Protect Your Teeth with a Custom Night Guard
If you suffer from bruxism, we invite you to come to Premier Smiles of Bellevue to receive a custom night guard. Our dentists can fit one to your teeth and prevent them from grinding while you sleep. Call (425) 696-9500 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vietnam Huynh or Dr. Thaihoa Huynh about our night guards in Bellevue, WA. Let us help you get a better night’s sleep again!
What Is a Night Guard and How It Helps
A night guard is a special type of mouth guard that is used to treat bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. If our dentists or team suspect that you suffer from bruxism, we may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Many people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of the condition because it occurs while they sleep. Common signs of nighttime teeth clenching and grinding include:
- Chronic jaw pain, facial pain and ear pain
- Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
- Frequent tension headaches and migraines
- Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked or very worn teeth
- Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
- Increased tooth sensitivity
If you notice the signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard. This night guard will be made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about night guards and how we can prevent the negative effects of teeth grinding. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your smile.
How To Tell if You Need a Night Guard
You might need a night guard if you experience:
- Morning jaw pain or stiffness
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Clicking, popping, or locking in the jaw
- Poor sleep or waking up feeling fatigued
Sometimes, teeth grinding happens without your awareness, but your dentist can identify it during a routine exam.
How Night Guards Protect Against Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, usually occurs during sleep, often without you noticing. Over time, it can wear down enamel, cause chips or cracks, and strain the jaw. A custom night guard forms a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping to:
- Cushions the force from grinding and clenching
- Keeps teeth from directly contacting each other
- Protects teeth, fillings, and crowns from damage
- Relieves jaw muscle tension, helping reduce pain and headaches
Using a night guard consistently helps safeguard your teeth from long-term wear and allows you to wake up feeling refreshed and free of jaw pain.
How to Get a Custom Night Guard
Obtaining your custom night guard is simple and convenient:
- Dental Evaluation: We check your teeth and jaw to ensure a night guard is the best solution.
- Custom Impressions: Digital scans or molds are taken to create a night guard that fits perfectly.
- Fitting Appointment: You’ll try on your guard, and we’ll adjust it for comfort and effectiveness.
- Nightly Use: Wear your night guard each night and maintain it by cleaning and storing it properly.
