Night Guards at Ryba Dentistry

If you clench or grind your teeth regularly, the well-being of your smile could be in jeopardy. The good news is that teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be managed by wearing a custom mouth guard at night. Before scheduling your free consultation with the friendly team at Ryba Dentistry, here's what you need to know about night guards. 

​

What is an Occlusal Guard?

​

Occlusal guards also referred to as mouth guards or night guards, are dental appliances used to protect your teeth from the friction and pressure caused by frequent clenching or grinding. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who grind their teeth while sleeping. You may not even be aware that you're grinding your teeth at night. However, bruxism typically exhibits some noticeable symptoms, such as:

​

• Waking up frequently during the night

• Experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or ear pain after waking up

• Tooth tenderness or sensitivity

​

There is no definitive cause of teeth grinding, but certain lifestyle factors could increase your chances of developing bruxism. These include:

​

• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea

• Stress

• Smoking

• Taking certain medications

• Consuming alcohol

 

How Does a Night Guard Work?

​

Night guards function by preventing the upper and lower arch teeth from touching, which prevents the muscles that facilitate clenching from achieving full tension while protecting your teeth from damage. At Ryba Dentistry, we provide custom mouth guards that are made to fit the shape of your teeth perfectly to ensure they are comfortable and effective. 

​

Why Would Somebody Wear a Night Guard?

​

A custom night guard may benefit you if you wake up frequently during the night, have head, jaw, or ear pain each morning, or are concerned about bruxism's effects on your teeth. By scheduling an appointment with one of the experienced dentists at Ryba Dentistry, we can determine if you're a good candidate for an occlusal guard. 

​

Benefits of a Custom Mouth Guard

​

Wearing a custom mouth guard while you sleep can provide many benefits, such as:

​

• Helping you sleep better

• Protecting your teeth from damage 

• Preventing pain in your head, jaw, or ear caused by teeth grinding

 

To help your mouth guard stay in tip-top shape, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

​

• Wear your mouth guard as directed by your dentist

• Never eat with your mouth guard in

• Rinse your mouth guard with warm water when you take it out

• Keep your mouth guard in its case when not using it

 

Night Guard Cost

​

Your dental insurance plan may cover the cost of a custom night guard. To learn more about your coverage, please contact our office during business hours.

​

Schedule Your Night Guard Consultation at Ryba Dentistry

​

At Ryba Dentistry, we want to help you achieve a smile that's as healthy as it is comfortable. If you suffer from bruxism, a mouth guard could help you protect your dental health and improve your quality of life. Our practice works with high-quality laboratories that fabricate affordable, comfortable and custom-fit nightguards. Our dental team is experienced with treating patients that complain of nighttime clenching and grinding, and we offer several treatment modalities to address these concerns. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and learn more about how a custom occlusal guard could benefit you.