Night guards in Germantown, TN, can help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching while you sleep. At Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists provide custom oral appliances designed to fit comfortably and reduce wear on your teeth.
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it, especially at night. Over time, this pressure can contribute to tooth wear, sensitivity, jaw discomfort and damage to existing dental work.
To learn whether a custom night guard may be right for you, call Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 901-681-0777 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Person or Dr. Baker Darlington.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance worn while you sleep to help protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. The appliance creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, helping reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact and the wear that can occur from repeated pressure during sleep.
Because the appliance is made specifically for your mouth, a custom night guard is designed to fit securely and comfortably while you sleep.
Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Bruxism often happens during sleep, so many patients are unaware they are grinding or clenching until symptoms develop or our dentists notice signs of wear during a dental exam.
Possible signs include:
- Jaw soreness or tightness
- Facial discomfort
- Morning headaches
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Flattened or worn tooth surfaces
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Damage to crowns, fillings or other restorations
- Indentations along the sides of the tongue
- Tired jaw muscles after waking
If you notice these symptoms, our dentists can examine your teeth and bite to determine whether bruxism may be contributing to the problem.
How Can a Night Guard Help?
A night guard does not stop every cause of grinding or clenching, but it can help protect your teeth from the forces created during sleep.
Benefits may include:
- Reducing direct tooth-to-tooth contact
- Helping protect enamel from wear
- Lowering the risk of chips and fractures
- Helping protect dental restorations
- Reducing stress on teeth during nighttime clenching
- Providing a custom fit based on your bite
Our dentists will evaluate your symptoms and oral health before recommending a night guard or another treatment.
Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Over-the-counter mouth guards may offer basic protection, but they are not made specifically for your teeth and bite.
A custom night guard is created from detailed impressions or scans of your mouth and is designed to fit your individual tooth shape and alignment. This can make the appliance more secure and comfortable for regular nighttime use.
Our practice uses Primescan digital impressions to capture detailed information that can support the design of custom dental appliances.
Night Guards and TMJ Symptoms
Some patients who grind or clench their teeth also experience jaw soreness, tightness or discomfort around the jaw joints.
A night guard may help reduce some of the stress placed on the teeth and jaw during sleep, but jaw pain can have several causes. Our dentists will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether a night guard may help or whether another type of care should be considered.
How Teeth Grinding Can Damage Your Smile
Repeated grinding and clenching can place significant pressure on the teeth over time. This may gradually wear down enamel and increase the risk of chips, cracks or fractures.
Bruxism can also affect existing dental work. Dental crowns, fillings, veneers and bonding may all be exposed to additional stress when teeth are repeatedly clenched or ground.
Protecting your teeth early may help reduce the need for more extensive restorative dentistry later.
What Happens When You Get a Custom Night Guard?
Your treatment begins with an examination of your teeth, bite and existing dental work. Our dentists will discuss your symptoms and look for signs of grinding or clenching.
If a night guard is recommended, the process generally includes:
- Evaluation: We examine your teeth and bite and discuss any symptoms you have noticed.
- Digital impressions: Detailed scans or impressions are taken to capture the shape of your teeth.
- Appliance fabrication: Your night guard is created to fit your mouth and bite.
- Fit check: Our dentists checks the appliance and makes adjustments as needed.
- Home use: You wear the guard as directed while sleeping.
How Do I Care for My Night Guard?
Keeping your night guard clean can help maintain its fit, appearance and condition.
We recommend:
- Rinsing the appliance after each use
- Cleaning it as directed by our dentists
- Allowing it to dry before storing it
- Keeping it in a protective case when not in use
- Avoiding hot water that could affect its shape
- Bringing it to routine dental visits so we can check its condition and fit
If your night guard becomes damaged, warped or uncomfortable, contact our office before continuing to use it.
Experienced Care for Teeth Grinding and Night Guards
Dr. Person has completed approximately 2,000 TMJ, night guard and occlusal appliance cases during his dental career. His more than 37 years of experience in restorative and general dentistry help him evaluate how grinding, clenching and bite forces may affect both natural teeth and existing dental work.
Dr. Darlington has provided night guard and occlusal appliance treatment since beginning his dental career in 2022 and has completed cases involving patients with grinding, clenching and related concerns.
Together, our dentists take a personalized approach to protecting teeth and helping patients manage the effects of nighttime bruxism.
Night Guards and Preventive Dental Care
Bruxism may first be identified during a routine dental exam when our dentists notice unusual wear, small fractures or changes in existing restorations.
Regular dental cleanings and exams give our team an opportunity to monitor your teeth and night guard over time and identify changes before they become more serious.
Schedule a Night Guard Consultation in Germantown, TN
If you wake with jaw tightness, notice worn teeth or have been told that you grind or clench your teeth, a custom night guard may help protect your smile while you sleep.
Call Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 901-681-0777 to schedule an appointment with our dentists and learn more about night guards in Germantown, TN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom oral appliance worn while you sleep to help protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. It creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to reduce direct contact and wear.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Possible signs include jaw soreness, morning headaches, worn or flattened teeth, tooth sensitivity, chipped teeth and damage to dental restorations. Our dentists can also look for signs of bruxism during an exam.
Can a night guard stop teeth grinding?
A night guard is primarily designed to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. It may not eliminate the underlying habit, but it can help reduce direct tooth-to-tooth wear and stress.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain?
A night guard may help some patients whose jaw discomfort is related to nighttime clenching or grinding. Because jaw pain can have several causes, our dentists will evaluate your symptoms before recommending treatment.
Why choose a custom night guard instead of one from a store?
A custom night guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth and is designed around your individual bite. This generally provides a more secure, personalized fit than a one-size-fits-most appliance.
How long does a custom night guard last?
The lifespan varies depending on how heavily you grind, how you care for the appliance and changes in your teeth or bite. Our dentists can monitor its condition during routine dental visits.
Can teeth grinding damage crowns, fillings or veneers?
Yes. Repeated grinding and clenching can place extra stress on both natural teeth and dental restorations. A custom night guard may help protect your dental work from excessive nighttime forces.
Where can I get a custom night guard in Germantown, TN?
Our dentists at Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provide custom night guards for patients with grinding and clenching concerns. Call 901-681-0777 to schedule an evaluation.
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