Comparing Professional and Store-bought Nightguards

Nightguards are commonly recommended to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. Because over-the-counter (OTC) nightguards are easy to access and appear convenient, many patients assume they offer the same protection as a professionally made appliance. In reality, OTC nightguards can gradually interfere with how your teeth, bite, and jaw joints function—sometimes leading to more damage over time.

At VanSmileDesign, Dr. Van focuses on preserving not just teeth, but the entire bite system. Proper nightguard design requires an understanding of how the teeth, muscles, and jaw joints work together.

Generic Nightguards Can Alter Bite Alignment

OTC nightguards are manufactured using a one-size-fits-all design. Even boil-and-bite versions depend on patients molding the appliance themselves, which often leads to uneven thickness and inconsistent contact.

When a nightguard does not fit your bite precisely, it can:

• Create uneven tooth contact during sleep

• Shift the jaw into an unnatural position

• Place excessive pressure on select teeth

Over time, these changes may result in bite discrepancies, tooth movement, and discomfort that would not occur with a properly fabricated appliance.

Soft Materials Can Increase Muscle Overactivity

Most OTC nightguards are made from soft, flexible materials. While this may feel comfortable initially, soft appliances can stimulate chewing or clenching during sleep, increasing muscle activity rather than calming it.

This may contribute to:

• Heightened jaw muscle fatigue

• More forceful grinding

• Progressive tooth wear

Custom nightguards are designed using materials chosen specifically to reduce muscle hyperactivity and protect the bite more effectively.

Uneven Force Distribution Increases Risk of Tooth Damage

Without professional bite analysis, OTC nightguards often concentrate forces unevenly across the teeth. Certain teeth may absorb excessive pressure, increasing the risk of:

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• Damage to crowns, veneers, or fillings

• Tooth sensitivity and enamel breakdown

At VanSmileDesign, Dr. Van carefully adjusts custom nightguards to distribute forces evenly and protect both natural teeth and restorations.

Jaw Joint Function Can Be Compromised Over Time

A poorly fitting nightguard can hold the jaw in a strained position for hours each night. Over time, this may stress the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and surrounding muscles.

Patients may experience:

• Morning jaw stiffness or soreness

• Headaches or facial pain

• Clicking or popping of the jaw

Custom-fabricated appliances are designed with jaw joint health in mind, supporting stable and functional positioning rather than compromising it.

Short-Term Convenience Can Lead to Long-Term Consequences

Although OTC nightguards may seem like a cost-effective solution initially, they often wear down quickly and may require frequent replacement. More importantly, the bite changes and dental damage they can contribute to may result in more extensive treatment over time.

A professionally fabricated nightguard is:

• Designed for long-term durability

• Custom-adjusted as bite changes occur

• Intended as preventive care, not a temporary fix

  
  

A Personalized Approach Protects Long-Term Function

A nightguard should protect more than just teeth—it should preserve the balance of the entire bite system. At VanSmileDesign, Dr. Van uses detailed diagnostics and individualized design to create nightguards that work with your bite, muscles, and jaw joints.

If you are experiencing tooth wear, jaw discomfort, or have been using an OTC nightguard without relief, a professional evaluation may help prevent long-term complications.

Protect Your Bite, Not Just Your Teeth

If you are currently using—or considering—an over-the-counter nightguard, the team at VanSmileDesign can help you determine whether it is truly protecting your oral health. A custom nightguard offers superior comfort, protection, and long-term functional stability.

Schedule a consultation to learn how personalized dentistry can help safeguard your bite and jaw function over time.