Do you frequently wake up with headaches or jaw pain? Are your teeth growing more sensitive? Or maybe you’ve noticed your teeth look worn or have new cracks. These are common signs of chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
In many cases, stress and anxiety are the root causes of teeth grinding, but other conditions like temporomandibular jaw (TMJ) disorders may also cause this frustrating problem.
At Bay Area Dental Specialists, renowned prosthodontist Dr. Ashwini Bhave is an expert in diagnosing the cause of teeth grinding and finding solutions that work for each patient’s unique needs. Custom-fitted night guards are a highly effective solution that keeps you comfortable while preventing additional damage.
Why a Night Guard Is Essential
A night guard doesn’t stop the grinding but provides a critical protective barrier. This custom-made appliance fits comfortably over your upper or lower teeth, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact. Wearing a night guard can:
- Prevent Enamel Wear and Tear: A nightguard is a protective barrier that prevents enamel breakdown from teeth grinding and clenching.
- Reduce the Risk of Tooth Fractures or Chips: Wearing a nightguard cushions your teeth and reduces the impact of grinding and clenching, which in turn helps prevent fractures, chips, or other damage.
- Stop Gum Recession Caused by Grinding Pressure: Nightguards distribute grinding pressure evenly, protecting your gums from excessive force that can contribute to recession and sensitivity.
- Alleviate Jaw Pain and Headaches: By minimizing clenching and grinding, a nightguard eases pressure on your jaw joints, reducing pain, tension, and associated issues like headaches.
The Custom Night Guard Difference
Store-bought guards are sized to fit as many people as possible, which means they don’t actually fit anyone very well. Due to a bad fit, store-bought guards often feel bulky and uncomfortable.
They often shift as you sleep, leading to inefficient protection and, potentially, an increase in unconscious tooth grinding.
In addition, store-bought night guards are typically made of lower-quality materials, breaking down quickly and requiring frequent replacement.
Dr. Bhave recommends top-quality, customized night guards at Bay Area Dental Specialists. She takes detailed impressions of your teeth and provides precise instructions to the trusted dental lab, which crafts your night guard to fit your teeth perfectly.
When your night guard is ready, Dr. Bhave tailors the fit further based on your feedback, ensuring it’s both comfortable and highly functional.
We ensure your night guard feels completely natural, making it easy to wear consistently for a long time. Regular use of a custom night guard protects your smile for years, preventing costly future dental treatments like crowns or restorative dentistry.
Dr. Bhave’s extensive prosthodontic expertise ensures your night guard doesn’t just fit well—it’s a perfect custom fit.
Night Guards in San Jose, CA
Don’t let teeth grinding damage your smile. Protect your teeth and ease discomfort with a custom Bay Area Dental Specialist night guard. Call our San Jose office today at 408-809-7760 to schedule your appointment and get relief.