Most common
Night guards
Worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching (bruxism). This is the dental bite guard most people mean when they ask about a mouth guard for grinding.
Preventive care
What Is a Bite Guard?
A bite guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance, usually a thin, clear tray of dental-grade plastic, molded to the exact shape of your teeth. It's worn over the upper or lower arch to protect your teeth from grinding, clenching, and the jaw strain that comes with them.
The basics
What Does a Bite Guard Do?
A dental bite guard sits between your upper and lower teeth so they can't grind or clench directly against each other. Instead of your enamel absorbing that force night after night, the guard absorbs it — which is why it's the standard first line of protection for bruxism (teeth grinding) and chronic clenching.
Beyond protecting the teeth themselves, a properly fitted guard can also ease strain on the jaw joint, helping muscles that clench overnight rest in a more relaxed position. That's part of why bite guards come up so often in conversations about TMJ discomfort.
Because it's custom-molded from an impression or digital scan of your own teeth, it sits precisely in place without shifting — unlike the bulkier, one-size-fits-all mouth guards sold in stores.
Not all guards are the same
Types of Bite Guards
Sports guards
Worn during athletic activity to cushion the teeth and jaw from impact. Custom sports guards fit more securely and let you talk and breathe more easily than stock versions.
TMJ splints
Designed specifically to ease strain on the jaw joint for patients with TMJ discomfort, positioning the jaw to reduce pressure rather than just cushioning the teeth.
Within each of these, the guard itself can be made from different materials depending on how much protection you need: soft and flexible for mild grinding, rigid hard acrylic for heavier grinders, or a dual-laminate guard with a soft inner layer and firmer outer shell for moderate to heavy grinding. We'll recommend the type and material based on your bite and how you use it.
Why it matters
Signs You May Need a Bite Guard
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth: Grinding wears down the enamel surface of your teeth, often without you noticing until the damage has already set in.
- Morning jaw soreness or headaches: Waking up with a sore, tight jaw or a dull headache near your temples is one of the most common signs of nighttime clenching or grinding.
- TMJ pain or clicking: Clenching and grinding put extra strain on the jaw joint, which can show up as clicking, popping, or discomfort when you chew or open wide.
- A partner who hears you grinding: Many people don't know they grind their teeth until someone else notices the sound while they sleep.
Fit matters
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Bite Guards
Over-the-counter "boil and bite" guards are bulkier, less precise, and rarely fit as well, since they're shaped by biting into warm plastic rather than molded from your own teeth. They can also shift out of place overnight, which limits how much protection they actually provide.
A custom dental bite guard is molded from a scan or impression of your own teeth, so it sits precisely in place without shifting. It's thinner, more comfortable, and built to last longer than a store-bought version — which is why we recommend a custom guard for anyone dealing with ongoing grinding, clenching, or TMJ discomfort.
From scan to fit
Bite Guards in Schererville, IN
If you're searching for a bite guard in Schererville, our team fits night guards, sports guards, and TMJ splints in-office, molded from your own teeth rather than a one-size-fits-all tray. Here's how it works, start to finish.
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01
Digital scan or impression.
We capture the exact shape of your teeth with our intraoral scanner — no goopy tray, no gag reflex.
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02
Guard type selected.
Based on how much you grind or clench, we choose soft, hard acrylic, or dual-laminate material for your guard.
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03
Molded and fitted.
Your guard is molded to your scan, then tried in and adjusted so it sits securely without shifting or rubbing.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bite guard?
A bite guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance, usually a thin, clear tray of dental-grade plastic, that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It's worn to protect your teeth from the wear of grinding and clenching and to ease strain on the jaw joint.
How long do bite guards last?
How long a bite guard lasts depends on the type and how heavily you grind or clench. Soft guards wear out fastest, hard acrylic and dual-laminate guards hold up longer, and how well you clean and store it also affects its lifespan. We'll check the fit and condition of yours at your regular visits and let you know when it's time to replace it.
How much does a bite guard cost?
The cost of a custom bite guard varies based on the type recommended for your bite and whether dental insurance applies. We'll walk you through the fee for your specific guard at a consultation, and we offer financing options if you'd like to spread out the cost.
Get a Custom-Fit Bite Guard in Schererville, IN
If your jaw aches in the morning or you've noticed worn or chipped teeth, a custom bite guard may be the answer. New patients can start with a first visit, and we'll check your bite and fit you for one — or contact us with questions first.