Do You Really Need a Night Guard for TMJ?
by Star City Dental“I Keep Hearing Pops in My Jaw—Do I Really Need a Night Guard?”
That Weird Click-Pop Sound: Why It Happens
If your jaw sounds like a popcorn machine every time you chew, yawn, or belt out a Husker fight song, you’re not alone.
Those clicks and pops usually come from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the tiny hinge connecting your jaw joint to your skull.
When the cushioning disc inside that joint slips, stiffens, or gets inflamed (thanks to teeth grinding, bite misalignment, past injuries, or even arthritis), it can create little sound effects you can feel.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, around 11–12 million adults in the U.S. have pain in the TMJ region.
TMJ disorders are twice as common in women, especially between the ages of 35 and 44.
Common TMJ Symptoms You Might Notice
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Clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth
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Facial pain or tenderness near your ears
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Jaw muscles feeling tight, tired, or sore
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Pain that spreads to the neck or shoulders
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Difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth
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TMJ discomfort that worsens after chewing or yawning
Quick Self-Check
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Do you wake up with sore jaw muscles or headaches?
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Has your partner mentioned hearing you grind your teeth at night?
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Does your jaw veer left or right when you open wide?
➡ If you silently answered “yes” at least once, keep reading.
Do Night Guards Help with TMJ?
The short answer: often, yes.
A properly fitted night guard can protect your teeth, reduce jaw strain, and even help calm inflammation in the temporomandibular joint.
Custom Night Guard vs. Drugstore Mouth Guard
At Star City Dental here in Lincoln, we 3-D scan your bite, mill a guard that fits like a glove, and adjust it chairside. Custom-fitted night guards aren’t the same as boil-and-bite store versions:
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Designed for your bite force—no bulky fit
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Positions the jaw in a more relaxed, centered state
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Made with high-quality, durable materials
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Can last years with proper care (and away from curious dogs!)
Signs You Might Need a Night Guard
You might benefit from a custom night guard if you have:
✔ Daily jaw clicking or popping
✔ Morning headaches
✔ Flat, chipped, or worn teeth from chronic teeth grinding
✔ Tenderness near your jaw joint
✔ Ongoing TMJ pain or facial muscle soreness
If two or more of these apply, a night guard isn’t just a preventive measure; it’s early treatment.
What a Custom Night Guard Feels Like
Most people adjust within a week. Patients often report:
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Less morning jaw soreness
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Reduced or eliminated headaches
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Fewer clicks and pops in the jaw
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Better sleep quality
Pro tip: keep it in the same case on your nightstand and rinse with cool water every morning.
Upper or Lower Teeth: Which Is Best?
Night guards can be made for your upper or lower teeth. The best choice depends on your bite, comfort, and your dentist’s recommendation.
Some patients prefer lower teeth guards because they feel less noticeable; others choose upper teeth guards for added protection.
Hard Night Guards vs. Soft Night Guards
For TMJ disorders and heavy grinders, we often recommend hard night guards. They provide stability for the jaw joint and resist wear better than softer versions. Soft guards may be used for lighter grinding, but aren’t as durable.
Beyond the Guard: Habits That Help with TMJ Pain
While a night guard protects your teeth, these habits can reduce TMJ discomfort:
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Place your tongue behind your front teeth and let your jaw hang slightly open to relax muscles
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Avoid chewing gum or eating very chewy foods during flare-ups
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Apply heat or ice packs for 10 minutes to stiff jaw muscles
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Maintain good posture—your jaw follows your neck position
At Star City Dental, we offer more than just guards. For severe cases, we may coordinate care with local physical therapists or discuss Botox® to relax overactive jaw muscles.
Sleep Apnea and Night Guards
Some people with sleep apnea may benefit from a special type of night guard (oral appliance therapy) that repositions the jaw to keep airways open. If you have both TMJ symptoms and sleep apnea, Dr. Mimi Long may customize your treatment for both.
Your First TMJ Visit at Star City Dental
Here’s what to expect:
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A 30-minute exam
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Digital imaging to assess your jaw joint
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A bite analysis to check for misalignment
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Discussion of TMJ symptoms and daily habits
If we see signs of disc displacement or heavy wear, we’ll show you the scan so you can see the problem firsthand. You can learn more about what to expect by visiting Star City’s website.
Insurance and Costs for Night Guards
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a custom night guard for TMJ treatment. Our treatment coordinator will check your insurance benefits and review all costs before you commit to your recommended treatment.
Ready to Give Your Jaw a Break?
Click the “Book My TMJ Check” button or call (402) 858-0525 to schedule a consultation right here in Lincoln. Let’s silence the pops and give your jaw—and your sleep—the break they deserve.
