Night Guard in Houston, TX

Night guards have become effective ways to prevent patients from grinding their teeth and/or clenching their jaw while they sleep. These guards can also be used to alleviate snoring. The dentists at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, Texas will customize the mouth guards to specifically fit the patient for a secure and comfortable fit. Continuous teeth grinding can cause excessive wear and tear on the teeth where they can chip and crack, causing extreme pain. Jaw clenching causes pain and problems to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Snoring interferes with sleep and can leave a patient feeling tired the next morning. All of these issues can be resolved and prevented with a tailor-made sleep guard.

Once the patient decides to get a night guard, they will schedule an appointment at their dentist to have impressions of the upper and lower teeth made. The impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory where a custom-fit night guard will be crafted for the patient. Once the night guard is returned to the dentist, the patient will come in to have their night guard fitted by their dentist.

The night guard can last for several years with proper home care. The patient should clean the mouth guard before and after each use. Depending on the type of material used when making the mouth guard, the dentist will give the patient more specific care instructions. Patients should bring their night guard to all future dental appointments so the dentist can check for general wear and decide when it needs to be replaced.

How can I tell if I grind my teeth at night?

Common signs of teeth grinding include:

• Waking up with a sore jaw or headache

• Noticeable wear or flattening of the teeth

• Increased tooth sensitivity

• Indentations on the tongue or cheeks

• Your partner hearing grinding noises at night

How long does a night guard last?

The lifespan of a night guard depends on the material and the severity of bruxism. Soft night guards typically last six months to two years, while hard night guards can last several years with proper care.

Can I use my night guard as a sports mouthguard?

No, night guards and sports mouthguards serve different purposes. A night guard is designed to protect against teeth grinding, while a sports mouthguard is designed to protect teeth from physical impact during sports activities.

If you are one of the 30 – 40 million Americans who wake up with headaches or mouth pain, ask your dentist about a custom night guard that can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. Not only will you get a better night’s sleep, but you’ll also protect your teeth from serious damage.