Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel unusually sensitive? You may be grinding your teeth at night without even knowing it, a condition known as bruxism. At Noblesville Dental Associates, we believe in prevention to protect your teeth and smile. We are pleased to offer custom night guards to reduce the impacts of bruxism on your oral health and general well-being, enhancing your smile and your quality of life.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding and clenching, and it affects far more people than you might expect. Because it often occurs during sleep, many patients have no idea they have bruxism until their dentist notices the telltale signs during a routine exam. While the causes of bruxism can be challenging to determine, contributing factors include stress, sleep disorders like sleep apnea, missing teeth, tooth misalignment, certain medications, high caffeine intake, and even a genetic predisposition.

What Happens When Bruxism Goes Untreated?

The forces generated by teeth grinding are incredibly powerful, often far exceeding those of normal chewing. Over time, that repeated pressure can take a toll on your smile and your health. The effects of bruxism include tooth wear, chips, fractures, and sensitivity, as well as damaged dental restorations, receding gums, and chronic TMJ discomfort. Patients may also experience morning headaches, neck pain, sleep disruptions, and daytime fatigue. Catching and addressing bruxism can safeguard your smile and enhance your overall quality of life.

How Do Night Guards Help?

A custom night guard is one of the most effective and straightforward solutions for bruxism. Worn during your sleep, a protective mouthguard creates a barrier or cushioning between your upper and lower arches, helping absorb and redistribute the forces of grinding and clenching, and preventing them from causing damage to your smile. While night guards don’t necessarily stop the grinding itself, they protect your teeth and jaw from its harmful effects and, over time, can help reduce any related discomfort.

It is worth noting that not all night guards provide the same level of protection. The store-bought options may seem convenient, but they are created from generic molds that rarely fit well and can actually worsen jaw discomfort for some patients. A custom night guard, crafted from digital impressions of your teeth, fits comfortably and securely, making it far more effective and much easier to wear consistently.

What Is the Night Guard Process?

Getting a custom night guard at our practice is a simple and comfortable process. We will start by taking digital impressions of your teeth, which skilled technicians at our partner dental lab will use to create your night guard. Once it is ready, we will ensure the fit is just right before sending you home with everything you need to care for it properly. Most patients adjust to wearing their night guard within just a few nights.

Night Guards Near Me in Noblesville, IN

If you would like to learn more about protecting your smile with a custom night guard, contact Noblesville Dental Associates to schedule a consultation. Our patient-centered team is dedicated to offering personalized preventive care to enhance your smile and your overall well-being. We invite you to call 317-773-2983 to schedule your appointment or request one through our contact form today.