Many patients search for answers when they experience jaw pain, frequent headaches, or teeth grinding at night. Mouthguards and night guards are often the first solutions people hear about, but they are only part of the picture.

At our dental office in Moore County, NC, our team helps patients in Aberdeen understand when guards can help and when a more comprehensive approach is needed for lasting relief.

When Night Guards Help—and When They Don’t

Night guards are often recommended to protect the teeth from damage caused by clenching and grinding. While they can reduce wear on enamel, they are not always enough to address the root causes of jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Dr. Mandy Grimshaw emphasizes that TMJ symptoms can stem from multiple factors, including stress, bite misalignment, posture, and airway problems. A thorough evaluation is essential before deciding whether a night guard is the right solution.

What Night Guards and Mouthguards Actually Do

Night guards and mouthguards create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. Their primary purpose is to:

  • Prevent tooth wear caused by grinding
  • Reduce pressure on enamel and restorations
  • Provide a cushion for clenching forces

These devices do not stop the muscles from clenching. Instead, they limit the damage caused by the activity. Some patients find symptom relief, while others require additional therapies to address the underlying cause. In either case, these appliances play an important role in general dentistry and maintaining overall oral health.

When a Guard Isn’t Enough

Although night guards can help in many cases, they may not be sufficient for patients whose TMJ pain is driven by other issues. For example, if airway obstruction contributes to clenching or acid reflux and posture plays a role, a guard will not address those triggers.

A comprehensive evaluation and TMJ treatment in Moore County provides more lasting relief in these cases.

Over-the-Counter vs. Custom: Fit and Comfort Considerations

Patients can purchase over-the-counter mouthguards at most drugstores. These “boil-and-bite” devices are affordable, but they often lack a precise fit. Poorly fitting guards can:

  • Feel bulky and uncomfortable
  • Cause bite changes over time
  • Fail to protect teeth effectively
  • Even worsen symptoms in some cases

Custom guards created at Kuhn Dental Associates are made to fit your bite accurately. They are thinner, more comfortable, and safer to wear long-term.

Comprehensive TMJ Treatment Options at Kuhn Dental Associates

Because every patient’s jaw pain differs, our team begins with diagnosis before recommending treatment. We focus on conservative, reversible therapies first. This approach ensures you receive care that targets the actual cause of your symptoms, not just the effects.

Our TMJ treatment in Moore County is designed to provide long-term relief while protecting your teeth and improving jaw function.

Evidence-Based, Conservative Therapies We May Recommend

When a guard is not enough, we may suggest one or more of the following solutions:

  • Custom oral appliances or orthotics that gently reposition the jaw
  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy to relax muscles
  • Physical therapy or guided exercises to improve function
  • Bite adjustments or restorative dentistry to improve balance
  • Stress management strategies to reduce tension-related clenching
  • Airway or sleep evaluations if nighttime breathing issues are suspected

In many cases, patients notice the best results when a combination of therapies addresses both the symptoms and the causes.

What to Expect at Your Visit in Moore County

Beginning TMJ treatment can feel overwhelming, but our team makes the process clear and supportive. From your first consultation, we walk you through every step.

Diagnosis and Technology

Your evaluation starts with a detailed review of your medical and dental history. We examine your jaw movement, bite, and muscle function. When needed, advanced diagnostics such as the K7 evaluation system and TENS therapy help us measure and relax muscle activity before creating a treatment plan.

This precise process allows us to see how your jaw moves and identify the best way to stabilize it.

Personalized Treatment Plan and Follow-Up

Once we gather the necessary information, we design a customized plan. That may include fitting a custom guard, creating a more advanced appliance, or recommending additional therapies.

Follow-up visits allow us to make adjustments and track your progress. Many patients notice improvements within weeks to months, with continued progress as the jaw adapts.

FAQs: TMJ, Night Guards, and Mouthguards

These frequently asked questions provide quick answers about TMJ symptoms, guards, and treatment.

Night guards can protect your teeth and reduce strain, but do not cure TMJ disorder. They may relieve some symptoms, but the underlying cause often requires a more comprehensive TMJ treatment.

Yes, if it does not fit properly. Over-the-counter guards or poorly made devices can change your bite, cause new discomfort, or even mask symptoms that need professional attention.

Store-bought guards may help in the short term, but they rarely provide the fit or durability of a custom-made device. A professional evaluation is the safest choice for patients with persistent jaw pain.

Many factors, including teeth grinding and sleep-disordered breathing, can cause jaw pain. An airway concern may be involved if you also snore or feel fatigued. Our team may recommend evaluating sleep apnea to rule out airway-related causes.

Every patient is different, but many begin noticing improvement within weeks of starting therapy. Long-term stability often develops over several months of follow-up and appliance use.

Coverage varies widely between dental and medical plans. Our office team helps patients verify their benefits and provides the paperwork needed to submit claims. You can contact us directly with insurance questions.

Yes. Night guard designs can be adapted to work alongside orthodontics, retainers, or restorations. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your treatment and bite.

Schedule a consultation if you experience chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, tooth wear, jaw locking, or ear-related symptoms. Persistent issues rarely resolve on their own and may worsen without care.

Why Choose Kuhn Dental Associates for TMJ Care

Patients in Moore County trust Kuhn Dental Associates because of our comprehensive approach to jaw health. Dr. Mandy Grimshaw takes time to listen, diagnose carefully, and recommend conservative treatments tailored to each patient.

Combining experience with advanced technology, we help patients protect their teeth, reduce discomfort, and restore confidence in daily function. Whether you need a simple guard or a more complete plan, our team is here to guide you.

Start Your TMJ Relief Plan

TMJ pain can affect every part of your life, from eating to sleeping comfortably. At Kuhn Dental Associates in Aberdeen, NC, we offer effective solutions ranging from custom night guards to comprehensive care plans.

Call us at (910) 692-4450 to take the first step toward lasting relief.