Nightguards

A nightguard, or occlusal guard, is worn during sleeping hours to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching, also called “bruxism”. Studies consistently show that a majority of the population grinds, clenches, or both during their sleep, yet most people don’t realize they do!  If you often wake with jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or neck pain you are likely suffering from bruxism. If not treated, bruxism can lead to broken or cracked teeth, bone loss, TMD (temporomandibular disorder), damage to tooth nerves, or even tooth loss.

A Nightguard Accomplishes The Following:

• prevents further wearing away of or damage to your natural tooth structure
• balances your bite so forces are distributed evenly
• opens your bite, slightly, which decreases the amount of force your muscles can apply when bruxing/clenching

Dr. Dina will make you a custom-made, dual-layered nightguard that is worn over your top or bottom teeth while you sleep, though some people realize they grind during the day and need to wear it all day.  A nightguard requires only two short visits to complete.