A night guard is a protective oral appliance you wear while you sleep. It acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. This simple device can save your teeth from serious wear and reduce the muscle tension that causes jaw pain.
Custom night guards fit your mouth precisely, making them more comfortable and effective than store-bought options. We take impressions of your teeth to create a guard that stays in place throughout the night and feels natural in your mouth. The result is better protection and a higher chance you’ll actually wear it consistently.
Grinding your teeth at night can damage your enamel, cause jaw pain, and leave you waking up with headaches. Many people clench or grind their teeth while they sleep without even realizing it, leading to worn-down teeth and chronic discomfort that affects their daily lives.
At Jax Dental Studio, we create custom night guards that protect your teeth and help you sleep more comfortably. Our team fits each guard to your unique bite, so you get the relief you need without compromising your rest.
Night guards can also help reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
You may not realize you grind your teeth at night, but there are clear warning signs. Waking up with a sore jaw or dull headache often points to nighttime grinding. You might also notice your teeth looking shorter or more worn down than they used to be, or your partner might hear you grinding while you sleep.
Other symptoms include tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking, especially with hot or cold items. Some people develop small chips or cracks in their teeth from the constant pressure. If you experience any of these issues, a night guard can help prevent further damage and give your jaw muscles a chance to relax.
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The first step towards getting a night guard is a comprehensive consultation and examination by Dr. Charles Poblenz. During this appointment, he will assess your oral health, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether a night guard is the best solution for you. He may also take X-rays or perform other diagnostic tests to rule out other dental issues.
Once it’s decided that a night guard is the right solution for you, the next step is taking dental impressions. This is a quick and painless process where a soft material is placed over your teeth to create an exact mold of your bite. This mold is then sent to a dental lab where your custom night guard will be made.
Your dentist will fill your tooth and restore its structure with a tooth-compatible material like dental resinaThe final step is the fitting. Once your night guard is ready, you’ll come back to JAX Dental Studios for a fitting. Dr. Poblenz will ensure that the guard fits perfectly, make any necessary adjustments, and provide you with instructions on how to care for your night guard at home. or metal-amalgam. Once the tooth has been filled, the filling will be trimmed and adjusted to ensure that it matches your natural bite and feels comfortable.
Different types of night guards serve different needs based on the severity of your grinding and your comfort preferences.
We can help you choose the right type based on how much you grind and what feels most comfortable for you.
Sometimes your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. This is called an overbite, and this occurs in most people. It becomes a problem when the overbite is too large. If you have too deep a bite, your teeth may wear down or you could suffer from jaw pain. Invisalign can fix an overbite or deep bite, and get your teeth in a healthier position.
By preventing teeth grinding and clenching, night guards can also improve your sleep quality. They help to relax your jaw muscles, reducing the likelihood of waking up due to discomfort or pain. Some people also find that night guards help reduce snoring, providing a more restful night’s sleep for both them and their partners.
Chronic teeth grinding and clenching can lead to other health issues like headaches, facial pain, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). By addressing the root cause of these problems, night guards can help prevent these health issues and improve your overall wellbeing.
Getting a custom night guard starts with a simple appointment. We examine your teeth and jaw to assess the extent of your grinding and check for any existing damage. Then, we take detailed impressions of your teeth to create a guard that fits your mouth perfectly.
Your guard is made in a dental lab according to your specific measurements. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. We make sure the guard sits comfortably and doesn’t interfere with your bite. You’ll also learn how to insert, remove, and care for your guard properly.
Most people adjust to wearing a night guard within a few nights. If you experience any discomfort or notice the guard feeling loose, we can make adjustments to improve the fit.
Proper care keeps your night guard clean and extends its life. Rinse it with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria growth and keep it away from heat, which can warp the material.
Bring your night guard to your dental checkups so we can inspect it for wear and clean it thoroughly. Over time, night guards need replacement as they naturally wear down from nightly use. We’ll let you know when it’s time for a new one.
Beyond protecting your teeth, night guards can reduce tension headaches caused by jaw clenching. They help prevent damage to existing dental work like crowns and fillings, which grinding can loosen or crack. Many patients report sleeping better once they start wearing a night guard, as it reduces the unconscious stress their jaw muscles experience.
Night guards can also help with TMJ disorders by keeping your jaw in a more relaxed position throughout the night. This reduced strain on the temporomandibular joint may be able to ease pain and improve jaw function over time.
Dr. Stephen J. Poblenz and our experienced team have helped countless patients in Jacksonville find relief from nighttime grinding. With memberships in the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Poblenz brings proven experience to every custom night guard fitting. We take the time to understand your specific needs and create a solution that protects your teeth while letting you sleep comfortably.
Don’t wait until grinding causes permanent damage to your teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how a custom night guard can protect your smile and improve your quality of life.
Custom-made night guards are more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options.
