Whether it happens during the day or while you’re asleep, teeth grinding and clenching is typically the result of too much stress. It’s something that also occurs more often in some personality types than others.
Night Guards Overview
Is nighttime teeth grinding causing discomfort and disrupting your sleep? Night guards, also known as dental guards or occlusal guards, are protective devices worn in the mouth to prevent the harmful effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching while you sleep.
Addresses
Night guards provide relief for:
Bruxism
Teeth grinding
Jaw clenching
How Night Guards Work
Night guards are made from various materials, including soft dual-laminate, and hard acrylic, each suited to different levels and types of grinding and clenching. They work by creating a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, which helps to protect the teeth from wear, chipping, and cracking caused by the force of clenching or grinding. They help distribute the pressure to alleviate strain on the jaw joints, potentially reducing the risk of TMJ disorders. By cushioning the jaw muscles, night guards can lessen the pain and discomfort associated with bruxism, including headaches and facial pain. Many patients find this improves their sleep quality too.
What to Expect
At Trü Orthodontics Fairfax, your visit for a night guard begins with a thorough examination by one of our Fairfax orthodontists. We utilize our advanced iTero digital scanner to create a precise digital model of your teeth and gums. This allows us to 3D print your custom night guard right here in our office, ensuring a perfect and comfortable fit. You can use the night guard regularly to mitigate teeth grinding and clenching. Just remember to maintain its cleanliness and keep it bacteria-free for optimal oral health.
Your Best Choice for Night Guards
Advanced Techniques
We use advanced 3D scanning that eliminates the mess and discomfort of traditional mold-taking. This achieves the best possible treatment plan and fit for your night guard.
Focus on Education
Our role is to help you understand the “why” behind the importance of protecting your teeth from grinding. Every patient should feel like they are a part of the process.
Always Accessible
With 5 board-certified orthodontists and 4 convenient locations in Northern Virginia, we’ve made it easy for you to obtain the friendly, positive care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grinding your teeth can increase sensitivity and even alter your bite by wearing down your enamel over time. Pressure and shifting can lead to cracks, chips, loosening of teeth, or fracturing. Beyond just your teeth, grinding can also cause jaw pain and headaches.
While it can be tempting to use a night guard during the day, because it is designed to be worn during sleep and is generally not recommended unless advised by a dentist or other healthcare professional.
Insurance coverage for night guards can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and policy. Some dental insurance plans may provide coverage for night guards if they are deemed medically necessary to address teeth grinding or related issues. However, it’s important to note that not all insurance plans cover night guards, or they may have specific limitations and requirements for coverage. In the event that your insurance does not cover the cost of a night guard. To assist our patients in such cases, we provide various financial options to help cover the cost of a night guard.
We offer a wide range of financing options to accommodate both insured and uninsured patients. These options include discounts for those without insurance, monthly promotions, and extended payment plans through our trusted third-party agency, Cherry. We strive to provide flexible and accessible payment solutions to make orthodontic treatment more affordable for everyone.
Learn More About Night Guards in Fairfax
Our orthodontists are here to help you get relief from grinding.