Custom Night Guards in Clovis, CA
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding and Clenching
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, facial discomfort, headaches, or sensitive teeth? These symptoms may be related to bruxism, a condition that causes you to clench or grind your teeth, often during sleep.
At Clovis Country Dental, we provide custom night guards in Clovis, CA to help protect your teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching. A professionally fitted night guard is designed to fit your mouth comfortably and create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
If you regularly grind or clench your teeth, our dental team can evaluate your oral health and determine whether a custom night guard may be appropriate for you.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. It can occur while you are awake or while you are sleeping.
Sleep Bruxism
Sleep bruxism occurs while you are asleep, so you may not realize that you are grinding your teeth. A partner may notice grinding sounds, or your dentist may identify signs of tooth wear or damage during a dental examination.
Awake Bruxism
Awake bruxism involves clenching or grinding your teeth while you are conscious. Some people may clench their teeth when they are concentrating, stressed, or experiencing emotional tension.
Regardless of when it occurs, frequent teeth grinding or clenching can place excessive pressure on your teeth, jaw muscles, and surrounding structures.
Common Signs of Teeth Grinding
Many people do not realize they grind their teeth until symptoms or dental damage become noticeable.
Common signs of bruxism may include:
- Waking up with jaw soreness or tightness
- Morning headaches
- Facial or muscle discomfort
- Tooth sensitivity
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Increased tooth wear
- Jaw clicking or discomfort
- Tenderness when chewing
- Grinding sounds noticed by a sleeping partner
If you experience these symptoms, schedule a dental examination so your dentist can evaluate your teeth and jaw and determine whether bruxism may be contributing to your symptoms.
How Can Teeth Grinding Affect Your Smile?
Occasional clenching may not cause noticeable problems, but frequent or forceful grinding can place significant stress on your teeth.
Over time, bruxism may contribute to:
- Excessive tooth wear
- Chipped or damaged teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Jaw muscle soreness
- Facial discomfort
- Headaches
- Damage to existing dental restorations
Protecting your teeth early can help reduce the risk of damage associated with repeated grinding and clenching.
If you already have damaged or weakened teeth, our team can evaluate whether restorative treatment such as dental crowns may be appropriate.
What Is a Custom Night Guard?
A custom night guard is a dental appliance designed specifically for your teeth and bite. It is typically worn while sleeping to create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
Unlike generic mouthguards purchased from a store, a custom night guard is designed based on your individual mouth and dental needs.
At Clovis Country Dental, we can evaluate your bite and determine the appropriate type of night guard for your situation.
Benefits of a Custom Night Guard
A properly fitted night guard may provide several benefits for patients who grind or clench their teeth.
Helps Protect Teeth From Grinding
A night guard creates a protective layer between the teeth, helping reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact during grinding and clenching.
Helps Reduce Tooth Wear
Repeated grinding can gradually wear down tooth surfaces. A night guard can help protect your teeth from the mechanical effects of this contact.
May Help With Jaw and Muscle Discomfort
Some patients experience jaw or muscle discomfort associated with clenching and grinding. A properly fitted night guard may help reduce the effects of excessive tooth contact, although treatment should be based on an individual dental evaluation.
Protects Existing Dental Work
Patients with crowns, fillings, veneers, or other dental restorations may need additional protection if they frequently grind their teeth.
Your dentist can evaluate your existing dental work and recommend the most appropriate approach.
Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
You can find over-the-counter mouthguards at many stores and pharmacies. However, these products are not designed specifically for your individual bite.
A custom night guard is created to fit your teeth and oral structures more precisely.
Custom Night Guard
- Designed specifically for your mouth
- Professionally evaluated and fitted
- Designed around your individual bite
- Generally more comfortable for regular use
- Can be incorporated into an overall dental treatment plan
Store-Bought Mouthguard
- Available without a dental appointment
- Generic sizing
- May feel bulky or uncomfortable
- May not provide the same personalized fit
- May not be appropriate for every type of dental condition
If you are unsure which type of mouthguard is right for you, talk with your dentist before purchasing one.
How Are Custom Night Guards Made?
The process begins with a dental evaluation. Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw and look for signs associated with grinding or clenching.
A digital scan or dental impression may then be used to create a model of your teeth.
Clovis Country Dental also offers Impressionless Dentistry, which uses digital scanning technology to create detailed digital images of the teeth when appropriate.
The digital information can be used to help design a custom dental appliance that fits your mouth.
Once your night guard is ready, your dentist will check the fit and make adjustments when necessary to help ensure that it is comfortable and appropriate for your bite.
Who May Need a Night Guard?
