers numerous benefits, including:

Prevents Dental Damage

Guards create a physical barrier, protecting enamel from grinding-related wear.

Relieves Jaw Pain

By reducing pressure on the TMJ, guards alleviate soreness and discomfort.

Reduces Headaches

Many patients experience fewer tension headaches and migraines after consistent use.

Improves Sleep Quality

Night guards minimize clenching, helping both the patient and their partner sleep better.

Cost-Effective Protection

Preventing cracked or worn teeth reduces the need for costly restorative treatments like crowns or implants.

Customized Comfort

Unlike over-the-counter guards, custom guards are made from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

Over-the-Counter vs. Custom Guards

While store-bought guards may seem convenient, they are often bulky, uncomfortable, and less effective. These guards are “one-size-fits-all,” which means they rarely fit snugly, leading to irritation or inconsistent protection.

At Parkway Dental, our custom occlusal and night guards are crafted from high-quality dental materials and molded from your unique bite. This ensures:

• A precise fit
• Better comfort and wearability
• Enhanced durability
• Improved protection for teeth and jaw

Custom guards are especially beneficial for patients with moderate to severe grinding habits, existing dental restorations, or TMJ-related pain.

The Process of Getting an Occlusal or Night Guard at Parkway Dental

When you visit Dr. Patton or Dr. Purser for an occlusal or night guard, the process is simple and efficient:

Consultation and Examination

Your dentist evaluates your teeth, bite, and jaw function to determine whether a guard is the right solution.

Digital Impressions

Advanced scanning technology captures a precise model of your teeth without messy impressions.

Custom Fabrication

Your guard is fabricated in a professional dental lab using durable, biocompatible materials.

Fitting and Adjustment

Once your guard is ready, we ensure it fits comfortably and make minor adjustments as needed.

Home Care Instructions

We provide detailed guidance on wearing, cleaning, and storing your guard to maximize its lifespan. Most patients adapt to wearing their guard within a few nights, and many notice a reduction in pain and discomfort almost immediately. Contact us to learn more.

Occlusal Guards and TMJ Disorders

Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD/TMJ) often benefit from occlusal guards. These conditions cause pain, clicking, or locking of the jaw due to misalignment, tension, or inflammation. Guards help by:

• Relieving pressure on the jaw joint
• Reducing involuntary clenching during sleep
• Preventing enamel wear caused by grinding
• Allowing muscles to relax, minimizing pain

At Parkway Dental, we take a conservative, non-invasive approach to TMJ treatment, and custom occlusal guards are often the first line of defense.

Caring for Your Occlusal or Night Guard

Proper care ensures your guard remains effective and hygienic. We recommend:

• Daily Cleaning – Rinse your guard after use and brush gently with a soft toothbrush (avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive).
• Weekly Deep Cleaning – Use a non-abrasive denture or retainer cleaner to remove buildup.
• Proper Storage – Keep your guard in a ventilated case when not in use.
• Avoid Heat – Hot water or high heat can warp the material.
• Routine Check-Ups – Bring your guard to dental visits so we can check its fit and condition.

With proper care, most custom guards last several years before replacement is needed.

The Long-Term Value of Occlusal and Night Guards

For patients suffering from bruxism or jaw pain, the value of a custom guard extends far beyond daily comfort. By preventing fractures, enamel wear, and misalignment, these appliances can save patients thousands of dollars in future dental treatments. More importantly, they improve quality of life by reducing pain, headaches, and poor sleep.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you suspect you grind or clench your teeth at night—or if you’re experiencing jaw pain, frequent headaches, or worn teeth—don’t wait for the damage to worsen. A custom occlusal or night guard may be the key to restoring your comfort and protecting your smile.

Visit Parkway Dental at 1404 Sun River Pkwy #125, St. George, UT 84790, or call (435) 256-6167 to schedule your consultation and learn more about Occlusal and Night Guards.