We diagnose and treat Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ/TMD), and work with specialists when necessary. We fabricate custom occlusal guards for TMJ problems and for clenching and grinding. For our physically active patients, we recommend custom sports guards to prevent traumatic dental injuries when involved in rigorous activities.
Night guards, sometimes known as orthotics, are oral appliances made from medical silicone or plastic that are custom-fabricated to fit over the teeth. They are often used to prevent night time teeth grinding and clenching, as well as to properly position the jaw to relax hyperactive muscles and decrease TMD symptoms. While most dental night guards are primarily made to protect the teeth from becoming damaged as a result of bruxism, our office uses a neuromuscular approach to fabricate your custom night guard. Using a neuromuscular approach means that we look into the relationship between the teeth, muscles, and jaw joint position. We then use this information to fabricate a night guard that will hold your jaw in the most relaxed position in order to promote healing and a reduction of TMD symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a night guard?
While only a dentist can diagnose your need for a night guard, you may benefit from wearing a night guard if you experience any of the following on a regular basis:
- Jaw pain
- Problems biting and chewing
- Pain while biting and chewing
- Tooth pain
- Facial pain
- Inability to open or close the mouth completely
- Popping or clicking noises when the mouth opens/closes
- Headaches/migraines
- Ear pain/tinnitus
- Teeth grinding or clenching at night
To determine if you can benefit from wearing a night guard, schedule a consultation with our office today.
What should I expect when wearing a night guard?
In most cases, you can expect to wear your night guard every night. You can also expect to attend follow up appointments so your dentist can assess your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary.