Do I Need a Night Guard? Custom‑Made Oral Appliance in Phoenix, Biltmore area, Arizona
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom‑made oral appliance that fits over your teeth and is worn while you sleep. It creates a smooth, protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, helping absorb and redistribute the forces of grinding and clenching.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
You might benefit from a night guard if you notice one or more of these issues:
Morning jaw pain, tightness, or difficulty opening wide.
Frequent dull headaches around the temples or behind the eyes when you wake up.
Teeth that look worn, flattened, chipped, or cracked, or dental work that keeps breaking.
Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets due to enamel wear.
Clicking, popping, or discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ) or tight facial muscles.
A partner hearing grinding or squeaking sounds from your teeth at night.
If these symptoms sound familiar, a consultation with Dr. Vitanov can help determine whether bruxism (teeth grinding) is the cause and if a night guard is recommended.
How a Night Guard Helps
A properly fitted night guard:
Protects your teeth by preventing direct tooth‑to‑tooth contact and reducing the risk of chips, fractures, and excessive wear.
Relieves pressure on the jaw joints and muscles, which can ease TMJ‑related pain and morning stiffness.
Helps preserve dental work, including crowns, veneers, fillings, and implants that would otherwise absorb heavy grinding forces.
Can improve sleep quality by minimizing micro‑awakenings and tension from clenching.
Night guards are considered a conservative, non‑invasive way to manage bruxism and protect your smile over the long term.
Check out a comparison of custom night guards vs. store-bought options
What to Expect at Smile 24 Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ Biltmore
At Smile 24 Dentistry, the night guard process is straightforward and comfortable.
Dr. Vitanov reviews your symptoms, examines your teeth and jaw, and checks for signs of wear or bruxism.
A precise impression or digital scan of your teeth is taken to create your custom night guard.
Once it is ready, you return for a fitting so the guard can be adjusted for comfort, stability, and proper bite.
You receive instructions on how often to wear it, how to clean it, and when to bring it in to be checked or replaced.
If you think a night guard may be right for you, scheduling an appointment at Smile 24 Dentistry in the Phoenix, AZ Biltmore area is an important step toward protecting your teeth and preventing long-term damage caused by grinding or clenching.