Night Guards in Haslet, TX

The grinding of your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, is a common issue that affects many individuals. Although the most noticeable symptom is the deterioration of the enamel of the teeth, nocturnal bruxism may also lead to tooth pain, headaches, and inflammation, plus discomfort in your neck and jaw. To guard your mouth from the effects of bruxism, dentist Luke Riley provides customized night guards that help defend your teeth while you rest. Custom night guards are created with high-grade materials that comfortably fit in your mouth and improve the nature of your sleep by eliminating jaw clenching and teeth grinding. For more information about custom night guards at Riley Dental, set up a consultation at our Haslet, TX dental practice.

A number of indicators may suggest that you are clenching your jaw and/or grinding your teeth at night. Maybe you frequently wake up in the morning with pain in your jaw, a headache, and facial swelling. Other symptoms are loosened fillings or teeth, chipped enamel on your back teeth, a receding gumline, and tooth sensitivity. Grinding and clenching at night are usually caused by stress but can also be brought on by a sleep disorder, misaligned teeth, allergies, or temporomandibular joint disorder (called TMD). While Dr. Riley makes your bruxism diagnosis, he will also find out the cause so that your night guard therapy can be coupled with other treatments for the best possible outcomes.

After Dr. Riley makes your diagnosis, he will obtain oral impressions and digital oral x-rays to help create your custom night guard. At Riley Dental, we craft your specialized night guard in house from the best materials. After your night guard is complete, we will inform you so you can come in for a fitting. Dr. Riley will then make small adjustments so that it fits correctly. You will also be given directions on how to properly care for your night guard so that it will last many years.

For maximum night guard efficiency, you will need to wear it each night. Your night guard should relieve or alleviate the discomfort and dental issues created by bruxism, but if it does not, please call our team so Dr. Riley can consider additional issues and try other therapies. In order to help keep your night guard and mouth in good condition, we recommend that you clean and care for both prior to and following each use. Be sure to bring your night guard to all of your future appointments, exams, and cleanings so Dr. Riley can repair and adjust the guard as needed.

Once you receive a bruxism diagnosis, some of the cost of your night guard could be paid by your insurance company. If you have dental insurance, our team will call your insurance carrier to obtain your coverage and costs. At your consult, we will give you information about our accepted payment methods as well as your costs, both with or without insurance. For more affordable dental care, Riley Dental offers several payment plans and accepts third-party financing via CareCredit.

How do I know if my night guard is working effectively?

The effectiveness of a night guard can be evaluated by a reduction in symptoms such as tooth wear, jaw pain, and morning headaches. Additionally, regular checkups allow your dentist to assess the condition of your teeth and the night guard. If you notice continued symptoms or discomfort, your dentist may need to adjust or replace the device.

How long does a night guard last?

The lifespan of a night guard varies depending on the material and the severity of your bruxism. A custom-fitted night guard can last between one to five years. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of your night guard and determine when it needs to be replaced.

Can a night guard help with TMJ disorders?

Yes, a night guard can be beneficial for those suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. By reducing the pressure and strain on the jaw joints during sleep, a night guard can alleviate symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

Grinding your teeth can lead to pain and discomfort in a number of ways. Night guards are a safe option to lessen the fatigue that results from the negative symptoms of jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Customized night guards from Riley Dental may also benefit your overall oral health and deter future complications. If this sounds like a solution to your worries, or if you are interested in learning more, call our team in Haslet, TX to schedule a consult with Dr. Riley.