audit_keyword: night guards hillsboro
Custom Night Guards in Hillsboro — Stop the Damage from Grinding and Clenching
If you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches behind your temples, sensitive teeth, or a clicking jaw — you are likely grinding or clenching your teeth at night. A custom night guard, fitted by Dr. Merat Ostovar at East Wind Dental Care, protects your teeth, reduces jaw pain, and is the most effective non-surgical treatment for bruxism. Cost runs $400 to $700 for a fully custom guard. Call (503) 614-0198 to schedule your fitting.
Waking Up with Jaw Pain or Headaches?
A custom night guard is fitted in two visits and can transform how you feel each morning. Book your evaluation.
Key Facts: Custom Night Guards at East Wind Dental Care
- What it is: A custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and clenching
- Who needs it: Patients with bruxism, TMJ disorder, chronic jaw pain, morning headaches, or visible tooth wear from grinding
- Custom vs. store-bought: Custom guards are lab-fabricated from precise impressions for superior fit, comfort, and durability — store-bought guards are one-size-fits-all and often cause gagging or fall out during sleep
- How long it takes: Two appointments — first visit for impressions/scans, second visit for delivery and fit adjustment (1 to 2 weeks apart)
- Material options: Soft acrylic (mild grinders), dual-laminate (moderate grinders), hard acrylic (severe bruxism and heavy clenchers)
- Lifespan: 3 to 7 years with proper care — clean daily with toothbrush and store in ventilated case
- Cost: $400 to $700 for a fully custom guard fabricated by a certified dental lab
- Insurance coverage: Often covered under major restorative services at 50–80% if medically necessary — we verify benefits before treatment
- Symptoms it treats: Jaw pain, morning headaches, tooth sensitivity, worn enamel, cracked teeth, and clicking/popping TMJ joints
- Performed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD — Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry with 15+ years of experience treating bruxism and TMJ disorders
- VIP Membership: Members save 15% on all treatment including night guards — see /membership/
- Office Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8am–5pm, Tue 7am–6pm, Thu 7am–5pm, Sat 7am–Noon, Sun Closed
- Phone: (503) 614-0198
- Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
What Is Bruxism — and Why Does It Matter?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, usually during sleep when you cannot consciously stop it. The Academy of General Dentistry reports that bruxism affects an estimated 10 to 15 percent of adults and is one of the leading non-decay causes of tooth damage seen in general dental practice.
Left untreated, bruxism causes:
- Worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Cracked or fractured teeth (often requiring crowns or extractions)
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure
- Loose teeth from chronic excessive force
- Jaw muscle pain, tightness, or fatigue
- TMJ disorder — clicking, popping, locked jaw
- Tension headaches, especially in the morning around the temples
- Earaches and facial pain
- Disrupted sleep for you and your bed partner
- Worn or flattened tooth surfaces visible at exams
- Jaw soreness or stiffness in the morning
- Frequent tension-type headaches around the temples
- Tooth sensitivity that has gotten worse over time
- A clicking, popping, or locked jaw — see our TMJ/TMD page for related treatment
- A bed partner who has heard you grinding at night
- Chipped or fractured teeth or crowns without obvious trauma
- Anxiety, stress, or sleep disruption
- Visit 1 — evaluation and impressions/scan (about 30 minutes). Dr. Ostovar reviews your symptoms, examines your teeth for wear patterns, checks your TMJ for tenderness or clicking, and either takes traditional impressions or a digital scan with our intraoral scanner. The scan or impression goes to a dental lab.
- Lab fabrication (1 to 2 weeks). The lab fabricates your custom guard from the scan in your chosen material — soft, dual-laminate, or hard acrylic.
- Visit 2 — delivery and adjustment (about 30 minutes). Dr. Ostovar checks the fit, makes any small adjustments to balance the bite, and shows you how to insert, remove, and clean it. You wear it home that night.
