Protect Your Teeth with a Custom-Fit Night Guard
A custom night guard is a comfortable, custom-made oral appliance designed to protect your teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching. At Merrifield Dental Associates, we provide custom night guards for patients to help prevent tooth wear, cracked teeth, jaw discomfort, and other complications caused by excessive biting forces.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep without realizing it. Over time, these habits can lead to worn enamel, chipped or fractured or broken teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and costly dental treatment. If you have been diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding), a custom night guard is one of the most effective ways to protect your smile and preserve your long-term oral health.
Why You May Need a Custom Night Guard
Many people don’t realize they’re grinding or clenching their teeth until symptoms begin to develop. We may recommend a custom night guard if you experience:
- Frequent morning headaches
- Jaw pain, soreness, or muscle fatigue
- Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth comfortably
- A partner notices grinding sounds while you sleep
If these symptoms are caused by bruxism (teeth grinding), a custom night guard can help protect your teeth from further damage while reducing strain on your jaw muscles. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of bruxism.
Night Guards for Jaw Pain and Teeth Grinding
Night Guards for Jaw Pain and Teeth GrindingGrinding and clenching your teeth can place excessive pressure on your teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). For many patients, a custom night guard helps reduce these forces while protecting the teeth from further wear and damage.
If your symptoms are related to bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ disorder, your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment
Benefits of Custom Night Guards
Custom night guards offer significant advantages over over-the-counter mouth guards, providing better protection, comfort, and long-term results.
Prevent Tooth Damage
- Night guards help prevent wear, cracks, and fractures that can lead to more serious treatments like dental crowns or root canal therapy.
Reduce Jaw Pain and Tension
- By minimizing pressure on your jaw joints and muscles, night guards can relieve discomfort associated with grinding and TMJ issues.
Improve Sleep Quality
- Reducing grinding and clenching can help you sleep more comfortably and wake up without jaw pain or headaches.
Custom Fit for Maximum Comfort
- Unlike store-bought mouth guards, custom night guards are designed specifically for your teeth, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit and better long-term protection.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard?
Unlike over-the-counter mouth guards, a custom night guard is professionally designed to fit your teeth precisely. A custom fit makes the appliance more comfortable to wear, helps it stay securely in place throughout the night, and provides better protection against the forces created by grinding and clenching.
Benefits include:
- Digital Scan with Itero designed for a precise fit vs DYI
- More comfortable than store-bought guards
- Durable, high-quality materials
- Better protection for your teeth and dental work
- Designed to allow normal breathing and comfortable sleep
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Night Guards
How long does a custom night guard last?
With proper care, a custom night guard may last several years. Its lifespan
depends on the severity of your teeth grinding or clenching, how often you
wear it, and how well it is cleaned and stored.
Can I wear a night guard every night?
Yes. Most patients are advised to wear their night guard every night to
consistently protect their teeth from grinding and clenching while they
sleep.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?
A night guard does not necessarily stop the grinding habit itself, but it
creates a protective barrier between the teeth. This helps reduce tooth
wear, fractures, sensitivity, and strain on the jaw muscles.
What is the difference between a custom night guard and a store-bought mouth guard?
A custom night guard is made specifically for your teeth using a digital
scan or dental impression. It typically provides a more secure,
comfortable fit and better long-term protection than an over-the-counter
mouth guard.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain and headaches?
A custom night guard may help reduce strain caused by nighttime grinding
and clenching, which can contribute to morning headaches, jaw soreness,
and muscle fatigue. A dental evaluation is necessary to determine the
underlying cause of your symptoms.
How do I clean and care for my night guard?
Rinse your night guard after each use and gently clean it with a soft
toothbrush and cool or lukewarm water. Allow it to dry completely before
storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can distort the
material.
Does dental insurance cover custom night guards?
Some dental insurance plans provide coverage for custom night guards when
they are considered medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan, and our
team can help review your benefits before treatment.
How many appointments are needed for a custom night guard?
A custom night guard usually requires two appointments. During the first
visit, we examine your teeth and take a digital scan or impression. At the
second visit, we check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and
provide instructions for use and care.
Conveniently Located Near the Mosaic District and INOVA Fairfax Hospital
Merrifield Dental Associates proudly provides emergency dental care for patients throughout Merrifield, Fairfax, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Annandale, Mantua, Woodburn, Falls Church, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Conveniently located near the Mosaic District and INOVA Fairfax Hospital, our office is just off Prosperity Avenue between Lee Highway (U.S. Route 29) and Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50).
Schedule Today!
Call our office now to schedule your Night Guard consultation. Our team is ready to provide fast, effective care in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Call us today for an appointment (703) 208-2244
Schedule online