Night Guards and Veneers: Protect Your Smile in Your Sleep

Night grinding, called bruxism, is the number one reason porcelain veneers chip. It happens while you sleep, with bite forces far beyond normal chewing, and most grinders have no idea they do it. A custom night guard is the cheapest insurance a veneer smile can buy.

Why grinding beats porcelain

Bonded porcelain handles everyday eating easily, but grinding concentrates force edge to edge for hours. Over months that fatigue can chip incisal edges or stress the bond. A guard separates the surfaces so the force never reaches the ceramic.

Custom guard vs drugstore guard

• Custom night guard: made from impressions of your veneers, thin, retentive, and balanced for your bite. This is what we recommend for every veneer patient who grinds.
• Boil-and-bite guards: bulky, loose, and uneven. Some actually concentrate force on single teeth, which is worse than nothing for porcelain.

How to tell if you grind

• Morning jaw tightness, headaches, or tooth sensitivity
• A partner hears grinding sounds at night
• Flattened or chipped edges on natural teeth
• Your dentist spots wear facets at checkups

We screen every veneer patient for bruxism during the smile design process, and a guard is part of the plan when needed.

FAQ

Do all veneer patients need a night guard?
No, only confirmed or suspected grinders. Daily care basics are covered in our veneer care guide.

What if I already chipped a veneer grinding?
Small chips can often be repaired; see what to do when a veneer fails and get a guard before the replacement goes in.

How long does a custom guard last?
Usually 2 to 5 years depending on grinding intensity; we check it at every cleaning.

Protect the investment while you sleep

Make an appointment with Dr. Savage for a bite check and a guard made to fit your porcelain perfectly.

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