Say Goodbye to Jaw Pain and Sleep Disruption
Nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can wear down your teeth and put stress on your jaw. Even if you’re not aware it’s happening, the symptoms can affect your entire day. At Forestville Family Dentistry, we’re here to help. We provide a custom night guard in Forestville that’s designed to prevent damage, relieve discomfort, and help you start your mornings feeling refreshed.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental appliance you wear while sleeping that serves as a cushion between your teeth. It helps prevent clenching and grinding that can damage tooth enamel and overwork your jaw muscles. By keeping your upper and lower teeth slightly apart, a night guard can also help your jaw relax into a healthier resting position.
We craft each night guard at Forestville Family Dentistry using strong, high-quality materials and custom-fit it to your unique bite. Our night guards offer a much more secure and comfortable fit than store-bought versions, and they’re designed to last.
Common Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Because grinding happens during sleep, many people don’t know they’re doing it. But the damage adds up. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it may be time to consider a custom night guard in Forestville:
- Tension or soreness in your jaw when you wake up
- Grinding sounds your partner notices during the night
- Frequent morning headaches or neck stiffness
- Teeth that appear flattened, chipped, or worn
- Clicking or locking in your jaw when you chew or talk
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Repeated problems with your dental work
Teeth grinding may also be associated with sleep apnea. If you snore or have been diagnosed with sleep-related breathing issues, let us know. We may be able to help reduce your grinding and improve your breathing with laser sleep apnea treatments as well.
If you’re not sure whether you’re grinding your teeth at night or not, your next dental check-up is a great time to ask! We can look for signs and help you decide if you should consider a guard.
How a Night Guard Can Help You Feel Better
Wearing a night guard can do more than protect your teeth. It can improve your entire quality of life. A properly fitted night guard in Forestville can help you:
- Wake up with less pain and more energy
- Eat and drink more comfortably with reduced sensitivity
- Ease stiffness in your jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Sleep more soundly throughout the night
- Prevent long-term enamel wear and cracks
- Reduce the risk of TMJ disorder symptoms
- Maintain better jaw function as you age
- Avoid costly restorative dental treatments down the line
- Get the longest possible lifespan out of your dental work
We frequently recommend a night guard to protect your dental work, especially after a cosmetic dentistry smile makeover, or with dental veneers, which can be damaged by tooth grinding.
Many patients say they didn’t realize how much nighttime grinding was affecting them until they started using a night guard, so always feel free to talk to us if you suspect you might be grinding your teeth!
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard Over Store-Bought?
While over-the-counter night guards may seem convenient, they usually don’t provide the fit or support your jaw truly needs. These guards are mass-produced and often made from soft, chewy materials that can actually encourage more grinding.
By contrast, a custom night guard from Forestville Family Dentistry is made to fit your mouth precisely. We take impressions of your bite and use durable, dentist-approved materials to create a comfortable, effective solution. The result is a night guard in Forestville that reduces strain on your jaw, helps your muscles relax, and provides real relief night after night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just buy a night guard from a pharmacy?
Store-bought guards are generic and don’t fit your bite correctly. Our custom night guards offer a better fit and long-term comfort that generic guards can’t match.
How long will my custom night guard last?
With proper care, your night guard can last several years. We’ll check the fit and function at your routine dental visits to make sure it’s still protecting your teeth.
Will dental insurance cover my night guard?
Many insurance plans include partial or full coverage for night guards. We’ll help you understand your benefits and guide you through the process.
Schedule Your Visit for a Custom Night Guard in Forestville
Don’t let teeth grinding wear down your smile or rob you of a good night’s rest. At Forestville Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you protect your oral health, get the best and improve your overall well-being.
If you’re showing signs of grinding or clenching, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll determine if a custom night guard in Forestville is right for you and help you sleep easier, starting tonight.
