What are night guards?

Night guards are a type of dental appliance that are designed to protect teeth from the harmful effects of night grinding. Night grinding, clinically referred to as bruxism, is a disorder that causes a person to clench or grind their teeth involuntarily throughout the night. This habit can wear down tooth enamel and damage dental work, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.

Is a night guard right for me?

A night guard can be a great option if you’re suffering from the symptoms of bruxism, which include:

What types of night guards are there?

There are three basic types of night guards. The first is the occlusal guard. An occlusal guard is a dental appliance that is designed to protect the teeth from nighttime grinding. The other two types are sports guards and snore guards.

Custom-made night guards are more expensive than over-the-counter night guards, and come with more benefits. While over-the-counter night guards provide an occlusive layer over the teeth, custom-made night guards are dental appliances that are designed and fabricated to fit a mouth. Custom-made night guards provide a tighter fit, better protection, and more effective results.

How are night guards made?

A night guard is a dental appliance that slips over your teeth at night and replaces your dentures.

First, we will take a mold of your teeth. Then, we’ll use that mold to craft your night guard. Once it’s finished, you can slip it over your teeth at night.

Will insurance cover my night guard?

Most insurance companies will cover a portion of a night guard. If your insurance covers a portion of a night guard or custom mouthguard, we can work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. We understand how valuable your benefits can be, so we do everything we can to get you the most coverage possible.

How can I set up an appointment to get fitted for night guards?

Night guards are most commonly fitted for patients who grind their teeth while asleep. However, night guards can be beneficial for patients who experience jaw pain, TMJ disorder, or teeth clenching. Night guards are custom-made, comfortable, and effective.

We recommend a consultation with our dentist, Dr. _______. During the consultation, the doctor will take digital X-rays to determine the health of your teeth and jaw. The doctor will then discuss your cosmetic goals and recommend the best night guard for you.

How often

To be safe, most dentists recommend use of a night guard every night. In some cases, such as for people with TMJ disorders or teeth grinding, a night guard should be used every night.