AACD MEMBER DENTIST • JACKSONVILLE, FL
Protect your teeth from grinding and clenching damage with a custom-fitted night guard designed for comfort and durability. Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD creates precision night guards at JAX Dental Studio in Jacksonville, FL.
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Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD
ADA & AACD Member
Most Insurance Accepted
Jacksonville, FL
If you wake up with a sore jaw, dull headaches, or your partner says they can hear you grinding in your sleep, your teeth may be taking far more damage than you realize. Bruxism, the clinical term for teeth grinding and clenching, quietly wears down enamel, chips and cracks tooth structure, and can trigger chronic jaw pain that follows you through the day. For many Jacksonville residents, the damage compounds for years before anyone connects the symptoms. At JAX Dental Studio, we screen for bruxism at every visit and can often fit you for a guard the same appointment your impressions are taken.
Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD fabricates precision night guards at JAX Dental Studio in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL. Each guard is made from dental impressions of your specific bite, ensuring a secure fit that stays in place all night and feels natural in your mouth. Unlike over-the-counter boil-and-bite options, a custom guard is calibrated to your bite pressure and grinding pattern, giving you targeted protection where your teeth need it most.
Night guards can also help reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
Teeth grinding often happens during deep sleep, so many people have no idea it’s occurring until a dentist spots the wear. These are the most common signs our Jacksonville patients report before getting their first custom night guard.
If several of these apply to you, a custom night guard from JAX Dental Studio may stop further damage and relieve the daily discomfort you’ve been managing on your own.
We believe cost should never stand between you and a healthier smile. JAX Dental Studio is in-network with BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, and Florida Combined Life. Many plans cover a portion of custom night guard costs, and our team will help you verify your benefits before your appointment. For patients without insurance coverage, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and our in-house membership plan.
Not all night guards are built the same. The right material depends on how severely you grind and whether jaw positioning is also a factor. Dr. Poblenz selects the appropriate type based on your clinical evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all default.
Made from flexible, cushioning material. Best for mild or occasional grinders and patients adjusting to wearing an appliance for the first time. They offer the easiest break-in period and feel the most natural in the mouth from night one.
A soft inner layer bonded to a harder outer shell. This design absorbs grinding impact while resisting compression over time, making it ideal for moderate grinders who need durability without sacrificing comfort against the gums.
Rigid guards fabricated from dental-grade acrylic. Recommended for severe bruxism or patients who have worn through softer materials. They provide the strongest protection and the longest lifespan of any guard type available.
Each guard is fabricated from your dental impressions, so whichever type Dr. Poblenz recommends, it will fit your unique bite precisely and stay in place throughout the night.
The connection between nighttime grinding and TMJ pain is well established. Bruxism places repeated compressive force on the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding muscles. Over time, this strain inflames the joint, shortens the muscles, and can progress from morning soreness to chronic TMJ pain, limited mouth opening, and persistent headaches even when you’re not actively grinding. Many Jacksonville patients seeking TMJ relief find that a custom night guard is a foundational part of their care.
A night guard designed with TMJ management in mind may differ from a standard bruxism guard in thickness, material, and arch coverage. Dr. Poblenz evaluates the joint and surrounding musculature as part of your consultation and selects the appropriate appliance based on your specific presentation. In cases of confirmed TMJ dysfunction, a repositioning splint may be recommended first to decompress the joint before transitioning to a maintenance night guard for long-term protection.
Rinse your guard with cool water each morning, then brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in a ventilated case away from heat, which can warp the material. Bring it to your regular dental checkups so we can inspect it for wear and clean it thoroughly. With proper care, most custom night guards last two to five years. Severe grinders may wear through a guard more quickly, and we’ll let you know when replacement is appropriate.
Dr. Poblenz earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Florida and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. He returned to Jacksonville after graduating in 2015 and has been serving the San Marco community from JAX Dental Studio, building a practice grounded in precision care and genuine patient relationships.
A member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Northeast District Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, Dr. Poblenz completes continuing education hours well beyond state requirements each year. Every custom night guard he fits reflects the same attention to detail he brings to the rest of his care.
Meet Our TeamDr. Charles Poblenz, DMD and our team at JAX Dental Studio have helped many Jacksonville patients get relief from nighttime grinding. Dr. Poblenz is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Northeast District Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He brings the same precision to every custom night guard fitting that he brings to the rest of our care — a guard that actually fits your mouth, stays in place all night, and protects what you’ve worked to preserve. We are in-network with BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, and Florida Combined Life, and we’ll help you verify your night guard benefits before your first appointment.
Don’t wait until grinding causes permanent damage to your enamel or restorations. Contact us to schedule a consultation and let Dr. Poblenz evaluate your bite and get you fitted with the right custom night guard for your Jacksonville smile.
Custom-made night guards are more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options.
