Protecting your teeth while you sleep is a great way to keep your smile healthy. If you grind your teeth, having high-quality nightguards in Phoenix can stop you from wearing down your enamel or hurting your jaw.
However, these guards do not last forever. Knowing when to get a new one makes sure your teeth stay safe and you get a good night’s rest
By staying ahead of the wear and tear, you can avoid pain and expensive dental bills later on.
What Are Signs Your Nightguard Is Worn Out?
Even the strongest plastic will start to break down after months of use.
If you are wondering what are signs your nightguard is worn out?, start by looking for small cracks or little holes on the surface. You might also notice the material feels very thin or has turned a yellow color that you can’t wash away.
If your jaw starts to feel sore again in the morning or if the guard feels loose in your mouth, it is definitely time to get a new one.
- Cracks and Chips: Small breaks can hide germs and scratch your gums.
- Thin Spots: If the plastic is too thin, it can’t protect your teeth from grinding.
- Loose Fit: A guard that slips around can actually move your teeth the wrong way.
- Bad Smells: If it smells even after cleaning, the plastic may be holding onto bacteria.
How Often Should A Nightguard Be Replaced?
Most people want to know how long their guard will stay in good shape. When asking how often should a nightguard be replaced?, the answer is usually every six months to three years.
It really depends on how hard you grind your teeth. A professional guard from a clinic lasts much longer than a cheap one from a store.
If you grind very hard every single night, you will likely need a fresh one sooner than someone who only grinds once in a while.
Why Seeing A Specialist Is Important For Your Bite?
Getting a custom fit is the best way to keep your jaw in a healthy position while you sleep. Visiting an orthodontist in Phoenix, AZ, lets you get a guard that is made just for your teeth.
Unlike the “one size fits all” types, a custom guard won’t mess with any work you’ve had done to straighten your teeth. This expert help ensures the guard is doing its job without causing any new problems for your jaw or muscles.
Finding Great Care Close To Home
It is much easier to take care of your teeth when your clinic is nearby. By looking for nightguards near you, you can find a team that can fix your guard if it feels a little tight.
Local experts can also give your guard a deep cleaning with special tools you don’t have at home. Regular check-ups make sure your guard still fits perfectly and isn’t letting your teeth shift out of place.
Is It Time For A New One?
Use this table to see if your current guard is still good or if it belongs in the trash.
| What to Look For | Still Good | Needs Replacing |
| Surface | Smooth and solid | Cracked, rough, or chalky |
| Thickness | Strong all over | Has holes or very thin spots |
| Color | Clear or white | Dark yellow or brown |
| How it Fits | Snug and stays put | Falls out or feels too loose |
| How You Feel | No jaw pain | Waking up with a headache |
The Risk Of Using A Broken Guard
Using a guard that is too old can sometimes be worse than using nothing at all.
When the plastic gets thin in some spots but not others, it can make you bite at a crooked angle. This can lead to long-term jaw pain. Also, germs love to hide in the tiny cracks of old plastic.
These germs can cause gum problems or even cavities if the guard isn’t clean. Getting a new guard on time is the best way to keep your whole mouth healthy.
How To Make Your Guard Last Longer?
- Brush Every Day: Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean it every morning.
- Let it Dry: Always let your guard dry out before putting it in its case.
- Keep it Cool: Never use hot water, as it can melt or warp the plastic.
- Weekly Soak: Use a denture cleaner once a week to kill hidden germs.
- Safe Storage: Keep it in a case away from pets, who love to chew on them!
Why A Custom Fit Is Better Than A Store-Bought One
Many people try the “boil and bite” guards from the drug store, but those usually wear out in a few weeks.
Custom guards are made from a 3D picture or a mold of your actual teeth. This means they fit every bump and groove perfectly. Because they fit so well, they are much thinner and more comfortable to wear.
Since they feel better, you are more likely to wear them every night, which is the only way to save your teeth.
Keep Your Smile Safe With Expert Care
Your teeth are too important to use an old or poorly fitting guard. At E&S Orthodontics, we make custom guards that keep your teeth safe and your jaw happy.
Our team is here to check your current guard and get you a new one that fits your life. We want to help you wake up feeling great every single morning.
Call us right now to book your visit, reach out today and let us help you protect your smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my guard if it has a tiny crack?
It is better to get a new one right away. Even a small crack can pinch your tongue or cheek. More importantly, those cracks are perfect hiding spots for bacteria that you can’t scrub away, which can make the guard smell bad and irritate your gums.
What happens if I stop wearing it for a few days?
If you are a heavy grinder, going even one or two nights without it can lead to a chipped tooth or a very sore jaw. We suggest ordering your new guard as soon as you see any wear, so you never have to sleep without it.
Does insurance help pay for a new one?
Many insurance plans will pay for a new guard every year or two. Our team can help you look at your plan to see when you can get a fresh, custom-made guard at a lower cost.
Why did my guard change color?
This usually happens because of minerals in your spit or if the guard isn’t cleaned right after you wake up. While a little staining happens, a very dark or cloudy guard means the plastic is breaking down, and it is time for a new one.
