Custom Night Guards in Clovis, CA
Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, can put excessive pressure on your teeth and jaw.
Some people grind their teeth while sleeping and may not realize they are doing it until a dentist notices signs of wear or they develop symptoms such as jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or damaged teeth.
At Clovis Country Dental, we evaluate patients for signs of bruxism and can discuss whether a custom night guard may be appropriate.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the grinding, clenching, or tightening of the teeth and jaw muscles.
It can occur while you are awake or asleep.
Awake Bruxism
Some people unconsciously clench their teeth during the day, particularly during periods of concentration, stress, or tension.
Sleep Bruxism
Sleep bruxism occurs while a person is asleep and may not be noticed until symptoms or dental wear become apparent.
What Are the Signs of Teeth Grinding?
Possible signs of bruxism include:
- Worn or flattened teeth
- Chipped or damaged teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw soreness
- Facial muscle discomfort
- Morning headaches
- Tenderness when chewing
- Increased sensitivity
- Damage to dental restorations
Not every headache or jaw symptom is caused by bruxism. Your dentist can evaluate your symptoms and dental condition to determine whether grinding or clenching may be contributing.
Why Can Teeth Grinding Damage Teeth?
Repeated grinding and clenching can place significant forces on the teeth.
Over time, these forces may contribute to:
- Tooth wear
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Increased sensitivity
- Damage to existing restorations
- Jaw muscle discomfort
If a tooth has already been significantly weakened, additional stress may increase the risk of further damage.
For patients who need restorative treatment, options may include Dental Crowns or other treatments depending on the condition of the tooth.
What Is a Custom Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental appliance designed to be worn over the teeth, typically during sleep.
A custom night guard is created based on the patient’s individual teeth and bite.
The dentist may use a digital scan or another appropriate technique to obtain information needed to create the appliance.
Clovis Country Dental also provides Impressionless Dentistry using digital scanning technology when appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of a Custom Night Guard?
For appropriate patients, a night guard may help:
- Reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact
- Protect teeth from excessive wear
- Protect certain dental restorations
- Reduce forces associated with grinding
- Provide a customized fit
A night guard does not necessarily stop the underlying tendency to grind or clench. Its primary purpose is to provide protection and support based on the patient’s individual needs.
Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought Guards
Over-the-counter night guards are widely available, but they are not customized to your individual teeth and bite in the same way as a professionally fabricated appliance.
A custom night guard is designed based on information about your mouth and can be evaluated by your dental team for fit and comfort.
Your dentist can help determine whether a custom appliance is appropriate for you.
How Is a Custom Night Guard Made?
The process generally begins with a dental examination.
Your dentist evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, existing restorations, and signs of grinding.
A digital scan or other appropriate impression may then be used to create a model of your teeth.
The appliance is fabricated based on this information and checked for fit when it is delivered.
How Should You Care for Your Night Guard?
Your dental team will provide specific care instructions.
In general:
- Rinse the appliance after use.
- Clean it according to your dentist’s recommendations.
- Allow it to dry before storing it.
- Keep it in a protective case.
- Avoid exposing it to excessive heat.
- Bring it to dental appointments so its condition and fit can be evaluated.
If the appliance becomes cracked, distorted, uncomfortable, or difficult to wear, contact your dentist.
Night Guards and Dental Emergencies
A night guard may help protect teeth from damage related to grinding, but it cannot prevent every dental problem.
If you experience a cracked tooth, severe tooth pain, swelling, or significant damage to a tooth, you may need prompt dental evaluation.
Learn more about Dental Emergencies in Clovis, CA.
Night Guards for Children and Teenagers
Bruxism can also occur in children and teenagers.
If you notice tooth wear, jaw discomfort, headaches, or other concerning symptoms in your child, discuss them with your dentist.
Do not purchase a night guard for a child without discussing it with a dental professional, because the appliance needs to be appropriate for the child’s developing teeth and oral structures.
Learn more about Children’s Dentistry.
What Is the Difference Between a Night Guard and a Sports Guard?
The two appliances have different purposes.
A night guard is generally worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching.
A sports mouthguard is worn during physical activity to help protect the teeth and soft tissues from impact.
If you participate in sports, learn more about our Custom Sports Mouthguards.
Custom Night Guards in Clovis, CA
If you grind or clench your teeth, a dental examination can help determine whether a custom night guard may be appropriate.
Clovis Country Dental provides custom night guards in Clovis, CA based on each patient’s dental condition and treatment needs.
Our office is located at:
2141 Shaw Ave Ste 105
Clovis, CA 93611
Call (559) 552-0700 to schedule an evaluation.