Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Orlando
Do you wake up in the morning and wonder why your teeth, jaw and gums are sore? It's probably because you grind your teeth while you sleep. At Strategic Dental Care in East Orlando, we make custom night guards that protect your teeth and help you wake up more comfortable.
What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?
The condition known as bruxism, or teeth grinding, happens to many people. Some people grind or clench their teeth during the day, often without realizing it, but grinding while you sleep is a much bigger problem because you can't control it.
Grinding your teeth can:
- Damage enamel and wear down teeth
- Cause jaw pain and soreness
- Irritate your gums
- Put extra stress on fillings, crowns and other restorations
The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your partner's sleep.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
- Sore teeth, jaw or gums when you wake up
- Teeth that look flattened, chipped or worn
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Headaches or tired jaw muscles in the morning
- A partner who hears grinding at night
During your exam, we can look for signs of wear that suggest grinding.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is an excellent option if you grind your teeth. It's very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes and serves as a barrier between your top and bottom teeth. Instead of grinding tooth against tooth, the pressure goes into the guard.
All of our night guards are custom fit for comfort and proper breathing. Unlike one-size-fits-all guards from a store, a custom guard is made from an impression of your own teeth, so it fits securely and comfortably. Night guards are durable and can be used for years.
Who Should Get a Night Guard?
A night guard may help if you:
- Grind or clench your teeth at night
- Wake up with jaw, tooth or gum soreness
- Have visible wear on your teeth
- Have restorations such as crowns, veneers or Lumineers that you want to protect
How We Make Your Custom Night Guard
- Exam. We check your teeth for signs of wear and talk about your symptoms.
- Impressions. An impression of your teeth is taken.
- Lab fabrication. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where your night guard is custom made. Your night guard is usually ready in about two weeks.
- Fitting. When your guard is ready, we check the fit and make any adjustments so it's comfortable to wear.
- Follow-up. We'll check your guard and your teeth at your regular visits.
Getting Used to Your Night Guard
It may take a few nights to get used to wearing your guard. To keep it in good shape:
- Rinse it after each use and brush it gently
- Store it in its case when you're not wearing it
- Keep it away from heat and pets
- Bring it to your regular checkups so we can make sure it still fits well
Other Ways to Reduce Teeth Grinding
There are other things you can try to stop grinding your teeth:
- Train your jaw to stay relaxed rather than clenched
- Avoid chewing gum or chewing on objects such as pens
- Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine; caffeine intake increases the likelihood of teeth grinding
Night Guards and Your Dental Work
If you've invested in crowns, veneers, Lumineers or bonding, grinding can wear or chip those restorations just as it wears natural teeth. Wearing a night guard helps protect both.
Cost, Insurance and Payment Options
The cost of a custom night guard depends on your needs and the type of guard made. Some dental insurance plans provide coverage for night guards, but benefits vary.
Strategic Dental Care accepts most PPO insurance plans. Because every plan is different, call us at 407-284-1645 and our team will help you understand what your plan may cover before treatment begins. If you don't have dental insurance, ask about our in-house plans, which are designed to help reduce out-of-pocket costs. We also offer third-party financing, and there is no credit check to see if you qualify. Be sure to check our current specials too.
Night Guards for East Orlando Patients
Strategic Dental Care is at 12250 Strategy Blvd, serving East Orlando, the UCF area and nearby neighborhoods. Stress from work, school or everyday life can make grinding worse, and a custom night guard is one simple way to protect your teeth. Night guards are part of our restorative care services.
Strategic Dental Care
12250 Strategy Blvd Ste 437, Orlando, FL 32817 (behind McDonald's)
Phone:
407-284-1645
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 am–5 pm; Friday, 8:30 am–2 pm
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking up with sore teeth, jaw or gums, worn-looking teeth, and a partner who hears grinding. We can also check for signs of wear during your exam.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought guard?
Our night guards are custom fit for comfort and proper breathing, made from an impression of your teeth and fabricated by a dental lab.
How long does a night guard last?
Night guards are durable and can be used for years. Bring yours to your checkups so we can make sure it still fits well.
Can I stop grinding without a night guard?
You can try relaxing your jaw, avoiding gum and chewing on objects, and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine. A night guard protects your teeth while you work on those habits.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Some plans provide coverage, but benefits vary. We accept most PPO plans and offer in-house plans and third-party financing with no credit check to qualify.
Schedule a Night Guard Fitting in Orlando
Call Strategic Dental Care today at 407-284-1645 if you suspect you are grinding your teeth. We can help. You can also contact us online.
Contact Us
Call Strategic Dental Care today at 407.284.1645 if you suspect you are grinding your teeth. We can help.
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