Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night—a condition called bruxism. At Bar Orthodontics in Rockwall, TX, Dr. Bar creates custom night guards that protect your teeth and jaw from the damaging effects of nighttime grinding.

Bruxism is the unconscious grinding, gnashing, or clenching of teeth, most commonly occurring during sleep. Many people don't realize they grind their teeth until they notice symptoms or a dentist identifies the signs.

The forces generated during grinding can be several times stronger than normal chewing forces, causing significant damage over time.

Common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Waking up with jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches, especially in the temples
• Tooth sensitivity without apparent cause
• Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
• Cracked or fractured teeth or dental work
• Tired or tight jaw muscles
• Earaches not caused by ear problems
• Sleep disruption (yours or your partner's from grinding sounds)
• Indentations on the tongue or inside of cheeks

Left untreated, teeth grinding can cause serious problems:

• Permanent tooth damage requiring crowns, root canals, or extractions
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and chronic jaw pain
• Gum recession and tooth loosening
• Damage to dental restorations (fillings, crowns, implants)
• Chronic headaches and facial pain
• Poor sleep quality affecting overall health
• Costly dental repairs

A custom night guard is a removable oral appliance worn during sleep that creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.

Unlike over-the-counter options, custom night guards are:

• Precisely fitted to your teeth for maximum comfort
• Made from high-quality, durable materials
• Designed to distribute bite forces evenly
• Crafted to protect your specific dental work
• Comfortable enough to wear every night

Getting your custom night guard at Bar Orthodontics is simple:

1. Evaluation – Dr. Bar examines your teeth and jaw for signs of bruxism
2. Impressions – We take precise molds or digital scans of your teeth
3. Fabrication – Your night guard is custom-made in our dental lab using the latest 3D printing technology
4. Fitting – We ensure perfect fit and make any needed adjustments
5. Instructions – You receive care guidelines to maximize longevity

Most patients adapt to wearing their night guard within a few nights.

Proper care extends the life of your night guard:

• Rinse with cool water before and after each use
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste)
• Store in its protective case when not in use
• Keep away from heat to prevent warping
• Clean weekly with denture cleaner or mild soap
• Bring to dental appointments for inspection
• Replace when signs of wear appear

Don't let teeth grinding damage your smile. Contact Bar Orthodontics today to schedule an evaluation and learn how a custom night guard can protect your teeth.

Call (972) 772-2500 or Book your Consultation online using the link below.