What is a dental night guard?

A night guard is a removable device that protects your teeth while you sleep. Your night guard will fit over your teeth to prevent them from grinding against one another. The night guard will also protect you from clenching your teeth, which will help prevent tooth wear and damage. Night guards protect your teeth from wear that may be caused by stress, which is a cause of bruxism.

Why do I need a night guard?

A night guard can help protect the teeth from damage caused by grinding, clenching, and gnashing. Damage from grinding and clenching can eventually cause receding gums and tooth loss. Damage from gnashing can cause dental erosion, which wears away the enamel of the teeth.

How do night guards work?

A night guard is a removable appliance that is worn at night to prevent wear to your teeth.

When you chew, your upper and lower teeth may come in contact with each other. Over time, this can result in your teeth wearing down, chipping, or breaking. A night guard can protect your teeth from wear and damage.

Are night guards covered by insurance?

Night guards are generally not covered by insurance because they are considered an “over-the-counter” product. However, your dentist may be able to offer a discount or payment plan to make the night guard more affordable.

What are different types of night guards?

There are different types of night guards. Each type will fit slightly differently. To find the correct type, your dentist will examine your teeth, bite, and jaw. They’ll also ask you what your goals are for using a night guard.

How do I know which type of night guard is best for me?

There are two main types of night guards:

1. The hard plastic and metal night guard. This is made at a lab and is customized to fit your mouth.

2. The soft flexible night guard. This is made of a thermoplastic material and is molded to fit your mouth.

How do I clean and care for my

Night guards are custom-fit to help protect your teeth from damage and grinding while you sleep. This protective covering keeps your teeth in place so you can avoid unwanted tooth wear.

To clean your night guard, remove and rinse the guard with water. Then brush the guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damage to the guard.

For instructions on how to brush your teeth with night guards, talk to your dentist.