Ladd Dental Group

 Bite guards—also called night guards or occlusal guards—are one of the simplest but most powerful tools we have to protect long-term oral health. They’re custom-made appliances worn over the teeth (usually at night) to prevent damage from clenching and grinding. Why Bite Guards Are Important 1. Protect Teeth from Wear and Fracture Many patients suffer from Bruxism (clenching or grinding), often without realizing it. Over time, this can flatten teeth, cause cracks, or even lead to broken restorations like crowns and fillings. 2. Reduce Jaw Pain and Muscle Fatigue Clenching puts excessive strain on the jaw muscles and joints, often contributing to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder . A bite guard helps redistribute forces and gives those muscles a chance to relax. 3. Prevent Costly Dental Work Without protection, grinding can lead to significant wear that requires veneers, crowns, or full-mouth rehabilitation. A guard is a much smaller investment compared to reconstructive den...