Custom Nightguards in Salt Lake City
Clenching and grinding can place significant forces on the teeth over time. For some patients, this can contribute to worn or chipped teeth, damaged restorations, sensitivity, or tired and uncomfortable jaw muscles.
A custom night guard provides a protective barrier between the teeth while you sleep. We evaluate your teeth, bite, symptoms, and patterns of wear before recommending an appliance.
Signs You May Be Clenching or Grinding
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Cracks in teeth or restorations
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tight or tired jaw muscles
- Jaw discomfort
- A partner hearing grinding during sleep
How Does a Night Guard Help?
The primary purpose of a night guard is to protect teeth from the forces generated by clenching and grinding. It provides a durable surface that can absorb wear that might otherwise occur directly on natural teeth or restorations.
Why a Custom Night Guard?
A custom night guard is made from a scan or impression of your teeth and designed specifically for your mouth. This allows us to control the fit, material, thickness, and the way your teeth contact the appliance.
Compared with many over-the-counter guards, a custom night guard can provide a thinner, lower-profile, more comfortable and secure fit while offering better protection and greater durability. The lower-profile design may also help reduce jaw soreness associated with wearing a bulky appliance. By carefully controlling how the teeth contact the guard, we can help distribute grinding and clenching forces more evenly, reducing unnecessary stress on the teeth, restorations, jaw muscles, and jaw joints.
Grinding, Clenching and Sleep
Clenching and grinding during sleep can have multiple contributing factors. A conventional night guard is designed primarily to protect the teeth; it is not a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. If symptoms or history suggest a sleep-related breathing concern, additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Will a Night Guard Stop Me from Grinding?
Not necessarily. A night guard is generally intended to protect the teeth from the effects of clenching and grinding rather than guarantee that the behavior stops.
How Long Does a Night Guard Last?
It varies based on material, severity of grinding, how consistently it is worn, and how it is cared for. We can evaluate the appliance during regular dental visits.
