Custom Night Guards In Springfield, MO
Waking up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel tender? You may be grinding or clenching in your sleep. At Elevate Dental Studio, our doctors make custom night guards that protect your teeth, ease pressure on your jaw, and make your mornings more comfortable. Because each dental night guard is made from a digital scan of your teeth, it fits better and holds up longer than a one-size-fits-all mouth guard from the drugstore.
Personalized Protection for Teeth Grinding
Our dentists provide custom night guards for teeth grinding and clenching. Each guard is designed from a digital scan of your teeth and made from a durable, flexible nylon that absorbs the force of grinding. The result is a smooth, low-profile night guard that fits your bite closely, stays comfortable through the night, and holds up to heavy use.
What a Night Guard Does for Teeth Grinding and Jaw Pain
Protects Teeth From Grinding
Nighttime grinding (bruxism) can wear down, chip, or crack teeth and damage fillings and crowns. A night guard for teeth grinding takes that wear instead, preserving your enamel and dental work.
Eases Jaw Pain and TMD Symptoms
By keeping your teeth apart and spreading out bite pressure, a night guard can relax overworked jaw muscles and reduce morning headaches, jaw soreness, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.
Fits Comfortably All Night
Made from your own bite, a custom guard stays in place without bulk, so you can breathe, swallow, and sleep naturally instead of fighting a loose piece of plastic.
How to Get a Night Guard
Exam and Consultation
Your dentist looks for signs of grinding, such as worn enamel, sensitivity, and tight jaw muscles, and then talks through your symptoms to decide whether a night guard is the right fit.
Quick Digital Scan
A digital scanner captures a precise 3D image of your teeth and bite, with no messy impression trays. The scan is used to craft a night guard shaped to your mouth.
Fitting and Adjustments
When your guard is ready, your dentist checks the fit and fine-tunes your bite so it feels comfortable. You’ll leave with clear instructions on how to wear, clean, and store it.
Night Guard FAQs
What is a night guard, and how does it work?
A night guard is a thin, removable appliance you wear over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It creates a barrier between your teeth, so grinding and clenching wear down the guard rather than your enamel, and it helps relieve pressure on your jaw joints.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Many people don’t realize they grind until a partner hears it or their dentist spots the wear. Common signs include waking with a sore jaw or headache, flattened or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, and earaches. If grinding has already damaged your teeth, we can repair them with restorative dentistry.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought mouth guard?
Over-the-counter mouth guards for grinding teeth are made to fit many mouths, so they tend to be bulkier, shift during the night, and wear out faster. A custom night guard is made for your bite, and your dentist can adjust it so it doesn’t strain your jaw.
Can a night guard help with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort?
For many patients, yes. A night guard for TMJ discomfort can relieve the muscle tension and pressure that contribute to jaw pain. If symptoms continue, your dentist may recommend other options, such as Botox for TMD.
Will a night guard help with sleep apnea or snoring?
No. A standard night guard isn’t designed to treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is often treated with a different oral appliance that gently moves the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open, usually after a sleep study. If you snore or feel tired during the day, learn more about our sleep apnea treatment.
How much does a night guard cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost of a custom night guard depends on the type and material. Some dental plans cover part of the cost, especially when grinding is documented during an exam. Our team will check your benefits and give you a clear estimate before we begin.
How long does a night guard last?
With good care, a custom night guard often lasts several years, though heavy grinders may need a replacement sooner. Bring your guard to your regular checkups so we can look for cracks, thinning, or changes in fit.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse it with cool water each morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid hot water and toothpaste, which can warp or scratch it. Let it air-dry, then store it in its ventilated case, away from pets.
settle In…
… And Smile
Better mornings start with protecting your smile while you sleep. Visit Dr. Cline or Dr. Hayes at Elevate Dental Studio in Springfield to find out if a custom night guard is right for you, and experience elevated dental care from a team that serves with heart.
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