Nightguards

As many as 40 million Americans have bruxism. More commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, bruxism can leave you with facial pain, headaches, and even tooth damage over time. A custom night guard from Farah Ahmad, DDS, Sumra Ahmad, DDS, and Saira Ahmad, DDS, at Smiles Dental Clinic can protect your teeth and reduce bothersome symptoms to help you get a better night’s sleep. Call the office in Falls Church or Herndon, Virginia, or request an appointment online today.

What is a nightguard?

Nightguards are slim, clear oral appliances worn only at night. They cover the biting surface of your teeth to protect them from damage if you have bruxism, a common condition that causes grinding, gnashing, or clenching of the teeth.

Because the guard separates your upper and lower teeth, you’re less likely to experience wear-and-tear on teeth caused by grinding. A nightguard is a convenient treatment option because you only need to wear it while you sleep. 

Do I need a nightguard?

Nightguards are a simple, effective treatment to reduce symptoms of bruxism. But because teeth grinding and clenching happens while you sleep, you might not know you have the condition.

Common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Worn-down tooth enamel
• Flattened or chipped teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Locked jaw
• Teeth grinding, which may be loud
• Teeth clenching

At your routine cleanings, the dental team checks your teeth for signs of wear that could indicate bruxism. If you experience any of the above symptoms, talk to the team at Smile Dental Clinic about whether a nightguard could be right for you.

What is the process of getting a nightguard?

If your Smile Dental Clinic dentist recommends a nightguard, you’ll need impressions taken of your teeth so your nightguard can be custom-created to fit your mouth. Depending on your needs, you may get an upper or lower nightguard.

Custom nightguards are made with high-quality, durable materials. Unlike generic nightguards available at most drugstores, custom nightguards are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth without irritating your gums. 

You receive your nightguard the same day, and the team ensures that it fits well. They check your teeth and nightguard at your regular dental appointments to monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to maintain your oral health.

Your dentist gives you instructions to properly care for and clean your nightguard. Your nightguard may last up to several years, at which point you can get a new one. 

If you’re waking up with pain or you’re experiencing worn-down teeth, it’s time to find out what a nightguard could do for your oral health. Call Smile Dental Clinic or request an appointment online today.