- Reduce the load on the temporomandibular joint
- Stop the cycle of muscle hyperactivity at night
- Allow inflamed jaw joints time to heal
- Reduce morning headaches and ear pain
- Soft guard: $400 to $500
- Dual-laminate guard: $500 to $650
- Hard acrylic guard: $550 to $700
- Rinse with cool water after each use (never hot — heat warps the material)
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste — no harsh whitening pastes
- Store dry, in the protective case — bacteria love damp containers
- Bring it to your six-month cleaning visits — we ultrasonic-clean it and check for wear
- Replace when worn — visible thinning, cracks, holes, or a loose fit means it is time
- Hillsboro and the NE Cornell Road corridor
- Orenco Station and the MAX Blue Line area
- Tanasbourne and the Streets of Tanasbourne
- Aloha and the TV Highway corridor
- Beaverton and Cedar Hills
- South Hillsboro and Reed’s Crossing
- Rock Creek and AmberGlen
- Cornelius and Forest Grove
- Intel employees at Ronler Acres and Jones Farm campuses
- TMJ/TMD Treatment — TMJ and jaw pain treatment
- Sleep Apnea Treatment — Sleep apnea oral appliance therapy
- Dental Exams — Routine exams that screen for grinding wear
- Crowns & Bridges — Repairing teeth damaged by grinding
- Cosmetic Dentistry — Cosmetic restoration after grinding wear
- Preventive Care — Preventive care program
- Custom Night Guards in Hillsboro: Cost, Types, and Benefits
- TMJ Symptoms and Treatment Options
- TMJ Pain or Migraine — How to Tell the Difference
A custom night guard does not cure bruxism, but it absorbs the grinding force so your teeth and jaw joint do not take the damage night after night.
How Do I Know If I Need a Night Guard?
You may be a candidate if you have:
Dr. Ostovar checks for bruxism signs at every recall exam — sometimes patients have no symptoms but show clear wear patterns on their teeth, which is also a reason to consider a guard.
What Types of Night Guards Are Available?
Three main types, each suited to a different grinding intensity:
Soft Night Guards
Made from a flexible, cushioned material. Comfortable for first-time users and patients with mild grinding. Best for: light grinders, anxious patients adjusting to wearing something at night.
Tradeoff: softer material wears out faster (often 1 to 2 years) and can encourage more grinding in heavy bruxers because the muscles “chew” against it.
Dual-Laminate Night Guards
Soft inner layer for comfort against the teeth, hard outer layer for durability and protection. The most commonly recommended option for moderate grinding.
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years with proper care. Strong protection without the rigid feel of a fully hard guard.
Hard Acrylic Night Guards
Rigid, polished acrylic. Most durable and protective option — recommended for severe bruxers and patients with TMJ symptoms.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years. Offers a precise occlusal surface that helps balance the bite and reduce muscle strain. This is often the right choice for patients with chronic jaw pain.
Dr. Ostovar matches the type to your grinding severity, jaw symptoms, and personal preference. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Why Are Custom Night Guards Better Than Over-the-Counter (OTC) Versions?
The drugstore “boil-and-bite” guard at $20 to $50 is tempting, but it is not the same product. Here is the honest comparison:
| Factor | Custom Guard | OTC Boil-and-Bite |
|—|—|—|
| Fit | Made from your teeth scan | Generic, you mold it at home |
| Material | Clinical-grade, multi-layer options | Single thermoplastic |
| Comfort | Thin, snug, fits all night | Bulky, often falls out |
| Lifespan | 3 to 7 years | 1 to 6 months |
| Bite balance | Adjusted by Dr. Ostovar at delivery | None |
| Protects against severe grinding | Yes | Often no |
| Cost over 5 years | $400 to $700 once | $400+ in repeat purchases |
For patients with mild, occasional grinding and zero jaw pain, an OTC guard can be a starting point. For anyone with real bruxism, jaw pain, or visible tooth wear — custom is the right investment.
How Are Custom Night Guards Made?
The process at our Hillsboro office takes two short visits over about 10 to 14 days:
You will likely need a few nights to adjust to the feel — that is normal. Most patients are sleeping comfortably with the guard within a week.
How Do Night Guards Relate to TMJ Disorder?
Bruxism and TMJ disorder often go together — the muscles that grind also stress the jaw joint. A properly designed night guard can:
For patients with significant TMJ symptoms, Dr. Ostovar may recommend a hard acrylic guard with a specific bite design (sometimes called a “stabilization splint” or “occlusal splint”). The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the AGD both recognize occlusal splints as standard care for bruxism and many TMJ presentations.
