Night Guards

Unconscious grinding of the teeth during sleep is a condition known as bruxism. If you are grinding your teeth in your sleep most nights, you should contact our office for a night guard.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Bruxism is a serious condition that can damage your smile in the long run. The good news is that a custom night guard can protect your oral health.

Call our office if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Sore jaw upon waking
Persistent dull headache upon waking
Worn tooth enamel
Sensitive teeth
Cracked or chipped teeth
Unexplained sleepiness throughout the day

Night Guards Dentistry Grand Rapids Dentist

Also, keep in mind that the sound of teeth grinding may wake up your partner. Most people describe it as a squeaking noise.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a removable dental appliance that is like an athletic mouth guard. It provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth to protect them while you sleep.

Night guards can protect your teeth from wear, gum irritation, enamel damage, and jaw pain.

What to Expect

Making a night guard takes two visits to our office. During your first appointment, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. The lab then uses these impressions to create your custom night guard.

When you return for your second appointment, your mouth guard will be ready to take home. But Dr. Michael Nichols will custom fit your night guard even more to ensure your comfort and safety.

Dr. Nichols will also discuss other ways to help reduce or eliminate nighttime teeth grinding. This may include avoiding chewing gum, alcohol, and caffeine.