Protect Your Teeth From Grinding While You Sleep
Nighttime grinding can wear down teeth and damage fillings or crowns, sometimes before you realize it is happening. A custom night guard may help protect your smile from repeated tooth-to-tooth contact.
At The Dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kirian provides custom night guards in Newark, Ohio, after evaluating your teeth, bite and symptoms. He checks what is causing concern before deciding whether an appliance is appropriate.
Call 740-366-1236 to schedule an evaluation with our dentist if you notice worn teeth, damaged dental work or recurring jaw discomfort.
Protection Planned Around Your Teeth
- Limit direct contact: Place a protective appliance between teeth affected by grinding.
- Help protect dental work: Reduce direct contact that can contribute to damage around fillings and crowns.
- Get a fit made for you: Use records of your teeth to create an appliance that can be checked and adjusted.
- Monitor changes: Review the guard’s condition alongside tooth wear and symptoms at follow-up visits.
Signs Worth Having Checked
Grinding and clenching are often called bruxism. They can happen during sleep or while you are awake. Some patients first learn about possible grinding when a dentist notices wear or damage.
Dr. Kirian looks for findings such as:
- Worn, flattened, chipped or fractured teeth
- Changes in tooth position or the way teeth meet
- Damage to fillings, crowns or other restorations
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw muscle soreness or fatigue
- Headaches or jaw joint symptoms, including clicking, popping or locking
These findings do not all have the same cause. Tooth wear can also involve erosion and other factors, while headaches and jaw symptoms may need a broader evaluation. A night guard is recommended only when it fits the clinical findings and your needs.
Dr. Kirian’s Approach to Assessing Your Bite
Dr. Kirian begins by looking for signs of instability, including wear, fractures, shifting teeth and a history of missing teeth. He considers these findings alongside your symptoms and existing dental work.
His coursework at the Dawson Academy informs his attention to how teeth function together. The examination helps determine whether protection with a guard, further investigation or another approach is appropriate.
A guard may be useful for some patients and unsuitable for others. Your ability to wear it consistently, comfort and gag reflex are part of the discussion.
What to Expect When Getting a Custom Night Guard
- Evaluate your needs: We discuss symptoms and examine your teeth, restorations, bite and jaw.
- Take records: Impressions or records from a digital scanner guide the appliance’s fit.
- Check the appliance: When it is ready, we assess how it fits and make any needed adjustments.
- Explain wear and care: You receive instructions for using, cleaning and storing the guard.
- Review its performance: Follow-up checks help us assess comfort, wear and changes in symptoms.
What a Night Guard Can and Cannot Do
A night guard separates the teeth to help protect them. It does not guarantee that grinding will stop, and it is not a cure for every cause of jaw pain or headaches.
If an appliance causes increased pain or changes how your teeth meet, stop using it and contact our office for assessment. Do not force a guard that no longer fits.
Tell us about any new crowns, fillings or other dental treatment that could affect the fit of an existing appliance.
Keep Your Guard Clean and Have It Checked
Follow the cleaning instructions provided for your appliance. Rinse it after use, avoid hot water and store it as directed. Keep it away from pets and bring it to your dental examinations so we can inspect it.
Contact us if it cracks, wears through, becomes loose or develops a rough area. The need for adjustment or replacement depends on its condition and how it functions in your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
How can I tell whether I grind my teeth at night?
You may notice wear, chipped teeth, morning jaw soreness or a sleep partner hearing grinding. Some patients have no obvious symptoms. An examination helps identify possible signs and other explanations.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
It may not stop the activity itself. Its main role is to separate and protect the teeth. Dr. Kirian will explain what an appliance is intended to accomplish in your case.
Can a night guard help jaw pain or headaches?
That depends on the cause. These symptoms need an assessment before treatment is recommended. A guard may be part of care for selected patients, but it is not appropriate for every condition.
What is the difference between a custom guard and one from a store?
A custom guard is made using records of your teeth, then checked by the dental team for fit and function. We can assess whether an appliance suits your needs and monitor it over time.
What if I cannot tolerate wearing a guard?
Tell us about gagging, discomfort or difficulty keeping it in place. Dr. Kirian will assess whether an adjustment or another approach is appropriate rather than asking you to persist with an unsuitable appliance.
How long does a night guard last?
Its lifespan depends on the appliance, grinding forces, care and changes to your teeth. Regular checks help identify wear or damage and determine when replacement is needed.
How much does a custom night guard cost?
The fee depends on the appliance recommended. After evaluating your teeth and symptoms, we can explain the proposed care and associated fees.
Find Out What Your Smile Needs for Protection
Call 740-366-1236 or contact The Dentist to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kirian in Newark, OH. Our preventive care starts with understanding your teeth, symptoms and goals.