Get Custom Dental Night Guards in King of Prussia, PA

If you often wake up with a headache or jaw or tooth pain, you should tell your dentist about your symptoms. You may have bruxism, a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. If so, you may benefit from a custom night guard. If you grind your teeth so often that it’s causing problems, you need to seek professional help. As general dentistry practitioners, we encounter cases of bruxism often and we see how patients benefit from getting an occlusal guard. King of Prussia Dental™ Associates has the knowledge and skills to diagnose the problem and fit you with a custom mouth guard for grinding teeth.

What is a Night Guard?

Night guards are coverings worn over the teeth to cushion them from the force caused by grinding and clenching. There are different types of nightguards.  If you see a custom mouth guard dentist, you’ll be able to get a device that is designed and made just for you.

Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth then mold an occlusal guard over the model. Given the materials, time, and effort that go into these devices, the custom night guard cost will be higher than that of other types. However, custom guards offer the most protection and comfort and they’re resistant to tears and easy to clean.

Why Might an Occlusal Guard Be Necessary?

Many people unconsciously grind their teeth while they sleep and benefit from a custom dental night guard. The grinding can happen every night or only during particularly stressful times. Teeth grinding indicates that the mind is dealing with a stressful situation while the body is resting. Some people don’t develop any symptoms, while others have unexplained issues with certain teeth, jaw pain, or headaches even though their teeth and gums appear healthy. Some people grind their teeth to the point that their teeth crack or break. 

Patients are not always aware that they have bruxism unless a partner reports hearing grinding sounds during the night. However, when the possibility is mentioned, they may realize that they clench their jaw or grind their teeth during the day as well. Each person’s condition is different but many patients get relief within days of using a custom night guard.