Night Guards in Houston, TX
Do you wake up in the morning with an aching jaw and wonder why? Chances are you’re grinding your teeth at night which has resulted in a condition known as bruxism. By definition, bruxism is a condition where you unconsciously grind your teeth during sleep.
This can result in jaw pain in the morning and also lead to a change in the alignment of the jaws. Tooth fractures can even form, eventually wearing down or loosening the teeth, ending in tooth loss. But there’s good news – night guards for teeth from our dentist can prevent the condition from worsening.
What You Need to Know About Custom Night Guards
A custom night guard is a removable dental appliance similar to an athletic mouth guard. It provides a barrier between the top and bottom teeth to prevent the surfaces from grinding together and protecting the teeth from getting damaged. As with athletic mouth guards, a custom-made night guard is generally the best type to use.
You can make an appointment with our dentist for custom fit night guards in Houston, TX – especially for night guards in East Little York and night guards on Highway 6 – to get the relief you need to stop your bruxism from worsening.
When you visit our dental care team, you’ll also learn about other ways that you can manage your bruxism in conjunction with wearing your night guard – such as adding stress-relieving activities to your daily schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am grinding my teeth while sleeping?
Waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache usually means you’re clenching overnight. During your routine exam, we’ll check your smile for worn enamel or tiny cracks to catch it early.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth completely?
It won’t stop your jaw muscles from moving, but we’ll use it to place a strong barrier between your teeth. This cushions the heavy pressure so you’re protecting your smile from damage.
Why is a custom night guard better than a store-bought brand?
Store options are usually bulky and slide around, making it hard to sleep. We’ll design your guard to fit your exact teeth, so you’re secure and comfortable all night.
Is the night guard designed to cover my upper or lower teeth?
We’ll usually build your guard to fit over your top teeth because we find that most of our patients prefer this setup. However, we’re able to easily create a lower guard if your specific bite requires it.
How long does it take to get used to sleeping with a dental guard?
It typically takes you a few nights for your mouth and tongue to adjust to the new feel. We’ll recommend wearing the guard for a short period before you turn off the lights to help your jaw get used to it faster.
What is the proper way to clean a custom night guard every day?
Make an Appointment Now to Save Your Smile
If bruxism is left untreated, your smile will not only suffer in its appearance, but the functionality of your teeth will also be negatively impacted. Instead of facing these eventualities, why not make an appointment today at Hermosa Dental? We offer convenient Saturday appointment times to make saving your smile even easier.