A custom night guard may be considered if you:
- Frequently grind your teeth at night
- Clench your teeth while sleeping
- Wake up with jaw soreness
- Experience morning headaches associated with clenching
- Have noticeable tooth wear
- Have chipped or damaged teeth related to grinding
- Have been told by your dentist that you show signs of bruxism
- Have a sleeping partner who notices grinding sounds
Not everyone with jaw pain or headaches needs a night guard. A dental examination is important because these symptoms can have several possible causes.
Night Guards and TMJ Symptoms
Teeth grinding and clenching can place stress on the muscles and structures involved in jaw movement. Some patients with bruxism may also experience jaw discomfort or symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint, commonly called the TMJ.
A night guard may be part of a treatment plan for certain patients, but it should not be considered a universal treatment for every TMJ condition.
If you have persistent jaw pain, clicking, locking, difficulty opening your mouth, or other concerning symptoms, talk with your dentist for an appropriate evaluation.
How to Protect Your Teeth From Bruxism
A night guard can help protect your teeth, but maintaining good oral health is also important.
Consider these habits:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth regularly. Regular dental hygiene care can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Schedule Regular Dental Exams
Routine dental visits allow your dentist to identify tooth wear, cracks, cavities, gum problems, and other changes that may require treatment.
Learn more about our dental exams and cleanings.
Pay Attention to Jaw and Tooth Symptoms
Do not ignore recurring jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, headaches, or visible tooth wear. Early evaluation may help identify the cause before significant dental damage develops.
Manage Daytime Clenching
If you notice yourself clenching your teeth during the day, try to become more aware of the habit and discuss persistent clenching with your dentist.
How Should You Care for Your Night Guard?
Proper care can help keep your night guard clean and in good condition.
After wearing your night guard:
- Rinse it with cool or lukewarm water.
- Clean it according to your dentist’s instructions.
- Allow it to dry before storing it.
- Keep it in a protective case when not in use.
- Avoid exposing it to excessive heat.
- Bring it to dental appointments so your dentist can check its condition and fit.
Do not use hot water unless your dentist specifically recommends it, because heat may affect the shape of some dental appliances.
When Should You See a Dentist for Teeth Grinding?
Schedule a dental evaluation if you notice:
- Frequent or severe teeth grinding
- Persistent jaw pain
- Recurrent morning headaches
- Tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
- Cracked, chipped, or worn teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Pain when chewing
- A partner reports that you grind your teeth while sleeping
If you have sudden severe dental pain, significant swelling, a broken tooth, or another urgent dental problem, contact our office promptly or learn more about our dental emergency services.
Custom Night Guards in Clovis, CA
If you are searching for custom night guards in Clovis, CA, Clovis Country Dental can evaluate your teeth and determine whether a custom night guard is appropriate for your needs.
Our goal is to help protect your smile from the effects of teeth grinding and clenching while providing a comfortable, personalized dental experience.
Call (559) 552-0700 to schedule an appointment at Clovis Country Dental, located at 2141 Shaw Ave Ste 105, Clovis, CA 93611.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
What is a night guard used for?
A night guard is a dental appliance worn over the teeth, usually while sleeping, to help protect the teeth from direct contact caused by grinding or clenching.
Can a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?
A night guard does not necessarily stop the underlying cause of bruxism. Its primary purpose is to protect the teeth and reduce the effects of tooth-to-tooth contact during grinding and clenching.
Is a custom night guard better than an over-the-counter mouthguard?
A custom night guard is designed around your individual teeth and bite. This can provide a more personalized fit than a generic store-bought mouthguard. Your dentist can help determine which option is appropriate for you.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
You may notice morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, worn or chipped teeth, or grinding sounds reported by your sleeping partner. A dentist can also identify signs of bruxism during an examination.
Can children use night guards?
Some children may grind their teeth, but whether a night guard is appropriate depends on the child’s age, dental development, symptoms, and individual needs. Parents should discuss persistent grinding with a pediatric dentist or family dentist.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain?
A night guard may help some patients whose jaw discomfort is associated with teeth grinding or clenching. However, jaw pain can have many causes, so an examination is important before choosing treatment.
How long does a custom night guard last?
The lifespan of a night guard varies depending on the material, frequency of use, and severity of grinding. Your dentist should periodically evaluate the appliance and recommend replacement when it becomes worn, damaged, or no longer fits properly.
How should I clean my night guard?
Rinse and clean your night guard according to your dentist’s instructions, allow it to dry, and store it in a protective case. Avoid exposing the appliance to hot water unless specifically instructed.
Protect Your Smile With a Custom Night Guard
Don’t ignore signs of teeth grinding or clenching. Early dental evaluation can help identify tooth wear and other problems associated with bruxism.
If you need a custom night guard in Clovis, CA, contact Clovis Country Dental to schedule an evaluation and learn more about personalized options for protecting your teeth.