Night Guards & Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) FAQ Kitsilano Dentist
Waking with jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth? Bruxism (teeth grinding) affects millions. Our custom Kitsilano night guards protect your smile. Read our FAQ below.
What is bruxism and teeth grinding?
Bruxism is excessive clenching or grinding of teeth, usually during sleep. It creates 250psi of force (10x normal chewing) wearing down enamel, chipping restorations, and stressing jaw joints.
Two types:
Sleep bruxism - Nighttime grinding (8-10% adults)
Awake bruxism - Daytime clenching (15-25% adults)
What are the signs I need a Kitsilano night guard?
10 common symptoms:
Morning jaw soreness/tightness
Temple headaches upon waking
Flattened/chipped tooth edges
Broken fillings, crowns, veneers
Gumline notches (abfractions)
TMJ clicking or locking
Partner hears grinding noises
Increased tooth sensitivity
Facial muscle fatigue
Limited jaw opening
How does teeth grinding damage my teeth and restorations?
Progressive destruction:
Enamel wear - Teeth become thin, sensitive
Restoration failure - Fillings/crowns fracture repeatedly
Cracked teeth - Microfractures lead to root canals
TMJ damage - Joint degeneration, chronic pain
Costly repairs - $1K+ per tooth vs $500 night guard
Protect your Accord Dental work with custom guards.
What is a night guard and how does it work?
Night guards (occlusal splints) are custom appliances covering upper/lower teeth:
3 protective functions:
Cushions impact - Prevents tooth-to-tooth damage
Redistributes force - 250psi spread across all teeth
Relaxes muscles - Reduces clenching intensity
Not a cure but excellent protection. Splint Effectiveness
Custom night guards vs store-bought - why professional?
Drugstore "boil-and-bite" guards offer generic fit that slips during sleep, minimal protection from thin materials, bulky designs that cause drooling and discomfort, durability of only 3-6 months, no adjustment possibilities, and zero insurance coverage. In contrast, Accord Dental's custom night guards provide perfect digital scan fit with no slipping, lab-grade materials for superior protection, feather-light comfort for all-night wear, 2-5 year durability, fine-tuning by Dr. Rosenczweig himself, and 50-100% insurance coverage for most patients. Splint Quality Research
What's the process for Kitsilano night guards at Accord Dental?
5 simple steps (2 visits):
Exam - Dr. Rosenczweig assesses wear patterns
Digital scan - 3D precision (no goo!)
Lab fabrication - Medical-grade acrylic (7-14 days)
Fitting/adjustment - Perfect bite balance
Follow-up - Monitor at hygiene visits
Does insurance cover night guards in Vancouver?
Yes! Most plans cover under:
Major restorative codes
TMJ appliances
Orthodontic benefits
Our team handles:
Pre-authorizations
Direct billing
Maximum reimbursement
How do I care for my custom night guard?
Daily (2 minutes):
Rinse cool water after use
Soft brush (no toothpaste)
Air dry completely
Store in vented case
Monthly: Bring to cleaning appointment
Replace every: 2-3 years or if worn through
Can night guards change my bite?
Temporary adaptation (1-2 nights):
Mild bite sensation change
Slight speech difference
Permanent changes RARE when:
Properly designed by Dr. Rosenczweig
Regularly monitored
Properly worn
When should I call my Kitsilano dentist about grinding?
Urgent signs:
Sudden tooth pain/cracks
Loose restorations
Jaw locking
Severe headaches
Schedule routine check if:
Mild soreness persists
Partner reports grinding
Teeth look worn
Call Now | Dentist Near Me Kitsilano
Can stress cause bruxism? How to reduce it?
Stress triggers 60% of cases. Try:
Immediate relief:
Night guard (primary protection)
Jaw relaxation exercises
Warm compresses
Long-term:
Meditation (30% reduction)
Magnesium supplements
Sleep hygiene
Limit caffeine PM
Is bruxism linked to sleep apnea?
Yes - 50% correlation. Common in:
Snoring partners
Daytime fatigue
BMI over 25
Ask us about: Sleep apnea screening during exam.
Ready for Bruxism Relief? Kitsilano Night Guards Work!
Don't wait for $5K+ repairs. Custom Kitsilano night guards from Accord Dental:
✅ Protect teeth + $20K dental work
✅ End morning headaches
✅ Improve sleep quality
✅ Often insurance covered
Serving Kitsilano & Vancouver West Side
Book Online
Call (604)731-3800