Say goodbye to jaw pain and teeth grinding while you sleep
Do you wake up with sore teeth or a tired jaw? You might be grinding your teeth while you sleep and not even know it! At Moore, Pascarella & Heinzen, we’re here to protect your smile, but we also want to help you enjoy a better quality of life in any way we can. That’s why we’re proud to provide custom night guards in Redding and Red Bluff to help you stop grinding your teeth while you sleep so you can wake up refreshed, without a sore jaw.
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a device you wear while you sleep that protects your teeth and jaw joints from nighttime grinding and clenching (bruxism). It fits over one arch of teeth to keep the top and bottom teeth slightly separated while providing a stable resting position for your jaw, helping the chewing muscles to relax.
At Moore, Pascarella & Heinzen, we make night guards that are custom-fit just for you from rigid, durable material that prevents damage to your teeth while preventing added strain on your jaw joints. Our guards are more comfortable and work better than anything you can buy at the store.
Do I need a night guard?
Many people grind or clench their teeth without knowing it. Your body does it while you sleep, and over time it can wear down your teeth and cause jaw pain, chronic headaches, sensitive teeth, and even a stiff neck. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Jaw pain or tightness when you wake up
- Complaints from your sleeping partner about noisy grinding
- Morning headaches or frequent stiff neck
- An uneven bite
- Worn, flat, or chipped teeth
- Clicking or popping in your jaw
- Tooth sensitivity
- Trouble sleeping
If any of these sound familiar, you might need a night guard. We can help you find out for sure.
It’s worth noting that tooth grinding and sleep apnea are closely linked. In fact, most people with sleep apnea also grind their teeth. During your consultation for a night guard, we may recommend talking to your doctor about getting evaluated for sleep apnea. And if you snore or have a history of sleep apnea, let us know. You may be grinding your teeth as well!
How a night guard can help you feel better
A night guard does more than just stop teeth grinding. It helps improve your overall health and comfort, too. Here’s how:
- Wake up feeling rested, without a headache
- Enjoy your favorite foods and drinks with less sensitive teeth
- Get relief from chronically stiff jaws, neck, and shoulders
- Improve your sleep quality
- Prevent cracked and worn-down teeth
- Avoid TMJ problems like clicking, popping, and locked jaw
- Keep your jaw joints comfortable and functional over the long run
- Save money by avoiding expensive dental repairs later
Many patients tell us they didn’t realize how much better they could feel in the morning until they started wearing a night guard!
Are custom night guards better than over-the-counter?
Absolutely. The night guards you can buy at the drugstore aren’t custom fitted to your teeth, and won’t fit your mouth like they should. They usually don’t work well, and can be very uncomfortable to wear.
More importantly, over-the-counter guards are made from a rubbery type of material that can actually make the problem worse. These guards give you something to chew on, rather than providing a properly balanced plane where your jaw can find a relaxed resting position. Rather than stopping your grinding habit, this will stimulate your jaw muscles to flex even more, putting pressure on the joint capsule and further aggravating already stressed chewing muscles.
At Moore, Pascarella & Heinzen, we make each night guard to fit your teeth exactly using high-quality materials. We carefully design each guard to relieve bite disharmony and hold the jaw in a relaxed position, which reduces chronic tension with regular use. We’ll make sure your guard fits comfortably before you leave our office and check the fit over time, so you can count on long-term comfort and protection.
Frequently asked questions about night guards
Can I just buy a night guard at the store?
Store-bought guards are one-size-fits-all. They don’t fit your teeth properly and may not stop grinding as well. A custom night guard is made just for you, so it’s more comfortable and works better.
How long will my night guard last?
With good care, a custom night guard can last for several years. We’ll check it during your regular visits to make sure it’s still working well.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Many dental insurance plans cover part or all of the cost. We can help you check your benefits and figure out your options.
Protect your teeth and sleep better with a custom night guard from our Redding or Red Bluff practices!
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause big problems over time. A custom night guard is a simple way to protect your smile and stop the pain.
If you’ve noticed signs of grinding, or if you’re just not sure, come see us. We’ll help you find answers and feel better.
