At R+R Dental, we believe that great dental care doesn’t stop when your appointment ends; it continues long after you leave the office. That’s why we’re proud to offer solutions like custom-fitted night guards that work while you rest.
Conveniently located in Hicksville, NY, and serving nearby communities such as Levittown, Bethpage, and East Meadow, our office combines the best of preventive and cosmetic dentistry to protect your teeth and enhance your quality of life.
One of the top benefits of a night guard is that it addresses issues that may go unnoticed until serious dental damage occurs. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity, you may be suffering from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
Left untreated, this condition can lead to worn-down teeth, broken crowns, or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. At R+R Dental, our team can create a custom night guard that fits your mouth perfectly, providing relief from painful symptoms while protecting your teeth.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard, also called a dental night guard or mouth guard, is a thin, durable appliance worn over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. Its primary job is preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which places excess pressure on your jaw joints, muscles, and tooth enamel.
Types of Night Guards
At R+R Dental, we offer several types of custom-fitted night guards to meet different needs and comfort levels:
- Soft Night Guards: Made from flexible material, these are ideal for mild cases of bruxism.
- Dual Laminate Guards: Designed for moderate grinding, these guards feature a soft inner layer and a more durable outer shell.
- Hard Night Guards: Crafted from rigid acrylic, these are ideal for individuals with severe grinding habits or those experiencing TMJ symptoms. They offer maximum protection for your dental restorations, implants, and natural teeth.
We’ll help you choose the right R+R Dental night guard option based on your symptoms, level of grinding, and overall oral health.
How a Night Guard Helps
You might be surprised at the wide range of benefits a properly fitted night guard can offer. Here are some of the most impactful advantages:
1. Preventing Teeth Grinding and Tooth Damage
Night guards create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the constant friction caused by grinding your teeth. This helps protect your tooth enamel, reduces the risk of chipped teeth or cracked dental work, and minimizes the impact of excessive force on your jaw joint.
Over time, wearing a night guard can also reduce tooth sensitivity and preserve the integrity of your natural bite. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth while you sleep.
2. Relieving Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Jaw clenching during sleep places intense pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), often leading to jaw pain, jaw tension, and clicking sounds. A night guard helps to relax your jaw, easing pressure and reducing pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorder.
Over time, this relief can lead to improved jaw mobility, fewer flare-ups, and better function when chewing or speaking. Addressing these symptoms early with a custom night guard can also help prevent the condition from worsening.
3. Protecting Dental Work
If you’ve invested in crowns, veneers, or dental implants, wearing a custom night guard can help prevent tooth damage and prolong the life of your dental restorations. Grinding and clenching can weaken these structures over time, leading to further damage or costly replacements.
A properly fitted night guard absorbs the pressure from grinding, shielding both natural teeth and dental work from excessive force. This added protection helps preserve the integrity of your smile and reduces the likelihood of chips, cracks, or wear on your restorations.
4. Reducing Headaches and Facial Pain
Many patients don’t realize that their chronic headaches or facial pain may stem from severe bruxism. Wearing a night guard can help alleviate jaw muscle tension and reduce the frequency of tension headaches and morning headaches, leading to improved sleep and decreased pain throughout the day.
By cushioning the bite and minimizing the excessive force caused by clenching, a night guard protects not just your teeth, but also the delicate structures of the jaw and face. Over time, consistent use can relieve persistent discomfort.
5. Improving Sleep Quality
Grinding and clenching not only damage your teeth, but they can disrupt your sleep. A properly fitted night guard can help you experience more relaxed jaw muscles, fewer nighttime disturbances, and improved overall rest. Many patients also report reduced snoring and fewer instances of waking up with tension headaches or jaw soreness. By minimizing discomfort and protecting your teeth, a night guard can contribute to a more restful, restorative sleep cycle.
R+R Dental’s Personalized Night Guard Process
At R+R Dental, we take a customized approach to every night guard we make. We understand that comfort and fit are just as important as protection.
Initial Consultation
We begin by discussing your symptoms and reviewing any existing dental issues. If you’ve been experiencing TMJ symptoms, jaw pain, or tooth sensitivity, we may recommend a night guard as part of your overall treatment plan.
Digital Impressions and Fitting
Using advanced 3D scanning technology, we take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure your custom night guard fits comfortably and securely. Unlike bulky, store-bought guards, our models won’t shift around or interfere with breathing.
Fabrication and Delivery
Your custom-fitted mouth guard is crafted from high-quality materials designed for both durability and comfort. Once ready, we’ll guide you through the proper use and care of it. We’ll also make sure it fits snugly and feels comfortable before you leave the office. If you experience any issues once you begin wearing it at home, our team is always available to make timely adjustments so your guard continues to protect your teeth without causing discomfort.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Care
We schedule regular check-ins to ensure your guard is still working effectively and to make adjustments if needed. At R+R Dental, we believe in long-term solutions, not quick fixes.
Your oral health is always evolving, and so are your dental needs, especially if you’re experiencing changes in bite alignment, jaw tension, or signs of wear on your night guard. By monitoring these factors over time, we help you maximize the benefits of your appliance while preventing future complications.
How to Get Started With a Night Guard at R+R Dental
If you think you may benefit from a night guard, here’s how to begin:
- Contact R+R Dental: Call our office or use our online form to schedule a consultation.
- Attend Your Appointment: We’ll evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether a night guard is the right choice for you.
- Begin Treatment: If recommended, we’ll start the impression process and proceed with a custom-fitted night guard tailored for you.
You’ll be in experienced hands every step of the way. And because we’re committed to preventive dentistry at R+R Dental, we’ll also talk about other ways to improve your oral health and reduce jaw strain during your regular dental visits.
Caring for Your Night Guard
To ensure your guard stays clean and effective:
- Rinse it with cold water after each use
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean it gently (avoid hot water, which can warp the material)
- Store it in a ventilated case away from pets or children
- Bring it to your regular dental check-ups so we can inspect it for signs of wear
With proper care, a night guard can last several years and protect your dental health every single night.
Experience the Benefits of a Night Guard at R+R Dental
If you’ve been dealing with grinding teeth, jaw pain, or chronic headaches, it may be time to consider a custom night guard. At R+R Dental, we offer more than just treatment—we provide lasting solutions designed to protect your smile, your sleep, and your long-term well-being.
Our team combines compassionate care, advanced technology, and a deep commitment to oral health to help you live more comfortably. Whether you’re dealing with tooth damage, TMJ disorder symptoms, or just want to prevent problems before they start, a night guard might be the small change that makes a big difference.
Contact R+R Dental today to learn more or schedule your consultation. Let us help you find relief, sleep better, and smile brighter, night after night.
