What happens if I don't get the night guard?
The short answer
For many people, nothing dramatic. But if grinding is already wearing or cracking your teeth, the damage usually keeps adding up slowly. Worn enamel doesn't grow back, and repairing worn or broken teeth later is a bigger job than protecting them now.
What can happen over time
- Nothing noticeable, for a while. Grinding damage builds slowly, over years.
- More wear. Teeth get flatter and shorter, and can become sensitive once the softer layer under the enamel shows.
- Chips and cracks, in teeth and in fillings, crowns, or veneers. A cracked tooth may need a crown, and sometimes a root canal. See Why do I need a crown?
- Sore jaw muscles or headaches, for some people.
Repairing worn teeth can be a big job, and some plans don't pay for fillings or crowns on teeth damaged by wear. See how plans handle worn teeth.
If you decide to wait
That's your choice. Ask your dentist to take photos or note the wear now so you can compare next time. If the wear is getting worse, or a tooth chips or starts to hurt when you bite, it's a good time to revisit the guard.
If cost is what's holding you back, ask whether a store-bought guard would be reasonable for now. See Can I just buy one at the store or online?
Some people find it helps to notice daytime clenching and relax the jaw: lips together, teeth apart.
Questions to ask
- How fast is the wear changing?
- Can you take photos now so we can compare at my next visit?
- Which teeth or dental work are most at risk?
- Before we schedule, can I get my cost in writing? (A predetermination if I'm using insurance, or a good faith estimate if I'm paying myself.)
When a second opinion makes sense
Reasonable if you're told it's urgent but have no symptoms and can't see any damage.