Night Guards & Mouthguards

Most people who grind their teeth at night have no idea it’s happening until the damage is already done. Worn enamel, cracked teeth, chronic jaw pain, and morning headaches are often the first signs of a condition known as bruxism, and by the time these symptoms appear, years of unprotected grinding may already have taken a toll on your smile. If left unaddressed, the effects of teeth grinding and clenching can quietly compromise even a perfectly healthy mouth.

At Pine Glen Dental Group in Peoria, IL, we take a thorough, preventive approach to protecting your smile before small problems become costly ones. As part of our preventive dental program, we offer custom-fitted night guards and mouthguards designed to shield your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding, clenching, and contact sport impacts. Dr. Lori Rice and Dr. Jacey Thelen have served the Peoria community for more than two decades, continuing a practice tradition built on careful, patient-centered care.

What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Matter?

Teeth grinding, clinically called bruxism, is more common than most people realize. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, many cases are mild, but severe bruxism can lead to damaged teeth, jaw pain or tiredness, and headaches, and it may occur during sleep without the person ever knowing. Because bruxism often happens unconsciously, many patients don’t discover the problem until their dentist spots the telltale signs of wear during a routine exam.

The Long-Term Consequences of Untreated Grinding

What starts as mild enamel wear can escalate into significant structural damage over time. Repeated pressure from grinding puts stress on your teeth, your jaw joints, and the surrounding muscles. Patients who grind without protection frequently end up needing more involved restorative work, including dental crowns and caps to repair teeth that have been worn down, fractured, or lost structural integrity. Catching bruxism early and protecting against it with a properly fitted night guard is one of the most effective ways to preserve your natural teeth for the long term.

How a Custom Night Guard Works

Over-the-counter mouth guards from the pharmacy may seem convenient, but they come with real limitations. According to the American Dental Association, custom-fabricated mouthguards provide an optimal fit, adaptability, and effectiveness, though they require a dental visit for fitting. Generic guards are made from soft, pliable materials that wear down quickly and rarely fit the way your mouth actually needs them to. A guard that doesn’t fit well won’t stay in place while you sleep, and it won’t distribute bite pressure evenly, which means it provides only partial protection at best.

What Sets a Custom-Fitted Guard Apart

A night guard from Pine Glen Dental Group is fabricated specifically for your bite. During your comprehensive oral exam, our team will evaluate the degree of wear on your teeth, assess your jaw function, and take precise impressions used to create a guard that fits your mouth exactly. The result is a durable, low-profile appliance that holds its shape through months of nightly wear, keeps your teeth in proper alignment, and allows your jaw muscles to relax rather than strain. For patients with significant wear, we may also discuss whether a ceramic crown would be the appropriate next step to restore a tooth that has already been damaged.

Sports Mouthguards for Active Patients

Night guards and sports mouthguards serve different purposes, but both are essential forms of dental protection. An athletic mouthguard cushions the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw against the kind of sudden impact that can knock out or fracture a tooth during contact sports. Whether you have a child who plays hockey, football, or basketball, or you’re an adult recreational athlete, a custom sports guard from your dentist offers significantly better protection and comfort than a boil-and-bite alternative.

At Pine Glen Dental Group, we fit patients of all ages for athletic guards as part of our commitment to comprehensive, whole-family dental care. Custom guards stay securely in place, allow for normal breathing and communication, and are far less likely to interfere with performance than bulky over-the-counter options. Protecting your smile on the field is just as important as protecting it while you sleep.

Why Choose Pine Glen Dental Group for Your Night Guard

Choosing a dentist for protective appliances isn’t just about the appliance itself. It’s about the quality of the evaluation behind it. Dr. Lori Rice, who graduated top of her class from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, and Dr. Jacey Thelen, a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native who joined the practice in 2026, bring a meticulous eye to every patient interaction, which means your guard will be crafted based on a precise understanding of your bite, your wear patterns, and your individual risk factors.

Pine Glen Dental Group holds a BBB A+ rating and has earned a 4.7-star Google rating, along with recognition as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 through 2024. Patients choose this practice because they trust the level of care they receive.

Schedule Your Night Guard Consultation at Pine Glen Dental Group

Dr. Lori Rice, Dr. Jacey Thelen, and the Pine Glen Dental Group team are here to help you protect your smile from the inside out. Whether you’ve been told you grind your teeth, you’re waking up with jaw pain, or you simply want to be proactive about your oral health, a custom night guard or mouthguard may be exactly what your smile needs.

We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. To get started, contact our office and schedule your appointment today. We look forward to helping you preserve your teeth for years to come.