Night Guard Specialist

Shapiro Family Dental -  - General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Shapiro Family Dental

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Wethersfield, CT

About 30-40 million Americans grind their teeth at night, which can lead to serious consequences, including jaw disorders that affect your chewing and speech. At Shapiro Family Dental in Wethersfield, Connecticut, the skilled team of dentists provides custom night guards that reposition your jaw and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Professionally-made night guards are comfortable and easy to take care of. To learn more, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

Night Guard Q & A

Why do I need a night guard?

When you come in for regular dental exams, the team at Shapiro Family Dental evaluates your teeth and gums thoroughly. In some cases, they may detect signs of bruxism, or teeth grinding, that occurs at night while you sleep.

Teeth grinding can lead to damaging your teeth or even jaw disorders, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. You have a TMJ on either side of your jaw. Each one acts as a sliding hinge and allows fluid jaw movement, enabling you to speak and chew without pain. TMJ disorders are painful and debilitating. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Painful chewing and speech
  • Hearing popping noises when you open and close your mouth
  • Jaw pain
  • Pain felt in and around your ears
  • Aching facial pain

Night guards can help prevent teeth grinding, limiting your risk of TMJ disorders. However, if you do develop a TMJ disorder, wearing a night guard can treat it.

How is a night guard made?

If you need a night guard, you’ll come into the office of Shapiro Family Dental to have detailed impressions of your teeth taken. The team then uses these impressions to have your night guard custom-made for you. It typically takes 1-2 weeks to finish a night guard. You’ll then come in for a fitting to ensure comfort.

What does a night guard do?

When you wear a custom-made night guard at night, the oral appliance helps reposition your jaw while you sleep to prevent bruxism symptoms. They also provide a layer of cushion that’s able to absorb grinding between your upper and lower teeth.

Night guards help support your jaw, cushion your tooth enamel, and cure TMJ disorder symptoms.

Is wearing a night guard annoying?

No, wearing one of Shapiro Family Dental’s custom-made night guards isn’t annoying at all. Your appliance is made especially for you and you’ll have a fitting at the office to ensure your night guard is extremely comfortable. Ideally, you should barely notice it while you sleep peacefully at night.

Should you have any comfort issues with your night guard, don’t hesitate to contact the office. The team can always make alterations. They’ll also provide you with instructions on how to care for your night guard to prevent damage to it.

If you’re experiencing TMJ disorder or bruxism symptoms, call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about night guards.