Night Guards
in Norwalk

Protect your smile while you sleep with a custom-fitted night guard designed specifically for your teeth. If you wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or worn teeth, a comfortable night guard can help prevent further damage and provide relief from the effects of teeth grinding and clenching.

What are Night Guards For?

Night guards are custom-made protective devices worn over your teeth while you sleep to prevent damage from teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). Unlike generic store-bought options, our night guards are precisely crafted from digital impressions of your teeth to provide comfort and protection. Many people unknowingly grind or clench their teeth during sleep, often due to stress, an abnormal bite, or sleep disorders. This habitual grinding can lead to worn tooth enamel, flattened teeth, increased sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and even cracked or broken teeth. A properly fitted night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of grinding and preventing damage to your dental work and natural teeth.

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Benefits of Night Guards

Prevent Dental Damage

A custom night guard protects your teeth from the excessive forces of grinding and clenching, preventing worn enamel, chips, cracks, and broken teeth. This protection extends the life of your natural teeth and any dental work you've had, saving you from costly repairs down the road.

Relieve Pain and Discomfort

By reducing muscle tension and creating proper spacing between your teeth, a night guard can significantly decrease morning headaches, jaw pain, neck discomfort, and tooth sensitivity. Many patients report sleeping better and waking with less facial fatigue after just a few nights of wearing their guard.

Custom Comfort and Fit

Our custom-made night guards are designed using digital impressions of your teeth, resulting in a precise fit that stays securely in place without bulky material. The comfortable design makes it easy to adapt to wearing the guard.

The Night Guard Treatment Process

1

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Dr. Daniel will examine your teeth for signs of grinding and clenching, such as worn enamel, flattened teeth, or recession. We'll discuss any symptoms you're experiencing, like morning headaches or jaw pain, to determine if a night guard would be helpful for your specific situation.

2

Digital Impressions

Using our advanced iTero scanner, we'll take precise digital impressions of your teeth without the discomfort of traditional molding materials. These digital models capture every detail of your teeth to ensure your night guard fits perfectly and feels comfortable.

3

Custom Fabrication

Your digital impressions are used to create a night guard tailored specifically to your teeth and bite. We carefully select the appropriate material thickness and design based on the severity of your grinding to provide protection without compromising comfort.

4

Delivery and Adjustments

When your night guard is ready, you'll return to our office to try it on and ensure it fits perfectly. Dr. Daniel will make any necessary adjustments for comfort and provide instructions on wearing and caring for your guard to maximize its effectiveness and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a night guard?

Common signs that you might benefit from a night guard include waking with headaches or jaw pain, teeth that appear flat or worn down, increased tooth sensitivity, tired jaw muscles, or a partner who reports hearing you grind your teeth during sleep. Even if you don't experience pain, Dr. Daniel may notice signs of grinding during your routine dental exam, such as worn enamel or small cracks in your teeth. If you suspect you might be grinding or clenching, it's worth discussing with us during your next appointment—addressing this habit early can prevent significant damage.

How long does a night guard last?

With proper care, a custom night guard typically lasts 3-5 years, though this varies depending on the severity of your grinding. Signs that your guard may need replacement include visible wear patterns, holes, cracks, or a change in the fit due to dental work or tooth movement. We recommend bringing your night guard to regular dental checkups so we can assess its condition and effectiveness. Extending the life of your guard requires proper daily cleaning and storing it in a protective case when not in use.

Will a night guard affect my sleep?

Most patients adjust to wearing a custom night guard within a few nights. Because our guards are precisely fitted to your teeth, they're much more comfortable than over-the-counter options. The guard's slim, smooth design minimizes disruption to your normal sleeping patterns and speech. Some patients even report sleeping better with a night guard because it reduces muscle tension and pain.