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Dental Night Guards

Night guards, also known as occlusal guards, are protective devices worn over your teeth at night to prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching. Bruxism is a common condition that can cause significant wear on your teeth and lead to a variety of oral health issues.

Why Are Night Guards Needed?

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Many people grind their teeth during sleep, often without realizing it. This can wear down the enamel, cause fractures, and lead to tooth sensitivity.
Clenching: Clenching the jaw puts pressure on the teeth, which can lead to pain in the jaw, headaches, and wear on the teeth over time.‍
TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders often result from or are exacerbated by grinding and clenching. Night guards help reduce stress on your jaw joint.

Symptoms of Bruxism:

Worn Teeth: You may notice flattened or chipped teeth, which are signs of grinding.
Jaw Pain or Stiffness: Tension in the jaw muscles, especially upon waking, is a common symptom.
Headaches: Many people with bruxism experience frequent headaches, particularly in the morning.‍
Tooth Sensitivity: Grinding can wear down the enamel, leading to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

Types of Night Guards:

Soft Night Guards: Made of soft, flexible material, these guards are typically used for mild cases of bruxism. They are comfortable but may wear out more quickly than other types.
Hard Night Guards: These are made from a more rigid material and are used for moderate to severe cases of bruxism. Hard night guards are more durable and provide greater protection for your teeth.‍
Dual Laminate Guards: These combine a soft interior for comfort and a hard exterior for durability, making them suitable for moderate cases of grinding and clenching.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Night Guards:

Custom Night Guards: Custom-made night guards, crafted from molds of your teeth, provide a precise fit and the best protection. They are more expensive but offer superior comfort and effectiveness.‍
Over-the-Counter Night Guards: These are available at most drugstores and are less expensive than custom options. However, they may not fit as well, which can reduce their effectiveness and comfort

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Benefits of Night Guards:

Protecting Teeth: Night guards create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing wear and damage from grinding.
Reducing Jaw Pain: By minimizing clenching and grinding, night guards help alleviate jaw pain and reduce the risk of TMJ disorders.‍
Improving Sleep Quality: Many people who grind their teeth experience disrupted sleep. Wearing a night guard can reduce these disturbances, leading to better rest..

Protecting Dental Work From Nighttime Forces

Grinding and clenching can place repeated pressure on natural teeth, fillings, crowns and veneers. Because these habits often happen during sleep, patients may not realize they are occurring until wear, chipping or muscle soreness becomes noticeable. A custom night guard creates a carefully fitted barrier between the teeth and may help distribute damaging forces.

At Summit Dental Arts, Dr. Steven Tran evaluates the pattern of wear, jaw movement, existing restorations and symptoms before recommending an appliance. Not every headache or jaw symptom is caused by bruxism, and a guard is not a universal treatment for every temporomandibular joint condition. A dental evaluation helps determine whether an occlusal appliance is appropriate or whether another healthcare professional should be involved.

Why Fit and Design Matter

A professionally made night guard is based on a scan or impression of your teeth. The material, thickness and design can be selected for the patient’s bite and degree of wear. A stable fit helps the appliance stay in place without relying on the patient to clench it.

Over-the-counter guards may be suitable for limited short-term situations, but a bulky or unstable appliance can be difficult to tolerate. If an appliance changes how your teeth meet, causes new discomfort or will not stay seated, stop using it and request an evaluation.

Maintaining Your Appliance

Rinse the guard after use and clean it according to the instructions provided. Let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case, and keep it away from heat that could distort the material. Bring the guard to dental checkups so the fit, wear and bite can be examined.

Schedule a Grinding and Clenching Evaluation

If you wake with jaw fatigue, have unexplained tooth wear or repeatedly damage dental work, ask Summit Dental Arts about a custom night guard in Altadena. We can evaluate the signs and help you decide on the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a night guard stop me from grinding?

A guard primarily protects the teeth and may reduce muscle or joint strain for some patients; it does not necessarily eliminate the underlying habit.

How long does a custom night guard last?

Longevity varies based on grinding intensity, material, fit and care. The appliance should be checked regularly and replaced if it becomes damaged or no longer fits correctly.

Schedule Your Consultation

Your perfect smile is a reality when working with Dr. Steven Tran. Contact us today to get started!

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