Do you wake with jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. At Calm Dental Studio in Delaware, Ohio, Dr. Alla creates custom night guards and bite splints to protect your teeth and relieve the discomfort of teeth grinding. A properly fitted night guard prevents damage to your teeth and improves your sleep quality and comfort.
A night guard (also called an occlusal guard) is a custom-made plastic appliance you wear while sleeping to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching (jaw tension) are common, especially during stressful periods. Over time, grinding wears down your teeth, causes jaw pain, creates headaches, and damages existing restorations like fillings and crowns. A night guard absorbs the forces of grinding, protecting your teeth and reducing jaw pain.
A bite splint is similar to a night guard but is often designed for daytime use to address clenching habits. Both are custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring comfort and protection. Unlike over-the-counter guards that don't fit well and provide minimal protection, a custom guard from Dr. Alla is comfortable, effective, and lasts many years.
A night guard that doesn't fit properly is uncomfortable and ineffective. Dr. Alla creates a custom night guard that fits your mouth precisely. It's comfortable enough to wear all night without disrupting sleep, yet protective enough to stop damage from grinding. Many patients report that a well-fitted night guard actually helps them sleep better because it relieves jaw tension.
Grinding can damage natural teeth, fillings, crowns, and implants. A night guard absorbs grinding forces, protecting all your dental work. If you've already had damage from grinding, a night guard prevents further damage and extends the life of your restorations. Protecting teeth is always better than repairing damage.
Many patients with grinding experience jaw pain, particularly in the morning. Grinding creates tension in jaw muscles and puts stress on the joints. A night guard reduces grinding forces and allows muscles to relax, often providing significant pain relief. Many patients report less morning jaw soreness after using a properly fitted night guard consistently.
Teeth grinding often causes morning headaches, particularly tension headaches in the temples or base of the skull. The muscle tension and jaw stress from grinding radiates to cause head pain. A night guard reduces grinding and jaw tension, often eliminating or greatly reducing morning headaches.
Teeth grinding can disrupt your sleep and your partner's sleep. A night guard may reduce grinding, allowing more restful sleep. Additionally, by relieving jaw pain and tension, the night guard allows you to wake without discomfort. Many patients report better overall sleep quality with a night guard.
Dr. Alla's custom night guards are made from durable materials and last many years with proper care. They're easy to maintain—just rinse them daily and occasionally clean with a soft toothbrush. They're small and portable, fitting easily in a case for travel. A single night guard investment protects your teeth for years.
Your comfort and the aesthetic outcome are Dr. Alla's top priorities. Here’s what you can expect during your Night Guards & Bite Splints Treatment Process:
During your consultation, Dr. Alla asks about your grinding, clenching, jaw pain, headaches, and any worn or damaged teeth. She may examine your teeth for wear patterns consistent with grinding. She assesses your jaw joint and muscles for tension or dysfunction. This assessment helps her understand your situation and determine the best type of guard for your needs.
Dr. Alla explains different night guard options—soft guards, hard guards, and hybrid guards. Each type has benefits depending on your grinding severity and personal preference. She discusses which type she recommends for your situation and why. She explains how the guard works and what to expect when wearing it. She answers your questions and ensures you understand the process.
Dr. Alla takes a detailed impression of your upper teeth (or both if needed) using impression material or digital scanning. This impression captures the exact shape of your mouth and is sent to our laboratory where the night guard is custom-made. For digital scanning, she uses a 3D scanner to capture precise tooth dimensions without uncomfortable impression material.
Our laboratory creates your custom night guard using the impression or scan provided. The technician shapes the guard to fit your teeth precisely and sizes it appropriately for comfort and protection. The guard is made from medical-grade plastic that's durable and safe for overnight use. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
When your night guard is ready, you return for fitting. Dr. Alla checks the fit, ensuring it's comfortable and stays in place during sleep. She shows you proper insertion and removal technique. She makes any adjustments needed for perfect fit and comfort. She provides care instructions and discusses what to expect during the first week of use.
We understand you might have questions about Night Guards & Bite Splints.
Here are some common inquiries we receive at Calm Dental Studio:
Most people adjust within a few days to a week. The first night may feel odd, but by the third or fourth night, most people forget they're wearing it. Some people adjust even faster. If after a week you're still uncomfortable, contact Dr. Alla minor adjustments may improve comfort.
Rinse your night guard with water each morning and evening. Once weekly, clean it with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste or use a denture cleaner. Never use hot water or bleach, which can damage the material. Store it in the provided case when not in use. Proper cleaning extends the life of your guard.
A night guard doesn't stop grinding, it reduces the impact of grinding. You may still grind, but the guard absorbs the forces and protects your teeth. Some people grind less once they're wearing a guard because the guard provides feedback that increases awareness of clenching. Stress management, avoiding caffeine, and other strategies may also reduce grinding.
A night guard can often be adapted for dental appliances. However, discuss this with Dr. Alla when getting your guard made. For braces, a guard can protect wires and brackets. For implants, a guard protects them from grinding damage. Dr. Alla will design your guard appropriately based on your dental work.
Many patients initially resist the idea of wearing a night guard but find that once they try it, they love how much better they feel. The relief from jaw pain, headaches, and the protection of their teeth often motivate them to keep wearing it. However, if you're truly uncomfortable, discuss alternatives with Dr. Alla. There may be other solutions like daytime bite splints or stress management strategies.
You're a candidate for a night guard if you experience teeth grinding or clenching, or if you're at risk for these problems. The situations below indicate you should consider getting a night guard:
Call Calm Dental Studio to discuss whether a night guard is right for you. Dr. Alla can assess your grinding and recommend the best solution for protection.
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