I found a really nice dentist, seemed to care about treating me more than trying to get my money. He suggested a night guard and I am going to the office on Thurs for impressions. Waiting on insurance to approve. He didn't want to adjust my bite, which I was happy about. I was given some Flexerill, I'm not sure they are doing much for me though. He told me to take one, then if I felt ok, to try and take 4 of them a day. Kids are out of school and I can't fall asleep during the day, so I've only been taking one.

I've been massaging the muscles near my ears and in my neck and shoulders, my ears feel a bit better, but my jaws sure don't. My jaws feel like they've been in a clamp for days.

Is a 'regular' old night guard going to do the trick I am wondering, or do I really need a specialized appliance like so many of you have mentioned?

In most people a mouthguard does work but it has to be filted just right and made right to work.