Night Guards
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.
Custom 3D Printed Night Guards
What Is Bruxism?
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.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
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
The Dangers of Untreated Bruxism
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
How Custom Night Guards Help
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
Our Custom Night Guard Process
Getting your custom night guard at Bar Orthodontics is simple:
Most patients adapt to wearing their night guard within a few nights.
Caring for Your Night Guard
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