Teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep affect millions of Americans, turning what should be restful nights into sources of dental damage and morning discomfort. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice your teeth becoming worn down or chipped, you may be experiencing bruxism—a condition that can lead to serious dental complications without proper intervention.
At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, we provide custom-fitted night guards that offer superior protection compared to over-the-counter alternatives. Dr. Naylor and our experienced team understand how bruxism can impact your daily life and oral health, which is why we create personalized solutions using advanced digital impression technology to ensure optimal comfort and protection for your teeth and jaw joints.
Before exploring your treatment options, it’s important to understand what happens when you grind or clench your teeth during sleep. A 2021 survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute showed that more than 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year. This condition, medically known as bruxism, occurs when the muscles of mastication contract involuntarily during sleep, creating excessive pressure on your teeth and jaw joints.
The forces generated during bruxism can be significantly stronger than those produced during normal chewing. Over time, this excessive pressure can cause tooth enamel to wear away, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities. More severe cases may result in cracked or fractured teeth, requiring extensive restorative treatment to repair the damage.
Beyond tooth damage, bruxism affects your temporomandibular joints, which join your lower jaw to your skull. The constant grinding motion can strain these joints, leading to TMJ disorders that cause pain, clicking sounds, and problems opening or closing your mouth. Many patients also experience tension headaches, earaches, and neck pain as secondary symptoms of nighttime teeth grinding.
Many people with bruxism don’t realize they grind their teeth because it occurs during sleep. However, several warning signs may indicate you could benefit from a custom night guard.
Waking up with a sore jaw, tense facial muscles, or a dull headache often suggests nighttime grinding activity. Your teeth may also show visible signs of wear, such as flattened chewing surfaces, small chips, or raised sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Sleep partners frequently notice grinding sounds during the night, which can be loud enough to disturb their sleep as well. If someone has mentioned hearing you grind your teeth, it’s important to schedule an evaluation to assess the extent of the problem and discuss protective options.
While you may find night guards available at pharmacies and online retailers, custom-made appliances offer significantly better protection and comfort. Over-the-counter guards are designed to fit a wide range of mouth shapes and sizes, which means they rarely provide the precise fit necessary for optimal protection and comfort.
Custom night guards created at our Las Vegas practice begin with detailed digital impressions of your teeth and bite pattern. This technology allows us to capture the exact contours of your mouth, ensuring your night guard fits securely without shifting during sleep. The precise fit also means you can speak and breathe normally while wearing the appliance, making it much easier to adapt to nightly use.
The materials used in professionally made night guards are also superior to those found in generic versions. We select high-quality, durable materials that withstand the forces of grinding while remaining comfortable against your gums and teeth. These materials are also designed to distribute the pressure evenly across the entire surface, providing comprehensive protection for all your teeth rather than just specific areas.
During your consultation, Dr. Naylor will evaluate the severity of your bruxism and any existing dental damage to determine the most appropriate type of night guard for your situation. Some patients benefit from softer materials that provide cushioning, while others require firmer appliances that offer maximum protection against heavy grinding forces.
We also consider your dental implants, crowns, or other restorative work when designing your night guard. Protecting these investments is crucial, as replacing damaged dental work can be both costly and time-consuming. Your custom appliance will be designed to provide extra protection for these areas while maintaining overall comfort.
Creating your custom night guard involves several steps designed to ensure optimal fit and effectiveness. Your appointment will include an examination of your teeth, jaw joints, and bite pattern. Dr. Naylor will look for signs of existing damage and assess the severity of your bruxism to determine the best approach for your protection.
We use advanced digital scanning technology to make precise impressions of your teeth, eliminating the discomfort often associated with traditional impression materials. These digital scans are then used to fabricate your night guard in our trusted dental laboratory, ensuring the highest quality construction and materials.
Once your night guard is ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment where we’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure perfect comfort and protection. Dr. Naylor will also provide detailed instructions on proper care and maintenance to help your appliance last for years of effective use.
With proper care, a high-quality custom night guard can last several years while providing consistent protection for your teeth and jaw joints. Routine cleaning with a soft toothbrush and mild soap will keep your appliance fresh and hygienic, while proper storage in the provided case will prevent damage when not in use.
We recommend bringing your night guard to regular dental checkups so we can inspect it for signs of wear and make adjustments as needed. Over time, changes in your bite or the natural settling of your teeth may require modifications to maintain optimal fit and protection.
Don’t let bruxism continue damaging your teeth and disrupting your sleep quality. At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, we merge advanced technology with personalized care to create custom night guards that provide superior protection and comfort. Dr. Naylor, who completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017, brings years of experience in making personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals, treating you with the same care and attention we would give to our own family.
Our calming and supportive atmosphere makes getting your custom night guard a comfortable experience, and our $300 new patient special provides an excellent opportunity to begin protecting your oral health. Take advantage of our flexible financing options through CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry, or ask about our in-house dental membership plan for additional savings. Contact us today at (702) 395-0366 or schedule your consultation online to learn how a custom night guard protects your smile and improves your sleep quality.
Night guards can also treat snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
