If you experience teeth grinding or jaw clenching at night, you may be at risk for tooth damage, jaw pain, and other dental issues. At Douglas Pike Smiles, we offer custom night guards in Smithfield, Rhode Island, to protect your teeth and alleviate discomfort. Our night guards are designed to provide you with a comfortable and effective solution for bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
What Are Night Guards?
A night guard is a custom-made dental appliance designed to be worn while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth to prevent the damaging effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching.
Night guards help reduce the risk of:
- Tooth wear and fractures – Teeth grinding can wear down enamel and cause cracks or chips in your teeth.
- Jaw pain or discomfort – TMJ disorders can cause soreness in your jaw, neck, and shoulders.
- Headaches – Tension from grinding or clenching teeth can lead to frequent headaches.
- Tooth sensitivity – Prolonged grinding can lead to tooth sensitivity due to enamel erosion.
Night guards are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and are typically worn during sleep. With proper care, they provide long-lasting protection.
Benefits of Night Guards
Choosing a custom night guard at Douglas Pike Smiles offers several key benefits:
Protects Teeth from Damage
Night guards shield your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching, helping to prevent wear, fractures, and enamel loss.
Reduces Jaw Pain
Wearing a night guard can help alleviate discomfort from TMJ disorders and reduce the tension in your jaw muscles.
Improves Sleep Quality
By reducing the noise and tension from grinding, night guards can improve your overall sleep quality.
Custom-Fit for Comfort
Our night guards are custom-made to fit the unique shape of your mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit throughout the night.
Prevents Future Dental Issues
By protecting your teeth and jaw, night guards help prevent long-term dental problems that could require costly treatments in the future.
Affordable Solution
Night guards offer an affordable way to prevent tooth damage and alleviate jaw discomfort without the need for more invasive treatments.
Why Choose Douglas Pike Smiles?
At Douglas Pike Smiles, we are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Abhishek Kapoor and our team take the time to assess your symptoms and ensure that your custom night guard fits perfectly and provides optimal comfort. We use high-quality materials and the latest techniques to create a durable, effective solution for your teeth grinding or jaw clenching issues.
Our goal is to help you enjoy better oral health, less discomfort, and a peaceful night’s sleep. We make the process of getting a custom night guard as simple and stress-free as possible.
Night Guard FAQs
A custom night guard is made specifically for your teeth and mouth, providing a more comfortable and precise fit. Over-the-counter night guards may not fit as well and could cause irritation or discomfort. Custom-made guards are more durable and effective at preventing damage from teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
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Even if you don’t grind your teeth every night, it’s still a good idea to wear a night guard if you have been diagnosed with bruxism or TMJ. Teeth grinding can cause long-term damage, and a night guard can protect your teeth even if you grind only occasionally.
Common signs that you may need a night guard include waking up with jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, frequent headaches, or noticing signs of tooth wear or fractures. If you suspect that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth at night, a consultation with Dr. Kapoor can help determine if a night guard is right for you.
Typically, the process of getting a custom night guard involves two visits: one for impressions and measurements, and another to ensure a proper fit once the guard is ready. The entire process usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Yes, custom night guards are designed for comfort. They are made to fit your unique bite, ensuring that they feel natural and do not cause discomfort while you sleep. Most patients get used to wearing them quickly.
With proper care, custom night guards can last several years. However, if they become damaged or worn down, we can replace them to ensure continued protection for your teeth.
To extend the life of your night guard, rinse it with water after each use, brush it with a soft toothbrush, and store it in a protective case when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme heat, as this can cause it to lose its shape.
Many dental insurance plans cover night guards if they are deemed medically necessary to treat bruxism or TMJ disorders. We can help verify your insurance coverage and work with you to maximize your benefits.