Night Guards in Nashville, TN
Nashville Night Guards Overview
Treatment Essentials at a Glance
What it is: A custom-fitted device you wear at night to shield your teeth from grinding. It prevents enamel wear and eases jaw pain while you sleep.
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 damages teeth and jaws over time. Many Nashville residents grind at night without knowing it—stress, sleep issues, or misaligned teeth trigger the habit. Left unchecked, grinding wears down enamel, causes jaw pain, and loosens teeth. A custom night guard creates a barrier while you sleep, stopping the damage and easing jaw strain.
Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards are uncomfortable and ineffective. A custom night guard fits your mouth exactly. Our lab-fabricated guards last longer, feel better, and protect better. The guard sits snug over your upper teeth, cushioning against grinding forces. Many patients sleep better and wake without jaw pain.
Wake with a sore jaw? Notice flattened teeth? Morning headaches? Partner complaining about grinding noises? A night guard solves these problems. The fitting takes minutes, most patients adjust within days, and the guard protects your teeth for years.
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 choose the right guard design. We ask about your grinding habits, sleep quality, and jaw discomfort to match protection to your needs.
Impressions
We take precise impressions of your upper teeth—quick and comfortable. Our lab uses these to create a guard that fits your mouth exactly.
Lab Fabrication
Our lab fabricates your custom guard from durable materials built for grinding protection. Ready in 1-2 weeks.
Fit and Adjustment
When your guard arrives, you return for a fitting. We check the fit, make sure it does not interfere with breathing, and adjust as needed for comfort.
Care Instructions
We show you how to insert, remove, clean, and care for your guard. Ask any questions—we want you confident before you leave.
After Treatment
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Wear your night guard every night for consistent protection
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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 so we can monitor wear and replace the guard when needed
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
Grinding damages teeth slowly—until it does not. A custom night guard stops the damage before it starts. Schedule your fitting today.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Night Guards
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom-fitted device worn over your upper teeth while you sleep. It cushions your upper and lower teeth, preventing grinding damage and reducing jaw tension.
How much does a night guard cost?
Custom night guards cost $200-$500 depending on materials and design. Many insurance plans cover part of the cost. We provide a cost estimate upfront and accept FSA/HSA payments and financing.
Do night guards stop teeth grinding?
Night guards do not stop you from grinding, but they protect your teeth from the damage. They reduce jaw strain, and many patients find their grinding intensity decreases as their jaw relaxes with nightly use.
How long do night guards last?
A well-maintained custom night guard lasts 3-5 years, sometimes longer. Grinding forces wear the material down over time. We check your guard at regular visits and replace it 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. The guard reduces jaw strain and grinding-related pain. For severe TMJ disorder, we may recommend additional treatment alongside the guard. We will discuss the best approach for your situation.
Will I get used to wearing a night guard?
Most patients adapt within 1-2 days. The guard feels odd at first, but your mouth adjusts fast. After that, many patients find it comfortable and wake without jaw pain or headaches.
What's the difference between a custom guard and over-the-counter guards?
Custom guards fit your mouth exactly. They last longer, feel better, and protect better. 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. Walk-ins welcome. Same-day treatment for toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, abscesses, lost restorations, and knocked-out teeth.
Sports Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted guards that protect teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw during contact sports. A proper fit cuts the risk of dental injuries during 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
A custom night guard from Nations Dental Studio protects your teeth and jaw for years. Simple fitting, comfortable wear. Stop waking with jaw pain. Schedule your fitting 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."
"first time coming here today and all of the girls were absolutely AMAZING! 10000/10 recommend"
"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."
"first time coming here today and all of the girls were absolutely AMAZING! 10000/10 recommend"
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