Night Guards Specialist

Lakeside Family Dentistry

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Cypress, TX

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to damaged teeth and jaw pain. Wearing a custom night guard when you sleep can protect your teeth and alleviate pain and other symptoms of bruxism. The experienced professionals at Lakeside Family Dentistry, led by Ryulee Song, DMD, and April Lee, DMD, can fit you for a custom night guard that’s comfortable and won’t disturb your sleep. To schedule a consultation for a night guard, call the office in Cypress, Texas, today, or make an appointment online.

Night Guards Q & A

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a specialized dental device designed to protect your teeth from damage due to bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can cause significant wear and tear on your tooth enamel and may eventually lead to cracked or broken teeth. It can also contribute to jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

How do I know if I need a night guard?

Some people grind their teeth during the day, but if you grind them while you’re asleep, you might not be aware that you have bruxism. If you’re aware that you grind your teeth at any time of day, or you suspect you grind your teeth at night, you may wish to see an experienced dentist for an evaluation.

The following signs and symptoms can indicate that you may have night bruxism:

  • Waking up with headaches
  • Unexplained damage to rear teeth
  • Jaw tension or pain
  • Popping or clicking sounds in your jaw

TMJ disorders can occur even if you never grind your teeth. Your dentist may recommend a night guard to help you with TMJ symptoms.

What does getting a night guard involve?

The experienced dentists at Lakeside Family Dentistry recommend a night guard after performing X-rays and an oral exam. Your skilled dentist then discusses your sleep and lifestyle habits with you and provides information about night guards to determine the best approach to addressing your bruxism.

The first step in the process is taking impressions of your teeth. These are used to make a mold that a dental laboratory uses to fabricate your custom night guard.

When your night guard is ready, your dentist checks the fit to make sure you can wear it comfortably. They also give you specific instructions about when to wear your night guard and how to care for the device.

How long will my night guard last?

Unlike over-the-counter mouth guards, custom-made night guards are long-lasting devices that can last many years. How long yours lasts depends on individual factors such as how severely you grind your teeth and how well you take care of your device. 

To schedule an evaluation for a night guard, call Lakeside Family Dentistry today, or make an appointment online.