Night Guards Hilliard, OH

Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a dull headache? You might be experiencing the effects of teeth grinding, a common condition also known as nighttime bruxism. Many people are unaware that they do it, but this habit can seriously impact their long-term dental health by wearing down their enamel.

At Hilliard Modern Dental, in Hilliard, OH, we understand that nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching can impact not only your oral health but also your overall well-being. Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle, DDS, provides custom night guards designed to protect your teeth, relieve jaw pain, and prevent damage to your dental work. With careful attention to the details of your dentition, we create a solution that fits comfortably while providing better protection for both your upper teeth and lower teeth.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a dental appliance worn over the teeth during sleep. Its primary purpose is to prevent nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can cause jaw pain, wear on natural teeth, and damage to existing dental implants or restorations. By acting as a cushion between the upper teeth and lower teeth, a custom night guard reduces strain on the jaw muscles and minimizes the risk of broken or loose teeth.

Learn more about protecting your teeth by scheduling an appointment today.

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard

Recognizing the need for a night guard early can help protect your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health from the damaging effects of nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Common signs that you may benefit from a custom night guard include:

• Jaw pain or stiffness in the morning: Persistent discomfort in your jaw, especially around the jaw muscles or jaw joint, can indicate nighttime strain from clenching or grinding.
• Frequent headaches or earaches: Tension caused by grinding can radiate to the temples or ears, resulting in discomfort upon waking.
• Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth: Noticeable wear on your upper teeth or lower teeth, including flattened or fractured surfaces, can be a sign of excessive pressure during sleep.
• Loose teeth or sensitivity: Grinding may gradually loosen teeth or expose nerves, causing pain while chewing or biting.
• Noisy nighttime teeth grinding: A partner may hear squeaking, clicking, or grinding noises from your dental guard-protected bite.
• Jaw clicking or popping: Sounds during normal jaw movement can indicate tension in the temporomandibular joint, which is another reason a custom night guard may help.

If you notice one or more of these signs, scheduling a consultation in our Hilliard, Ohio office can help you choose the best fit night guard for lasting night guard protection and relief from jaw pain.

Types of Night Guards

There are several types of night guards, each offering different levels of protection and comfort:

Soft Night Guards

• Made of flexible dental materials
• Comfortable for mild nighttime teeth grinding
• Usually worn over the upper teeth

Hard Night Guards

• Durable and designed for heavy teeth grinders
• Best for significant jaw clenching or severe bruxism
• Provides better protection for dental work and dental implants

Dual-Layer Night Guards

• Combines a soft inner layer for comfort with a hard outer layer for lasting night guard durability
• Ideal for patients who want both a comfortable feel and the most durable protection

Ready to find your perfect night guard? Call 614-529-9644 to discuss your options with Dr. Lamielle..

Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought

While over-the-counter night guards may be convenient, they often fall short in fit and effectiveness. A custom night guard from our dental lab is created using precise dental impressions of your teeth, ensuring the best fit and protection for your upper and lower teeth.

The most important factor in a night guard is how well it conforms to your teeth and bite. A poorly fitting guard can cause discomfort, reduce protection, and even worsen jaw pain. With a custom night guard, we go the extra mile to provide a solution that suits your jaw muscles and sleeping habits, taking meticulous attention to the shape of your bite and every detail of your dentition.

Schedule your custom night guard today by calling 614-529-9644.

The Night Guard Selection Process

Choosing the right night guard is a critical step in protecting your teeth and jaw from the effects of nighttime bruxism. At Hilliard Modern Dental, Dr.  Lamielle ensures every patient receives a custom night guard tailored to their specific needs. The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your oral health, jaw muscles, and teeth.

Step 1: Assessment and Consultation

During your first visit in our Hilliard office, we review your history of jaw clenching, nighttime teeth grinding, and any related symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or loose teeth. This helps determine whether a custom night guard or other interventions are appropriate.

Step 2: Material Selection

We discuss your preferences for soft, hard, or dual-layer night guards, taking into account the severity of grinding, comfort, and the durability needed for heavy teeth contact. Choosing the right material ensures a lasting night guard with a comfortable feel.

Step 3: Dental Impressions

Precise dental impressions are taken of your upper teeth and lower teeth. These impressions are sent to our dental lab, where a custom night guard is meticulously crafted to match the details of your mouth for the best fit on the first try.

Step 4: Fitting and Adjustment

Once your custom night guard is ready, we carefully evaluate its fit, making minor adjustments if necessary. Our goal is better protection for your teeth and jaw while ensuring a comfortable feel during sleep.

Call Hilliard Modern Dental at 614-529-9644 to start your night guard selection process today and protect your teeth from nighttime wear.

Caring for your Night Guard

Proper care is essential to ensure your custom night guard continues to provide lasting protection for your teeth, jaw muscles, and any dental work you may have. A night guard that is well-maintained not only lasts longer but also remains comfortable and hygienic, protecting you from the effects of nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Daily Cleaning

After each use, rinse your night guard with cold or warm water to remove saliva and debris. Avoid hot water, which can warp the guard and compromise the best fit. Use a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap to gently brush the appliance, ensuring food particles and bacteria are removed. Do not use toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and damage the dental guard over time.

Storage

Store your night guard in a ventilated case when not in use. This prevents bacterial growth while keeping the guard safe from accidental damage. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as excessive heat can warp the appliance and reduce its effectiveness.

Routine Inspection

Regularly check your night guard for cracks, wear, or distortion. Over time, even most durable guards may need adjustments or replacement. Bring your night guard to dental appointments so Dr. Lamielle can assess its condition and ensure it continues to provide better protection for both your upper teeth and lower teeth.

Night Guards for a Patient with Dental Work

Hilliard patients with crowns, bridges, or implants especially benefit from a night guard. Grinding or clenching can damage dental work, and a custom guard helps absorb the pressure from heavy teeth contact. Both upper guard and lower guard options are available, depending on your bite and oral needs.

Long-Term Benefits of Night Guards

Wearing a custom night guard provides numerous long-term benefits that extend beyond simple tooth protection. The most immediate advantage is the prevention of nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can gradually wear down the enamel of your teeth, lead to loose teeth, and damage existing dental work such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants. By creating a protective barrier between your upper teeth and lower teeth, a night guard reduces pressure on the jaw muscles and helps maintain the normal jaw movement necessary for comfort and function.

Over time, using a night guard can significantly decrease jaw pain, muscle tension, and associated headaches. Patients who experience heavy teeth contact during sleep often notice reduced morning stiffness and improved range of motion in the jaw after consistent use.

In addition to protecting teeth and relieving discomfort, a custom night guard helps safeguard your oral health by preventing cracks, fractures, and accelerated wear that could lead to costly restorative procedures. For patients with a history of jaw clenching, a night guard can also help preserve the alignment of your bite and protect your dental impressions of natural teeth for years to come.

Custom Night Guards Protect Your Beautiful Smile

Investing in a custom night guard is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth, jaw, and dental work from the damaging effects of nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching. With a well-fitted night guard, you can prevent jaw pain, reduce wear on your teeth, and maintain long-term oral health.

At Hilliard Modern Dental, Dr. Lamielle ensures every night guard is crafted with precision and comfort in mind, providing lasting protection for both your upper teeth and lower teeth.

Don’t wait to protect your smile. Call our Hilliard, OH, office today at 614-529-9644 to schedule your consultation and get a custom night guard designed just for you.