Relieve Jaw Pain, Protect Your Teeth, and Sleep Peacefully
Waking up with a sore jaw or sensitive teeth? You could be grinding your teeth at night without realizing it. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we care about more than just your teeth. We want you to feel your best every day. With a professionally made night guard in Washington Heights, we can stop the damage and help you wake up feeling refreshed, not in pain.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a comfortable device worn while you sleep that cushions your teeth and jaw from grinding and clenching (also known as bruxism). It fits over your upper or lower teeth to gently keep your jaw in a relaxed position and prevent tooth-on-tooth contact.
This doesn’t just pose risks to your jaw joints and dental health. It can also significantly shorten the lifespan of dental treatments like fillings, crowns, and veneers.
A custom night guard made by our team is tailored to your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit, protecting your teeth, jaw joints, and dental work. We’ll make your night guard in Washington heights using durable, rigid materials that will provide reliable protection and comfort you can count on.
Signs You Might Need a Night Guard
Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without knowing it. Over time, this can wear down teeth and create tension in your jaw and neck. Here are some common signs of nighttime grinding:
- Jaw tightness or pain when you wake up
- Noises from grinding reported by your partner
- Frequent morning headaches or stiff neck
- Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
- Popping or clicking sounds when you open your mouth
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Trouble getting quality sleep
- Repeated problems with dental restorations
If any of these sound familiar, you might be dealing with bruxism. Our Washington Heights dental team can help determine if a night guard is right for you.
Pro Tip: Grinding is often linked to sleep apnea. If you snore or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, be sure to let us know during your visit.
Benefits of Wearing a Custom Night Guard
A night guard does more than stop your grinding. It can help you feel better overall. Here’s how you could benefit from a custom night guard:
- Feel well-rested with fewer headaches
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
- Alleviate jaw, neck, and shoulder tension
- Enjoy deeper, uninterrupted sleep
- Protect teeth from chipping and wear
- Avoid long-term TMJ issues
- Support jaw joint health and comfort
- Prevent expensive dental repairs later on
- Get the best possible lifespan from existing restorations
Many patients tell us they didn’t realize how much nighttime grinding was affecting them until they experienced life with a night guard.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard Over Store-Bought?
It’s tempting to try a night guard from the drugstore, but these generic options aren’t designed for your unique bite. They often don’t fit well, feel bulky, and may not stop grinding effectively.
In fact, store-bought guards can actually worsen the problem. Their soft, rubbery material gives your jaw something to chew on, activating the same muscles you’re trying to rest. This can lead to more clenching and more stress on your jaw joint.
At Fort Washington Dental Associates, our custom night guards are made from high-quality materials and designed to hold your jaw in a balanced, relaxed position. Each guard is crafted to reduce muscle tension and protect your teeth, and we’ll ensure a proper fit before you leave our office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
Can I just buy one at the drugstore?
Store-bought guards don’t fit your bite properly and are often uncomfortable. Our custom-made night guards are tailored to your mouth and provide better protection and comfort.
How long does a night guard last?
With regular care, a custom night guard can last for several years. We’ll check the fit during your dental visits and make any needed adjustments.
Is a night guard covered by insurance?
Many dental plans cover part or all of the cost. Our team will help you check your benefits and explore your options.
Get a Custom Night Guard in Washington Heights and Start Enjoying Better Sleep
Grinding your teeth may seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to serious damage and discomfort. A custom night guard is a simple, effective way to protect your smile and improve your sleep.
Think you might need one? Let the team at Fort Washington Dental Associates in Washington Heights help. We’ll assess your symptoms and find a comfortable solution to help you wake up feeling better.
