Night Guards Made For You

Using an occlusal night guard properly is important to ensure it effectively protects your teeth and lasts a long time. Here are some general instructions:

• Insertion: Place the night guard over your upper or lower teeth, depending on your dentist's recommendation. Make sure it fits snugly and comfortably.

• Wear Time: Wear the night guard every night while you sleep. It may take a few nights to get used to wearing it.

• Cleaning: Rinse your night guard with warm water immediately after removing it from your mouth. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or soap. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the guard.

• Drying: Allow the night guard to air dry completely on a clean surface before storing it. Do not use a towel, as it can harbor bacteria.

• Storage: Store the night guard in its case when not in use. Keep the case in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and pets.

• Deep Cleaning: Soak the night guard in a denture-cleaning solution or a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide once a month to remove any buildup.

• Regular Check-ups: Bring your night guard to your dental appointments so your dentist can check its condition and make any necessary adjustments.

• Avoid Damage: Do not chew on the night guard, expose it to extreme temperatures, or use abrasive cleaners.

Following these instructions will help maintain the effectiveness and longevity of your occlusal night guard. If you have any specific concerns or questions, it's always best to consult your dentist.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, noticing tooth movement, or are seeing wear on the biting surfaces of your teeth, a night guard might be indicated. A night guard is similar to a sports guard and can be fabricated to be used on your upper or lower jaw. A night guard helps in a few ways. First, it will redistribute the forces so that one tooth doesn't take the brunt of your clenching or grinding. Second, it will psychologically prevent your mouth from continuing to clench as it notices something in between your teeth. This allows the jaw to relax instead of grinding all night long. Third, it can act as an orthodontic retainer and prevent your teeth from moving while you sleep. We recommend our in-office night guards because they are custom made and are soft on the inside and hard on the outside. They should last at least 5 years. We don't recommend the ones you can buy over the counter because they are made of a softer material that your mouth treats as gum and so you'll end up chewing on them all night long, making the problem worse. Many of the soft night guards are too soft and end up on the pillow at night, or as your dog's newest toy. Hard-soft night guards delivered in our clinic usually cost between $300-$425 depending on how much your insurance picks up. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.