Night Guards
Professional Night Guards
What You Need to Know
What it is: Custom-fitted protective device worn at night to protect your teeth from grinding damage. A night guard shields teeth and jaws while you sleep, preventing wear, damage, and jaw pain.
Typical appointment time: Single 30-minute fitting visit
Recovery/Results timeline: Adjust 1-2 days; provides immediate protection
- • Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep
- • TMJ pain and jaw discomfort
- • Worn or flattened teeth from grinding
- • Partners noticing grinding noise
Understanding Teeth Grinding
Protection While You Sleep
Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects about 10% of adults and can significantly damage your teeth and jaw. Many Nashville residents grind their teeth at night without realizing it—often triggered by stress, sleep issues, or misaligned teeth. Over time, grinding wears down tooth enamel, causes jaw pain, and can loosen teeth. A custom night guard provides a protective barrier while you sleep, preventing damage and reducing jaw strain.
Unlike over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards that are uncomfortable and ineffective, a custom night guard is specifically designed to fit your mouth perfectly. Our lab-fabricated guards are more durable, more comfortable, and more effective at protecting your teeth. The guard fits snugly over your upper teeth, creating a comfortable cushion that protects against grinding forces. Many patients find that wearing a night guard also improves their sleep quality and reduces morning jaw pain.
If you wake with a sore jaw, notice flattened teeth, experience morning headaches, or your partner complains about grinding noises, a night guard could be the solution. The fitting process is simple and fast, and most patients adjust to wearing their guard within a few days. With regular use, a night guard will protect your teeth and jaw for years to come.
Your Night Guard Fitting
Getting Your Custom Night Guard
Before Your Appointment
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Think about your grinding habits—how often, morning soreness, partner feedback
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List any jaw pain or TMJ issues you experience
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Bring your insurance card for coverage verification
During Your Visit
Examination and Assessment
We examine your teeth, jaw, and bite to assess grinding damage and determine the best guard design for your needs. We'll ask about your grinding habits, sleep quality, and any jaw discomfort to ensure we create the ideal protection for you.
Impressions
We take precise impressions of your upper teeth using a comfortable, fast process. These impressions are used by our lab to create a guard that fits your mouth perfectly.
Lab Fabrication
Your custom guard is carefully fabricated in our lab, typically ready within 1-2 weeks. The guard is made from durable materials designed specifically for grinding protection.
Fit and Adjustment
When your guard is ready, you'll return for a fitting. We ensure it fits comfortably, doesn't interfere with breathing, and allows you to sleep normally. We make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and protection.
Care Instructions
We provide detailed instructions on wearing, cleaning, and caring for your night guard. We'll explain proper insertion and removal techniques and answer any questions about daily use.
After Treatment
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Wear your night guard every night for consistent protection and prevention of grinding damage
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Clean your guard daily with cool water and mild soap; avoid hot water which can warp it
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Store your guard in the provided case when not in use
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Expect a 1-2 day adjustment period as your mouth gets used to the guard
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Return to our office if the guard becomes loose or uncomfortable, or if you develop new symptoms
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Schedule periodic checkups to monitor for grinding damage and ensure your guard is still protecting effectively
Is a Night Guard Right for You?
Who Benefits From Night Guards
You may be a good candidate if:
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Anyone with chronic teeth grinding or suspect they grind at night
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Patients with jaw pain or TMJ symptoms upon waking
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People noticing worn, flattened, or damaged tooth surfaces
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Those experiencing morning headaches or neck pain
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Partners complaining about grinding noises
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Anyone wanting to prevent grinding-related tooth damage
Other options may be better if:
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For athletic mouth protection, see our sports mouth guards page
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For severe TMJ disorder, we may recommend additional treatment alongside the night guard
If you grind your teeth at night, don't wait for serious damage to develop. A custom night guard is a simple, effective solution that protects your teeth and jaw while you sleep. Schedule your fitting today.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Night Guards
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom-fitted protective device worn over your upper teeth while you sleep. It creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, protecting against grinding damage while also reducing jaw tension and strain.
How much does a night guard cost?
Custom night guards typically cost $200-$500 depending on materials and design. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost. We'll provide a cost estimate and discuss payment options including FSA/HSA payments and financing if needed.
Do night guards stop teeth grinding?
Night guards don't stop you from grinding, but they protect your teeth from grinding damage. They also reduce jaw strain and can help reduce the intensity of grinding over time. Many patients find their grinding decreases as their jaw relaxes with nightly guard use.
How long do night guards last?
A well-maintained custom night guard typically lasts 3-5 years or longer. Over time, the guard material can wear down from grinding forces. We monitor your guard during checkups and can fabricate a replacement when needed.
How do I clean a night guard?
Clean your night guard daily with cool water and mild soap using a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Store it in the provided case when not in use. Never use toothpaste, bleach, or harsh chemicals, which can damage the guard.
Can I wear a night guard with TMJ?
Yes, many patients with TMJ benefit from night guards. The guard reduces jaw strain and grinding-related pain. However, if you have severe TMJ disorder, we may recommend additional treatment alongside the guard. We'll discuss the best approach for your specific situation.
Will I get used to wearing a night guard?
Most patients adapt within 1-2 days. The guard feels slightly odd at first, but your mouth quickly adjusts. After the adjustment period, many patients find the guard comfortable and notice it provides relief from morning jaw pain or headaches.
What's the difference between a custom guard and over-the-counter guards?
Custom guards are precisely fabricated to fit your mouth perfectly, are more durable, more comfortable, and more effective at preventing grinding damage. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are uncomfortable, less effective, and often cause more jaw problems. Custom is worth the investment.
Complementary Treatments
You May Also Be Interested In
Emergency Dentist
Immediate care for dental injuries, infections, or severe pain. Our emergency dentist provides same-day treatment for toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, abscesses, lost restorations, and knocked-out teeth.
Sports Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted protective guards designed to protect teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw during contact sports. A properly fitted sports guard significantly reduces the risk of dental injuries during athletic competition.
Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams
Teeth cleaning and dental exams are routine preventive services that remove plaque and tartar buildup and check for oral health issues to prevent problems before they start.
Stop Grinding Damage
Get Your Custom Night Guard in Nashville
Protect your teeth and jaw from grinding damage with a custom night guard from Nations Dental Studio. Simple fitting, comfortable wear, and years of protection. Stop waking with jaw pain and start protecting your smile. Schedule your fitting appointment today.
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"I had been searching for quite a while for the perfect dentist in Nashville . I did a lot of research and decided on Nations Dental studio. My first appointment was yesterday and I left out of there so so pleased with the decision I made to come here. Everything about my visit, from the beautiful office, staff, hygienist and Dr Diana was more than I had hoped for. I am so glad that I came here. I highly recommend Nations Dental Studio."
"Best dental office I've ever been to. Dr. D'Aoust is friendly, calming and so knowledgeable - she really knows her stuff! I was very comfortable during my procedure, barely realized she was working on me. The office is also gorgeous and very clean. I highly recommend."
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
"I had been searching for quite a while for the perfect dentist in Nashville . I did a lot of research and decided on Nations Dental studio. My first appointment was yesterday and I left out of there so so pleased with the decision I made to come here. Everything about my visit, from the beautiful office, staff, hygienist and Dr Diana was more than I had hoped for. I am so glad that I came here. I highly recommend Nations Dental Studio."
"Best dental office I've ever been to. Dr. D'Aoust is friendly, calming and so knowledgeable - she really knows her stuff! I was very comfortable during my procedure, barely realized she was working on me. The office is also gorgeous and very clean. I highly recommend."
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
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