How Much Does a Custom Night Guard Cost in Hillsboro?
At East Wind Dental Care, custom night guards run $400 to $700 depending on the type:
Insurance coverage: Many dental insurance plans cover custom night guards under bruxism, TMJ, or occlusal protection benefits — typically 50 percent. We verify your specific coverage before you commit. FSA and HSA accounts cover custom night guards because they are classified as a medical device.
Without insurance: Our VIP Membership Plan covers two exams, two cleanings, X-rays, and 15% off all treatment including night guards for $299 per year for adults / $199 per year for children. Payment credits accumulate at 100% — every dollar paid in fees becomes credit toward future care if not used the year you paid. No annual maximums, no waiting periods.
Financing: CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry Health for monthly payments.
If you have been replacing $30 drugstore guards every couple of months for a year or two, a custom guard usually pays for itself within six to twelve months — and it actually protects your teeth.
Caring for Your Custom Night Guard
A few habits will keep your guard performing for years:
Avoid hot car interiors, dishwashers, and direct sunlight. All of those warp the guard.
Serving Night Guard Patients Across Washington County
East Wind Dental Care fits custom night guards for patients from:
Stop Letting Grinding Damage Your Teeth
A custom night guard is one of the highest-impact, lowest-risk dental treatments available. Book your fitting.
Related Services at East Wind Dental Care
Areas We Serve
East Wind Dental Care welcomes patients from across Washington County and the west Portland metro area: Hillsboro, Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Aloha, Beaverton, South Hillsboro, Rock Creek, AmberGlen, Cornelius, Forest Grove, North Plains, and Banks.
Frequently Asked Questions — Night Guards in Hillsboro
How do I know if I am grinding my teeth at night?
Common signs: morning jaw soreness, tension headaches around the temples, tooth sensitivity, flattened or chipped teeth, a bed partner who has heard grinding sounds, and chronic ear or facial pain. Dr. Ostovar can also identify wear patterns on your teeth at a recall exam, even if you have no symptoms yet.
Does a night guard cure bruxism?
No. A night guard absorbs the grinding force so your teeth and jaw joint do not take the damage. It does not stop the underlying habit. For patients whose grinding is stress-driven, addressing sleep, anxiety, and lifestyle factors helps. For some, a guard is a long-term tool — and that is fine.
How long does it take to get used to wearing a night guard?
Most patients adjust within 3 to 7 nights. The first few nights may feel strange — extra saliva, conscious awareness of the guard. By the end of the first week, most people sleep through the night without noticing it.
How long does a custom night guard last?
Soft guards: 1 to 3 years. Dual-laminate: 3 to 5 years. Hard acrylic: 5 to 7 years. Heavy grinders wear guards faster than light grinders. Bring your guard to recall visits — Dr. Ostovar will tell you when it is time to replace it.
Will my insurance cover a custom night guard?
Many dental plans cover night guards under bruxism, TMJ, or occlusal protection benefits — usually around 50 percent. FSA and HSA accounts also cover them. We verify your benefits at the consultation and give you a written estimate before fabrication.
Can children or teens use night guards?
Yes. Bruxism is common in children, especially during teeth-eruption stages. Custom guards can be made for younger patients if grinding is causing tooth wear, jaw pain, or sleep disruption. Many children grow out of it without treatment, so we evaluate whether a guard is the right call.
Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?
Often, yes. A properly designed hard acrylic guard reduces the load on the jaw joint and stops the muscle hyperactivity cycle at night. Many patients report significant TMJ symptom relief within 2 to 6 weeks. See our TMJ/TMD page for the full treatment overview.
From Our Dental Library
East Wind Dental Care — Custom Night Guards in Hillsboro
Office Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 614-0198
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8-5, Tue 7-6, Thu 7-5, Sat 7-12
Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep
Custom night guards stop grinding damage in its tracks. Call to book your fitting today.
Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD | East Wind Dental Care, Hillsboro, OR | Last medically reviewed: 2026-05-05 | Book a consultation
> Dr. Ostovar leads East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, which has served the community since 2006. He holds Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential held by fewer than 7% of general dentists in the U.S.
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