Nightguards are a simple and effective way to protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep. Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it. Over time, this habit can lead to excessive wear, jaw discomfort, headaches, and damage to existing dental work. At Sommers Family Dentistry in Norwalk, Ohio, custom nightguards are designed to reduce strain on the jaw and create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
If you wake up with jaw pain, soreness, or signs of grinding, a professionally made dental night guard can help protect your smile and support better sleep quality.
Nightguards, sometimes called dental guards or bite plates, are oral appliances worn while sleeping. They are designed to fit comfortably over the teeth and act as a protective layer that absorbs pressure from grinding and clenching. This helps reduce stress on the jaw muscles, teeth, and temporomandibular joint.
A custom night guard is different from store-bought mouth guard options. Professional nightguards are made using impressions of your mouth, allowing for a precise and comfortable fit. This makes them more durable, easier to wear consistently, and more effective at protecting dental health.
Consistent dental hygiene exams support early detection, which is one of the most important benefits of preventive dentistry. When issues are identified early, treatment options are often simpler and more conservative.
Routine exams help monitor:
Dental hygiene practice focuses on maintaining balance between professional care and daily habits. Regular visits help reinforce proper brushing, flossing, and dental hygiene education so you can confidently care for your smile between appointments.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can affect people of all ages. Some people grind their teeth occasionally, while others do so nightly. Common bruxism symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, worn enamel, and tenderness in the jaw muscles.
Grinding and clenching can be linked to stress, sleep habits, or airway concerns. In some cases, bruxism is associated with sleep-related conditions such as sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea. When the airway becomes restricted during sleep, the jaw may clench or shift as the body responds.
Left untreated, grinding can lead to damage that affects chewing, gums, and overall dental comfort.
Nightguards work by creating a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This barrier reduces direct contact, which helps prevent excessive wear on enamel and minimizes pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Benefits of wearing a nightguard include:
By absorbing and redistributing pressure, a dental night guard supports healthier jaw function and helps maintain a good night’s sleep.
Many stores sell boil-and-bite mouth guards that are softened in hot water or warm water before molding at home. While these counter products may offer short-term relief, they often lack durability and a precise fit.
Custom nightguards provided by a dentist are made using an impression of your teeth. This allows the appliance to fit securely without shifting or causing discomfort. A custom mouth guard is often the best option for long-term protection, especially for patients with crowns, fillings, braces, or existing dental restorations.
Professional nightguards are also designed with appropriate materials, such as acrylic, and follow safety standards related to FDA and BPA guidelines.
Not all nightguards are the same. Dental professionals may recommend different types of night guards depending on grinding habits, jaw position, and comfort needs.
Common types include:
Each appliance is designed to balance comfort, durability, and protection. Your dentist will help determine which type best supports your dental health and long-term comfort.
Getting a custom nightguard is a straightforward process at our dental office. During your visit, impressions of your mouth are taken to capture the exact shape of your teeth. These impressions allow a lab to create a nightguard that fits securely and comfortably.
Once your appliance is ready, we ensure proper fit and review how to wear and care for it. Proper care and hygiene help extend durability and keep the appliance clean and comfortable for daily use.
Taking care of your nightguard helps maintain its effectiveness and lifespan. Regular cleaning and proper storage are important parts of daily use.
General care tips include:
With proper care, a nightguard can provide long-lasting protection and comfort.
Nightguards are helpful for patients who experience:
They may also be recommended for patients who participate in contact sports such as boxing, although sports mouth guards serve a different purpose than nightguards.
Sommers Family Dentistry has cared for families in Norwalk and surrounding communities since 1952. Our approach to preventive dentistry focuses on protecting your teeth and jaw before damage occurs. Custom nightguards are one way we help patients preserve their smiles and stay comfortable over time.
We take time to listen, evaluate signs of wear, and recommend solutions that fit your needs. Our team combines experience, modern technology, and personalized care to support your long-term dental health.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, grinding, or discomfort while sleeping, a custom nightguard may help protect your teeth and improve comfort. Our team is happy to answer questions and determine whether a nightguard is right for you.
Call (419) 668-3606 to schedule your appointment at Sommers Family Dentistry. We proudly serve patients in Norwalk, Ohio and surrounding North Central Ohio communities.
Call today to schedule your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our Norwalk dental office and caring for your smile for years to come.
The goal of our clinic is to provide friendly, caring dentistry and the highest level of general, cosmetic, and specialist dental treatments.
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