You Are Destroying Your Teeth Eight Hours a Night — and You Do Not Even Know It
Bruxism — the habitual grinding and clenching of teeth during sleep — generates forces of 500 to 800 pounds per square inch on the biting surfaces of your teeth. That is four to six times the force of normal chewing. Night after night, these forces wear down enamel, fracture cusps, crack existing restorations, loosen dental implants, and overload the temporomandibular joints. Most patients are completely unaware of the damage until a molar splits down the middle, a crown fractures, or they wake up with jaw pain that will not go away. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, our team designs custom occlusal guards — commonly called night guards — that intercept these destructive forces before they reach your teeth and jaw joints. This is not a generic boil-and-bite mouthpiece from a drugstore. This is a precision prosthetic appliance fabricated to the specific geometry of your bite.
The design of a night guard matters enormously — and this is where most over-the-counter and even many dentist-made guards fail. A guard that is too thick changes the vertical dimension excessively, triggering the masticatory muscles to bite harder rather than relaxing them. A guard that does not provide even, simultaneous contacts across all posterior teeth creates interferences that can exacerbate TMJ symptoms. A soft guard made of pliable EVA material actually increases clenching activity in many patients because the compressible surface triggers a chewing reflex. Our team prescribes hard acrylic flat-plane stabilization splints for most bruxism patients — the design with the strongest evidence base. The flat occlusal surface allows the mandible to slide freely without catching on cusps, and the even bilateral contacts distribute force across the entire arch rather than concentrating it on a few teeth.
Every night guard begins with precise impressions or digital scans and a facebow record to mount the models in correct jaw relationship. The laboratory fabricates the guard in hard PMMA acrylic with a minimum thickness of 1.5 to 2 millimeters on the occlusal surface. At the delivery appointment, our team adjusts the contacts meticulously — every posterior tooth must contact the guard simultaneously in centric closure, and a canine guidance ramp must disocclude the posteriors during lateral excursions. This adjustment protocol takes 20 to 30 minutes and requires articulating paper at multiple thicknesses. A guard that is handed over without this adjustment is a piece of plastic sitting in your mouth; a properly adjusted guard is a therapeutic appliance that reduces muscle hyperactivity, protects tooth structure, and stabilizes the TMJ condyle in a physiologic position.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite B, in Beaverton, Or Oregon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to our dentists for their experience and predictable results.
We handle the complex phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Office hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM (Thu & Fri until 6 PM), Sat 8 AM–2 PM
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Adapting to Your Custom Night Guard
Most patients adjust to wearing a night guard within one to two weeks. Here is what to expect during the adaptation period.
Nights 1 to 3
The guard may feel bulky or unfamiliar at first. Mild increased salivation is normal as your mouth adapts to the new object. Some patients remove the guard unconsciously during sleep the first few nights — this is common and resolves with consistent use. Wear it every night from the start to establish the habit quickly.
Week 1 to 2
By the end of the first week, most patients wear the guard through the entire night comfortably. You may notice that your jaw feels more relaxed upon waking. If any teeth feel sore or the bite feels off when you remove the guard in the morning, call us — the contacts may need fine-tuning at a follow-up adjustment.
Ongoing Use
Wear the guard every night consistently. Clean it each morning with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Bring it to every dental appointment so our team can inspect it for wear patterns and adjust if needed. A well-made hard acrylic guard lasts three to five years with proper care. Heavy grinders may need replacement sooner as the acrylic wears through.
Questions about your night guard? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for adjustments and concerns.
Occlusal Splint Therapy: Neuromuscular Evidence and TMJ Protection
The therapeutic mechanism of occlusal splints extends beyond simple mechanical barrier protection. Electromyographic (EMG) studies published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation demonstrate that properly adjusted flat-plane stabilization splints reduce masseter and temporalis muscle activity during sleep by 40 to 70 percent compared to no splint — a reduction attributed to the elimination of occlusal interferences and the establishment of a stable, reproducible jaw position. A systematic review in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry analyzing 18 randomized controlled trials confirmed that hard stabilization splints produce statistically significant reductions in both bruxism intensity and TMJ pain scores, while soft splints showed no consistent benefit and increased EMG activity in some subjects. The flat-plane design with canine guidance is the most extensively studied splint configuration: research demonstrates that canine disclusion of the posterior teeth during lateral excursions reduces masseter activity by an additional 30 percent compared to group function occlusal schemes, because the periodontal mechanoreceptors around the canine root have the lowest threshold for inhibitory reflexes in the trigeminal system. Regarding tooth protection, finite element analysis published in Dental Materials shows that a 2-millimeter hard acrylic splint distributes occlusal loads across the entire arch, reducing peak stress on individual teeth by 60 to 80 percent — preventing the fatigue fractures that are the primary mode of failure in bruxism patients.
Why Choose ADSC?
Dr. Merat Ostovar is an experienced general dentist with advanced training in implant and restorative dentistry, including occlusal analysis, TMJ biomechanics, and the design of therapeutic splints for bruxism and temporomandibular disorders. Restoring function predictably takes careful planning, precise technique, and attention to how the teeth, muscles, and jaw joints interact as a functional system. Dr. Ostovar uses facebow records and semi-adjustable articulators to design every night guard with the same precision he applies to his crown and bridge work. The occlusal contacts are adjusted under direct visualization with articulating paper at 40-micron and 200-micron thicknesses, ensuring simultaneous bilateral contacts in centric and smooth canine guidance in excursions. This adjustment protocol is what transforms a piece of acrylic into a therapeutic device. A night guard prescribed without this level of occlusal adjustment may inadvertently create interferences that worsen TMJ symptoms rather than alleviating them.
Your Night Guard Occlusal Guard Therapy Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive night guard occlusal guard therapy evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Our experienced dental team discusses your night guard occlusal guard therapy options, timeline, and costs. We use advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols across general dentistry, endodontics, and pediatric care.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our team at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM (until 6 PM Thursday and Friday), Saturday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
A Note from Your Dental Team
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from night guard occlusal guard therapy are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Every patient I see has a different story, a different set of concerns, and a different definition of what ‘success’ looks like. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. When you come in for a consultation, I’ll listen first, examine second, and recommend third.
I also won’t recommend a procedure you don’t need. If your tooth can be saved with a filling instead of a crown, I’ll tell you that. If watchful waiting is appropriate, I’ll explain why. My job isn’t to sell treatment — it’s to give you my honest clinical judgment so you can make an informed decision.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, or if you’ve been told you need this procedure by another dentist and want a second opinion, call us at (503) 822-0096. We’re happy to take the time to explain everything — no rush, no pressure.”
— Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
Are You a Candidate for Night Guard Occlusal Guard Therapy?
Most patients in good general health are candidates for night guard occlusal guard therapy. However, certain factors may affect your eligibility or require modifications to the treatment plan:
- Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or blood-thinning medications may require coordination with your physician before treatment.
- Bone quality: For night guard occlusal guard therapy involving the jawbone, adequate bone density is essential. A CBCT 3D scan during your consultation determines this precisely.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly impairs healing. We strongly recommend quitting 2-4 weeks before and after any surgical procedure.
- Age: There is generally no upper age limit. What matters is your overall health, not your age. We have successfully treated patients in their 80s and 90s.
The only way to know for certain is a consultation with our team. Call (503) 822-0096 to schedule your evaluation — we’ll tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for your situation.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
A night guard — also called an occlusal splint or bite guard — is a custom-made hard acrylic appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth during sleep. It creates a smooth, flat biting surface that separates the upper and lower teeth, preventing direct enamel-to-enamel grinding. It also distributes clenching forces across the entire arch rather than concentrating them on individual teeth, and it positions the jaw in a relaxed, physiologic position that reduces muscle strain and TMJ loading.
Custom night guards from ADSC are fabricated from precise dental impressions — they fit exactly, stay in place all night, and distribute bite forces evenly. Over-the-counter “boil and bite” guards are bulky, ill-fitting, and can actually worsen TMJ symptoms by shifting your jaw into an unnatural position. A poorly fitting guard is worse than no guard at all.
A hard night guard is made of rigid PMMA acrylic and provides a stable, flat occlusal platform that reduces muscle activity and protects teeth. A soft guard is made of flexible EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) that compresses under biting forces. Clinical research consistently shows that hard guards reduce bruxism activity while soft guards can actually increase clenching — the compressible surface triggers a chewing reflex. Our team prescribes hard stabilization splints for the vast majority of bruxism patients for this reason.
Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are made of soft, pliable material that does not effectively reduce bruxism forces and can increase clenching activity. They do not fit precisely, which means they can shift during sleep, create uneven contacts that exacerbate TMJ problems, and even alter your bite over time with prolonged use. A custom-fabricated hard acrylic guard from an experienced dentist is a therapeutic device — an OTC guard is a temporary barrier at best and a potential source of new problems at worst.
A custom hard acrylic night guard fabricated by an experienced dentist typically costs $500 to $900, which includes the impressions, laboratory fabrication, delivery, and all adjustment appointments. This is significantly more than a drugstore guard but dramatically less expensive than the dental work it prevents. A single cracked molar requiring a crown costs $1,200 to $1,800 — the guard pays for itself the first time it prevents a fracture. Many dental insurance plans cover occlusal guards partially or fully.
A night guard manages bruxism — it does not cure it. Bruxism is a centrally mediated habit, often associated with stress, sleep disorders, and certain medications. The guard protects your teeth and joints from the effects of bruxism while the underlying causes are addressed through stress management, sleep evaluation, or medication adjustments. Most bruxism patients wear a night guard indefinitely as a protective measure, similar to how glasses correct vision without curing the underlying refractive error.
Yes. A properly adjusted stabilization splint is one of the first-line treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). By eliminating occlusal interferences and positioning the condyle in a stable, unloaded position, the guard reduces the muscle hyperactivity and joint compression that contribute to TMJ pain, clicking, and limited opening. Published research shows that hard stabilization splints significantly reduce TMJ pain scores compared to no treatment or soft splints.
Our team typically fabricates upper-arch guards because the maxillary arch provides a larger surface area for force distribution and better retention due to the palatal coverage. However, lower-arch guards may be prescribed for patients with specific TMJ conditions, for those who find upper guards uncomfortable, or for patients with significant upper dental work where a lower guard would be more protective. The choice is made on a case-by-case basis.
A hard acrylic night guard typically lasts three to five years with nightly use. Severe grinders may wear through the acrylic surface faster and need replacement every two to three years. Our team inspects the guard at regular dental visits for wear patterns, cracks, or loss of occlusal contacts — and recommends replacement before the guard loses its therapeutic function. The wear patterns also provide diagnostic information about how your bruxism habits may be changing.
Rinse the guard with cool water and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush each morning after removal. Do not use toothpaste — the abrasives can scratch the acrylic surface, creating areas where bacteria accumulate. A weekly soak in a denture cleaning solution or a dilute white vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water for 15 minutes) keeps it fresh. Store the guard in its ventilated case during the day. Never expose it to hot water or leave it in direct sunlight, as heat can warp the acrylic.
Many dental insurance plans cover occlusal guards, typically at 50 to 80 percent after deductible. The procedure is billed under CDT code D9944 (occlusal guard — hard appliance, full arch). Some plans limit coverage to one guard every three to five years. Our insurance team verifies your specific coverage before fabrication and submits documentation supporting clinical necessity. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for any out-of-pocket balance.
Yes to crowns and implants — in fact, a night guard is especially important for protecting expensive restorations and implants from bruxism forces. The guard is designed to accommodate existing dental work. For patients with braces, a modified soft guard may be used during orthodontic treatment, with a definitive hard guard fabricated after treatment is complete. If you are considering dental implants or crowns, our team may recommend a night guard as part of the treatment plan to protect the investment.
Bruxism is multifactorial. The primary drivers include psychological stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances (particularly sleep apnea), certain medications (SSRIs, stimulants), alcohol and caffeine consumption, and malocclusion. Most sleep bruxism is centrally regulated by the brain’s arousal system and is not under conscious control. This is why behavioral modification alone rarely eliminates it — and why a protective night guard is considered a long-term management strategy rather than a temporary fix.
Two appointments. The first takes about 20 to 30 minutes for impressions or digital scans and a bite record. The second, approximately one to two weeks later, takes 30 to 45 minutes for delivery, fit verification, and meticulous occlusal adjustment. A follow-up adjustment visit may be scheduled one to two weeks after delivery to fine-tune the contacts based on your initial wearing experience.
A properly designed and adjusted hard stabilization splint should not permanently alter your bite. However, poorly made over-the-counter guards or improperly adjusted appliances can cause bite changes over months or years of wear — teeth can shift when uneven forces are applied consistently. This is one of the most important reasons to have your night guard made and regularly adjusted by an experienced dentist. Our team checks your bite with and without the guard at follow-up appointments to ensure no unwanted orthodontic effects are occurring.