Why Dentists Recommend Night Guards Even Without Pain
You may have gone to your dentist, confused, because you've noticed that you grind your teeth during the day and at night — yet you don't feel any pain at all. Still, your dentist advises you to get a night guard for bruxism. But the question remains: why?
In this blog, we'll uncover the real reasons dentists advise using a night guard even without pain, what to consider before buying one, and how ClearClub can help you find the perfect fit for teeth grinding and clenching.
📑 Table of Contents
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is an oral device designed mainly to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching, or bruxism. It acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing wear and damage over time. Night guards are usually worn either during the day or at night, depending on when you grind your teeth. In some cases, they can also help reduce sleep-related issues like sleep apnea, tinnitus, and jaw discomfort from TMJ.
When it comes to night guards for teeth grinding, there are four main types: stock, boil-and-bite, dentist-made, and direct-to-consumer. The first two are the kind you can pick up at a pharmacy or store, and you usually just boil and bite to shape them to your teeth. The other two are custom-made, fitting your teeth more precisely, and tend to be less bulky — making them more comfortable and better at protecting against teeth grinding.
Before choosing a night guard, take a second to weigh the pros and cons. It's not about picking the most expensive or popular one — it's about finding the guard that fits your teeth comfortably and works best for you.
5 Reasons Why Dentists Recommend Night Guards (Even Without Pain)
Silent Damage
Not because it's painless doesn't mean your smile is healthy. Teeth grinding can cause indistinct damage, like tooth wear, enamel erosion, and microcracks, that often goes unnoticed until it becomes more demanding. It's common for dentists to recommend a night guard for bruxism to help prevent these early issues from developing into bigger problems.
Jaw Health
The Cleveland Clinic states that teeth grinding is commonly associated with TMJ disorders along with pain in the jaw, ears, neck, eyes, and face. Your dentist might also explain that not wearing a night guard for teeth grinding can make your teeth and surrounding areas more prone to discomfort and pain.
Lessen Expensive Repairs
Even small damages caused by teeth grinding and clenching can turn into major and expensive dental problems if left untreated. It's no surprise if your dentist encourages you to get a night guard to help prevent these minor issues from progressing into costly dental repairs.
| Minor Problem | Possible Fix Later On | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Enamel wear and tooth damage |
• Dental bonding |
• $100 – $400 per tooth • $800 – $2,000 per tooth |
| Tooth fractures or chipping | • Root canal • Crown • Dental implant |
• $700 – $1,500 per tooth |
| Gum recession and tooth sensitivity | • Gum graft | • $600 – $1,200 per tooth |
| Jaw pain and TMJ disorders | • TMJ therapy | • $500 – $3,000+ per tooth |
| Headaches and facial pain | • Consultations, medications, and custom splints | • $85 – $350 |
Sleep Quality
In some cases, when sleep-related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring are present, dental experts may suggest using a night guard to help improve sleep quality, as these conditions can constrict your airway during sleep. You may also benefit from a night guard if you grind your teeth, since teeth grinding often shares a hidden link with sleep apnea.
Maintains Proper Bite Alignment
Utilizing a dentist-recommended night guard doesn't only solve short-term issues — it's actually an advantage for your bite alignment. Grinding and clenching your teeth puts uneven pressure on your jaw and teeth, gradually changing how your bite feels. Eventually, this can make chewing harder, wear down your teeth unevenly, and even lead to jaw pain from TMJ. Protecting your teeth early on helps you avoid these oral health problems in the future.
Things to Remember Before Choosing a Night Guard for Bruxism
Picking the appropriate night guard for teeth grinding can be overwhelming. Especially with so many options out there. If it's your first time buying one, here are three things to keep in mind to help you find the best fit.
✅ Always choose one that's not substandard
Low-quality night guards can feel uncomfortable and wear out quickly. You might also experience allergic reactions if you're unsure what materials they're made from. ClearClub provides high-quality night guards made from FDA-approved, latex-free, BPA-free, and non-allergenic materials, so they're both safe and comfortable to wear.
✅ Go for a night guard that's custom molded to your teeth
A customized fit ensures comfort and effective protection. Unlike store-bought guards, custom molded night guards are less bulky. So, the lesser bulk it has, the lesser strain it can do to your jaw. ClearClub provides a high customization experience by sending impression kits to each customer, allowing them to create their own custom molds at the comfort of their homes.
✅ Be sure it's dentist recommended
Dentist-recommended night guards are better options than generic ones. They're proven to be more effective, safer, and better equipped to deal with issues related to teeth grinding and clenching. However, dentist-made guards aren't the only dentist-approved ones. There are trusted brands, like ClearClub, that dental professionals commend for comfort and protection.
Get Your Dentist-Approved Night Guard Today
If teeth grinding or jaw discomfort has been poorly influencing your sleep or daily routine, it's time to take action. Even without pain, your teeth deserve a suitable protection. ClearClub, a dentist-recommended brand, can help you with these issues. We provide a variety of options for bruxism, including our Clear, Color, and Multi-Color Guards, so you can find the best fit for your needs.
If you love your first ClearClub night guard, consider subscribing to our renewal plan to receive a fresh replacement every 3, 4, or 6 months. Regularly replacing your night guard helps maintain both its effectiveness and hygiene.
Wake up to more rested, headache-free mornings. Order your ClearClub night guard today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Do I need a night guard if I don’t feel pain?
Yes. Even without pain, teeth grinding and clenching can still damage your teeth. Subtle problems such as enamel erosion, microcracks, and jaw strain may occur over time. Dentists often recommend wearing a night guard even in the absence of pain to help protect your teeth from these issues.
❓ How do I choose the right night guard?
Before purchasing a night guard, it’s important to consider three key factors: whether it’s dentist-recommended, custom-molded, and made from high-quality, non-allergenic materials. These criteria help ensure the device will be effective, comfortable, and capable of addressing teeth grinding and clenching.
❓ Can I use a store-bought night guard instead?
Yes, but store-bought night guards may be less comfortable and provide limited protection. They are bulkier in design and only require boiling and biting to fit your teeth. In contrast, custom or direct-to-consumer night guards offer a better fit, greater comfort, and long-term protection.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQs section.