Night Guards

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a silicone or sometimes plastic piece that you wear to bed to protect your teeth. It slips onto your top teeth and prevents your teeth from grinding against each other. Though you can purchase a night guard in many stores, it's much more effective to have one custom made for you at Dentalville Panorama City in Los Angeles.

How Can a Night Guard Help Me?

There are several conditions that your night guard can help treat. People who suffer from anxiety may clench their jaws or grind their teeth at night. Night guards can also help treat temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMJ) -- a condition where the joints and muscles that assist the jaw become inflamed and painful. Some frequent causes of TMJ include: arthritis, genetics, or injury. Night guards also prevent damage from bruxism, a sleep-related movement disorder that often accompanies other sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea).

If left untreated, these conditions can cause your enamel or teeth to wear down. They also cause jaw and facial pain.

We will evaluate and diagnose your condition, and determine whether a night guard will benefit you.

How Is a Night Guard Made?

Though you can purchase a standard night guard at most pharmacies, it will not be a perfect fit. This can result in injuries to your teeth, gums, and cheeks. Custom night guards can last longer than standard store-bought night guards. We highly recommend that you get a custom made night guard fitted to prevent any injuries and to properly treat your condition. A properly fitted night guard also allows you to sleep more comfortably, because it fits "like a glove."

Getting your custom night guard fitted will require two short office visits. During the first appointment, We will have you gently bite down onto a mold for a couple of minutes while it sets. Either the staff or we will let you know about how long it will take for your night guard to be made. You'll receive a phone call when it's ready to be picked up. In your follow up visit, you'll try on the night guard to make sure it fits snugly and comfortably.

How To Care For Your Night Guard

To clean your night guard, rinse it with warm water after use. Then soak it in a small container of warm water and drop in an Efferdent denture cleanser tablet. You can then let it soak for the packaging's recommended time, rinse, and let it dry. Occasionally you can use a soft bristle toothbrush, warm water, and toothpaste to gently brush your night guard clean from any accumulated debris. Store your night guard in a dry case when not in use.

Consult us for a Night Guard Consultation Today

Let us help protect your smile. Call our office staff to schedule your consultation and molding appointments today!