At a glance
A night guard is a custom, removable guard you wear while you sleep to protect your teeth and dental work from grinding and clenching. It doesn’t stop the habit, but it takes the wear and pressure instead of your teeth. Night guards are part of our preventive dentistry.
It usually takes two visits: one for impressions and one to fit the guard. You get a written estimate before we make it, and Saturday appointments are available.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visits | Usually two: impressions, then fitting |
| Numbing | Not needed |
| How long it lasts | Often a few years, depending on how hard you grind |
| Price | Written estimate before treatment (see dental prices) |
| Insurance | All PPO plans (benefits checked before your visit), Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits, and Texas Medicaid/CHIP for children (DentaQuest, MCNA, UHC Dental) |
| Saturday appointments | Yes, Saturdays 9am–3pm, plus Tuesday and Wednesday |
Do you need a night guard?
Many people grind or clench in their sleep without knowing it. Signs include:
- Waking up with a sore jaw, tight face muscles or a dull headache at the temples
- A partner says they hear you grinding at night
- Teeth that look flat, chipped, shorter or worn at the edges
- Teeth that are newly sensitive to cold
- Cracked teeth or fillings, or crowns that keep chipping
- Clicking or tenderness in the jaw joint in front of your ears
At your exam, we look for wear patterns on your teeth and dental work. If you have crowns, bridges, veneers or implants, a guard helps protect that investment too.
What happens at your visit?
- Exam: we check your teeth, bite and jaw muscles and talk about your symptoms.
- Impressions: we take impressions of your teeth so the guard is made to fit them.
- Fitting: at your second visit, we try the guard in, check how your teeth meet on it, and adjust it so it feels even.
- Care tips: we show you how to clean and store it.
- Follow-up: bring your guard to checkups so we can look for wear and cracks.
Cost, insurance and financing
Night guards are not on our published price list. The cost depends on the type of guard you need, and we give you a written estimate before we make it. Some PPO plans cover part of a night guard; we check your benefits first.
We work with all PPO plans and check your benefits before your visit, so you know what is covered. We also accept Medicare Advantage plans that include dental benefits. For children, we accept Texas Medicaid and CHIP through DentaQuest, MCNA and UHC Dental; we are not in network for adult Medicaid. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care. See insurance we accept.
We accept Cherry, Sunbit and CareCredit for patient financing (see financing options), and you can use an FSA or HSA card for dental treatment.
Recovery and aftercare
- Expect a few nights to get used to it. Extra saliva or a slightly odd bite in the morning usually settles within a week or two.
- Rinse it each morning and brush it gently with a soft brush and cool water. Hot water can warp it.
- Store it dry in its case, away from pets and heat.
- Bring it to your checkups. Replace it if it cracks, gets thin or no longer fits snugly.
If you have jaw pain that doesn’t improve, or the guard makes your bite feel different during the day, call us.
Alternatives
| Option | Fit and comfort | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Custom night guard | Made to fit your teeth | Spreads force evenly; often lasts a few years |
| Boil-and-bite guard | Fit depends on how well it was molded | Bulkier; often wears out in months |
| Stock (one-size) guard | Loose | Short-term stopgap only |
| No guard | Not applicable | Grinding can keep wearing and cracking teeth and dental work |
When to call us
Call us if you wake with jaw pain most days, a tooth cracks or chips (see emergency dental care), your jaw locks or won’t open fully, or your current guard is cracked or loose. Call (832) 612-2831 — we’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm.
Why patients in Richmond choose us
- Custom night guards made from impressions of your teeth and fitted in our office
- Saturday appointments from 9am to 3pm, plus Tuesday and Wednesday hours (Saturday dentist in Richmond)
- Published self-pay prices for new-patient exams, and insurance benefits checked before your visit
- Two dentists, Dr. Arpitkumar Patel and Dr. Harsh Patel, and a team that speaks English, Spanish, Gujarati and Hindi
Related guides
- 5 reasons to wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- How long do night guards last before they stop protecting your teeth?
- How long does a dental crown last?
- Teeth bonding vs veneers: which is right for your smile?
Frequently asked questions
No. It protects your teeth from the wear and pressure, and many people find their jaw feels less sore, but the habit itself may continue.
A custom guard often lasts a few years. Heavy grinders may need one sooner. We check it at your visits.
A custom guard is made to fit your teeth, so it’s thinner, stays in place and spreads force more evenly. Store-bought guards are bulkier and wear out faster.
Children’s teeth and jaws are still changing, so a night guard is not usually made for young kids. If your child grinds, mention it at their checkup and we’ll advise you.
It’s not a good idea. A sports guard is designed to cushion impacts and is usually thicker and softer, which can be uncomfortable for sleep.