Night Guards
Protect Your Smile with Custom Night Guards at Clarkson Family Dentistry
Grinding Your Teeth at Night? We’ve Got You Covered!
Waking up with a sore jaw or headache? Noticing wear on your teeth? You might be grinding your teeth while you sleep—and you’re not alone! Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that can lead to serious issues if left untreated. The good news? We can help with a simple solution: custom-made night guards.
At Clarkson Family Dentistry, we offer custom night guards designed to protect your teeth and help you sleep more comfortably, so you can wake up feeling refreshed instead of in pain.
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards are protective mouthpieces that you wear while you sleep to prevent teeth grinding and clenching. Think of them like a cushion for your teeth—they keep your upper and lower teeth from rubbing together, which helps reduce jaw pain, headaches, and the risk of damaging your teeth.
While there are over-the-counter night guards available, the best option is a custom-made night guard that fits your mouth perfectly. That’s where we come in!
Why Do I Need a Night Guard?
Teeth grinding might seem like a small issue, but over time it can lead to some pretty serious problems, including:
- Worn-Down Teeth: Grinding can wear away the enamel on your teeth, leading to sensitivity and even fractures.
- Jaw Pain and Tension: The constant clenching can cause soreness in your jaw, neck, and face.
- Headaches: Many people with bruxism wake up with tension headaches or migraines.
- Cracked or Damaged Teeth: The pressure from grinding can crack or break your teeth over time.
If any of this sounds familiar, a night guard could be the solution to protect your teeth and relieve the discomfort.
How Do Custom Night Guards Work?
Unlike store-bought night guards that are one-size-fits-all, a custom night guard is made just for you. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Consultation and Exam
We’ll start by examining your teeth and jaw, and talk about any symptoms you’ve been having, like grinding, soreness, or headaches.
2. Custom Fit
We’ll take impressions of your teeth to create a night guard that fits your mouth perfectly. It’ll be comfortable to wear and won’t move around while you sleep.
3. Protection While You Sleep
Your night guard will create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing grinding and easing jaw tension.
4. Relief and Prevention
Wearing your custom night guard nightly can help reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of bruxism, keeping your teeth protected and your jaw pain-free.
Benefits of Custom Night Guards
- Comfortable Fit
Since it’s made specifically for you, a custom night guard fits snugly and comfortably—no bulky, awkward feeling like with over-the-counter options.
- Better Protection
A custom night guard is designed to give you the maximum protection from grinding and clenching, helping you avoid future dental problems.
- Long-Lasting
Custom night guards are made from high-quality materials, so they last much longer than store-bought guards.
- Improved Sleep
Less pain, fewer headaches, and no more waking up with jaw tension—you’ll finally get the restful sleep you need!
Who Should Consider a Night Guard?
You might benefit from a custom night guard if you:
- Wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth.
- Notice wear and tear on your teeth (flattened or chipped teeth can be a sign of grinding).
- Have been told you grind your teeth while you sleep (often by a partner!).
- Have a history of cracked or broken teeth due to grinding or clenching.
Even if you’re not sure if you grind your teeth, it’s worth asking about a night guard if you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard Over Store-Bought?
Sure, you can pick up a night guard at the drugstore, but they’re not nearly as effective or comfortable as a custom-made one. Here’s why:
- Fit
A store-bought night guard is generic, so it won’t fit your mouth perfectly. This can make it uncomfortable to wear, and it might not stay in place while you sleep.
- Durability
Custom night guards are made from high-quality materials and can last years with proper care, while store-bought guards need to be replaced much more often.
- Better Results
A custom night guard is designed specifically to address your grinding or clenching patterns, making it much more effective at reducing symptoms.
FAQs About Night Guards
How long do night guards last?
With proper care, custom night guards can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years. We’ll check your guard during your regular visits to make sure it’s still in good shape.
Will wearing a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?
A night guard won’t stop the grinding itself, but it will protect your teeth from damage and relieve the symptoms of grinding, like jaw pain and headaches.
Is a night guard comfortable to wear?
Yes! Because custom night guards are made to fit your teeth perfectly, they’re much more comfortable than over-the-counter options. After a night or two, most patients barely notice they’re wearing it.
How do I clean my night guard?
Cleaning your night guard is easy—just rinse it with cool water after each use and brush it gently with your toothbrush (no toothpaste). You can also use a denture cleaner once in a while for a deeper clean.
Ready to Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep? Let’s Get Started!
If you think you might be grinding your teeth at night, don’t wait until it causes serious problems. Call us at (770) 532-4419 or use our online booking form to schedule a consultation today. We’ll help you get fitted for a custom night guard and say goodbye to teeth grinding and jaw pain for good!