Night Guards (Custom Dental Appliance for Teeth Grinding, Bruxism) in Washington, D.C.

Bruxism, or grinding your teeth while you sleep, is a common problem that affects many people. Even though the most obvious sign of damage is the deterioration of the surface of the teeth, nocturnal bruxism might also lead to inflammation, headaches, and tooth pain, as well as discomfort in your neck and jaw. To protect your mouth against these effects of bruxism, our skilled dental professionals provide custom night guards that help defend your mouth while you sleep. These night guards are made with high-quality materials to fit comfortably and help improve the quality of your sleep by eliminating jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Schedule a consultation at our Washington, D.C. dental practice to learn more about night guards at Chang & Rothkopf Dental.

At CK Dental & Associates, night guards provide several various upsides, specifically for those suffering with teeth grinding or clenching. A number of these advantages encompass:

• Safeguarding teeth from clenching during sleep
• Allowing jaw muscles to relax during sleep
• Reducing neck and jaw pain and stiffness upon waking
• Enhancing comprehensive sleep quality by minimizing disruptions
• Lessening headaches and migraines associated with clenching at night
• Avoiding the need for more invasive oral procedures in the years ahead
• Elevating the lifespan and durability of tooth repairs

A number of symptoms may indicate that you are grinding your teeth and/or clenching your jaw at night. Maybe you frequently wake up in the morning with pain in your jaw, a headache, and facial swelling. Other signs are loose teeth and/or fillings, worn down enamel on your back teeth, tooth sensitivity, and a receding gumline. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching at night are often caused by stress but can also be brought on by misaligned teeth, allergies, a sleep disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). After a bruxism diagnosis is made, our dental team will also try to find out the cause so your night guard therapy may be coupled with another treatment for the best possible results.

Once you receive a bruxism diagnosis, some of the cost of your custom night guard or dental night guard for teeth grinding may be covered by your dental insurance provider. If you have dental insurance, our office will contact your carrier to review your night guard insurance coverage, benefits, and any out-of-pocket expenses. During your consultation, Dr. Kye will go over detailed cost estimates for a night guard for bruxism, both with and without insurance, along with available payment options. For more accessible care, CK Dental & Associates also offers solutions for affordable night guards and can assist you in qualifying for convenient medical financing.

After Dr. Chang makes your bruxism diagnosis, He will take oral impressions and digital oral x-rays to create your custom night guard. CK Dental & Associates will send your information to a special dental lab where your night guard will be made with high-quality materials. After your night guard is sent back to our dental practice, we will inform you so you can come in for a fitting. Dr. Chang could make minor adjustments to make it fit correctly. You will also be given directions on how to care for your night guard so it lasts a long time.

Can I wear a night guard if I have braces or dental restorations?

Yes, individuals with braces, dental crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations can still wear a night guard to protect their teeth and orthodontic appliances during sleep. Some night guard designs are specifically designed to accommodate braces or dental work and may require adjustments or modifications for a proper fit. It's essential to consult with our dental practice in Washington, D.C., to ensure the night guard is compatible with existing dental treatments.

What is the best way to clean a night guard?

Want to know the best way to clean a night guard? Simply rinse with cool water before and after each use, and clean it regularly with a mild soap or denture cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Store the night guard in a ventilated container when not in use, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. It's also important to attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of the night guard and ensure it remains in good condition.

Is a custom night guard that much better than a store-bought one?
For most people, yes. A custom guard is made from impressions of your teeth, so it fits securely, feels comfortable, and protects the exact areas where you grind. Over-the-counter guards are bulkier and can even change your bite if worn long term. Custom guards also last longer, which often makes them more cost-effective over time.

What if I bite through my night guard?
Biting through a guard usually means your clenching or grinding is more intense than average. Let your dentist know so they can check your bite, stressors, and possibly make a thicker or different style guard. Sometimes additional therapies, like Botox to the masseter or stress management, are recommended.

Do you ever have to replace a custom night guard?
Yes. Even high-quality guards wear down over time, especially if you grind heavily. Changes in dental work, tooth movement, or jaw position can also affect the fit. Most patients replace their guard every few years, and your dentist will tell you when it’s time for a new one.

Grinding your teeth can cause pain and discomfort in a number of ways. Whether you have questions about the process or want to know the best way to clean a night guard, our team can help you lessen the fatigue caused by jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Specialized night guards from Chang & Rothkopf Dental can benefit your overall oral health and ward off future issues. If this sounds like a solution to your worries or you want to learn more, call our office in Washington, D.C., to set up a consultation.