Night Guards & TMJ Guards in Manhattan, NYC
Protecting Your Smile and Relieving Jaw Pain
Night guards and TMJ guards, also known as occlusal splints, are custom oral appliances worn over the teeth, usually while sleeping. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, these devices serve different purposes and functions. At my Park Avenue practice in Manhattan, I design advanced, custom-fit solutions for patients who suffer from tooth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Night Guards in NYC
A night guard is primarily a protective barrier designed to prevent damage from grinding and clenching.
- Function: Creates a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing biting force during sleep. While it doesn’t stop grinding or clenching itself, it prevents tooth wear, fractures, and restoration damage.
- Purpose: Shields your smile from enamel erosion, sensitivity, chips, and damage to porcelain veneers, crowns, or other dental work.
- Custom Fit: Made from precise impressions of your teeth for maximum comfort, durability, and effectiveness.
- Materials: Options include soft guards for light grinding, hard acrylic guards for severe cases, or dual-laminate designs that combine comfort with strength.
TMJ Guards & Occlusal Splints
A TMJ guard (occlusal splint) is more complex than a night guard. It is specifically designed to treat TMJ disorders by stabilizing the jaw joint and reducing muscle tension.
- Function: Supports and repositions the temporomandibular joint, helping to relax overworked muscles and promote proper alignment.
- Purpose: Treats the root cause of TMJ pain, reducing inflammation, relieving muscle spasms, and alleviating symptoms such as jaw clicking, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.
- Custom Design: Always crafted by a dental professional. A poor-fitting appliance, such as a generic over-the-counter guard, can actually worsen symptoms.
- Types:
- Stabilization splint – Covers all upper or lower teeth to prevent clenching and align the bite with the jaw joint.
- Repositioning splint – Moves the jaw into a healthier position, reducing stress on the joint and improving function.
The Dr. Pia Guard™ – A Revolutionary Approach
For patients who grind and clench, I have created my own signature design, the Dr. Pia Guard™. Unlike traditional night guards, this guard is engineered to gently reposition the lower jaw into a unique alignment that I have developed exclusively in my Manhattan practice.
This innovative design elongates the masticatory muscles, much like yoga or Pilates for the face. By stretching and supporting the jaw muscles, the guard helps them relax, stop contracting, and over time, significantly reduces or eliminates grinding. The added benefit is that it also supports facial muscles for a naturally lifted, youthful look.
The Dr. Pia Guard™ doesn’t just protect your teeth, it transforms the way your jaw functions and feels, delivering both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
FAQ: Night Guards & TMJ Guards in NYC
What is the difference between a night guard and a TMJ guard?
A night guard protects teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching, while a TMJ guard addresses the root cause of jaw pain, muscle tension, and misalignment.
Can I buy a night guard over the counter?
Over-the-counter guards exist, but they rarely fit well and can be uncomfortable, or even make TMJ symptoms worse. A custom-fit guard from a dentist ensures comfort, durability, and effectiveness.
How long does a custom night guard or TMJ guard last?
With proper care, a high-quality custom guard can last anywhere from 3–5 years or longer, depending on the severity of grinding and clenching habits.
Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?
No. A night guard does not stop the grinding itself, it cushions and protects your teeth from the damaging effects. However, advanced designs like my Dr. Pia Guard™ can help reduce grinding over time by training muscles to relax.
Will wearing a TMJ splint help with headaches and facial pain?
Yes. Many patients experience relief from chronic headaches, jaw soreness, ear pain, and facial tension once the TMJ joint and muscles are properly supported with a custom splint.
Is the Dr. Pia Guard™ different from a standard night guard?
Absolutely. My design uniquely elongates and relaxes the jaw muscles, working almost like yoga or Pilates for your face. This reduces grinding, supports facial structure, and improves overall comfort.
Discover the difference a custom guard can make at my Park Avenue practice in Manhattan, New York City. Schedule your consultation today at www.doctorpia.com.