Occlusal Guards in Clintonville and Columbus, OH
Waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache isn’t something to just live with. High + Henderson Dental fits custom occlusal guards at our Clintonville office to protect your teeth from the wear and pressure of grinding and clenching, day or night.
Our team fits and adjusts these guards at our neighborhood office at 4345 N High Street, located at the intersection of High and Henderson in Clintonville, Columbus, OH.
Why a Store-Bought Mouthguard Isn't the Same as a Custom Guard
A boil-and-bite guard from the drugstore is built for one size, not your bite. It can shift while you sleep, wear through in a few months, or press your jaw into a position that makes clenching worse instead of better. A custom occlusal guard is fabricated from a mold or digital scan of your own teeth, so it sits precisely where it should and holds up to real, nightly pressure.
Grinding and clenching, known clinically as bruxism, put more force on your teeth than normal chewing ever does. Over time, that force can flatten enamel, crack fillings, loosen crowns, and strain the jaw joint. A properly fitted guard spreads that pressure out so your teeth and restorations aren’t taking the full impact. We offer occlusal guards as part of our preventive services to protect the work you’ve already invested in and the teeth you were born with.
function and beauty can exist together in dental health.
Schedule Your Visit OnlineGrinding often happens overnight, so many patients don’t realize it’s happening until the effects show up. Common signs we look for during an exam, or that patients mention on their own, include:
- Waking up with jaw soreness, tightness, or a dull headache
- Flattened, chipped, or increasingly sensitive teeth
- Cracked fillings or crowns that keep coming loose
- A partner or family member who has heard you grinding at night
- Popping, clicking, or discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ)
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth bringing up at your next dental exam and cleaning so we can take a closer look before the wear gets worse.
What to Expect When You Get a Custom Guard
We keep the process simple and unhurried, from your first conversation about symptoms to the day you walk out with a guard that actually fits.
1
Evaluation: We check your bite, jaw movement, and any existing wear or damage to your teeth.
2
Impressions: We take a mold or digital scan of your teeth to build a guard around your exact bite.
3
Fabrication: Your guard is custom-made from durable, comfortable material sized to your mouth.
4
Fitting: We check the fit in person and adjust it so it feels secure without being tight.
5
Follow-up: We confirm the guard is doing its job and make any small adjustments as your bite settles in.
Most patients adjust to wearing a guard within a week or two. If yours ever feels off, loose, or uncomfortable, we’re a short trip up High Street to make an adjustment.
Protecting the Work You've Already Invested In
A night of grinding can undo a lot of careful dental work. Cracked fillings, loosened crowns, and worn-down enamel are some of the most common reasons patients end up back in the chair sooner than expected. An occlusal guard is one of the simplest ways to protect dental crowns, fillings, and your natural teeth from that kind of damage, so the work holds up the way it’s meant to.
When a Guard Points to a Bigger Bite Issue
Occasionally, grinding is tied to a bite alignment issue that a guard alone won’t fully resolve. If we notice that during your evaluation, we’ll walk you through what we’re seeing and what your options look like, including whether clear aligners or another approach makes sense down the road.
Scheduling and Insurance for Your Occlusal Guard
Our neighborhood office is located at 4345 N High Street, right at the corner of High and Henderson, making it an easy stop for patients throughout Clintonville, Old North, the OSU area, Worthington, and the surrounding northern Columbus neighborhoods.
To keep this care accessible, we’re currently in-network with:
- Delta Dental
- Connection Dental
- Superior Dental
- One Anthem PPO program
Please note that we do not accept Medicaid. For patients paying out of pocket, we offer financing through CareCredit and Sunbit so cost doesn’t stand between you and protecting your teeth.
If you’re ready to book or want to talk through your symptoms first, our team is here to help. Contact High + Henderson Dental today to find a convenient time.
Occlusal Guard FAQs
How is an occlusal guard different from a sports mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is built to absorb a sudden impact, like a fall or a hit during a game. An occlusal guard is built for the slow, repeated pressure of nightly grinding and clenching. The materials, thickness, and fit are different because the job they’re doing is different.Will dental insurance cover a custom occlusal guard?
Many dental plans offer partial coverage for occlusal guards, especially when grinding is documented during an exam. Coverage details vary by carrier and plan, so we encourage you to reach out with your insurance information and we’ll help verify your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before you commit.How long does an occlusal guard last?
With normal nightly wear and good care, a custom guard typically lasts a few years before it needs replacing. How long yours lasts depends on how much you grind, how well it’s cleaned, and how it’s stored during the day. We’ll check its condition at your regular cleanings and let you know if it’s time for a new one.Is it hard to get used to wearing a guard at night?
Most patients adjust within a week or two. It can feel unfamiliar the first few nights, but a well-fitted guard shouldn’t be painful or make it hard to sleep. If yours still feels off after a couple of weeks, come back in and we’ll adjust it.Can grinding really damage a crown or filling?
Yes. The repeated pressure from grinding is one of the most common reasons a crown loosens or a filling cracks earlier than expected. If you’ve had recent restorative work done, a guard is one of the most effective ways to protect that investment.
Contact High + Henderson Dental today to schedule your occlusal guard fitting or talk through your symptoms with our team.
