Night Guards in Lake Worth, TX

You may know us for our smile transformations, but at MINT dentistry, we are also focused on protecting your mouth from problems. Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw (also called bruxism) at night is a common condition, which causes damage to your whole mouth. Although the first sign of damage is worn-down enamel, chronic tooth grinding and jaw clenching can lead to loose teeth, frequent headaches, facial inflammation, plus neck and jaw pain. MINT dentistry's team of board-certified doctors suggests a night guard (oral appliance) to protect your teeth and jaw from nocturnal bruxism. Custom night guards are made with high-quality materials with cutting-edge technology for a comfortable fit that also prevents problems caused by grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw so you can get a better night’s sleep. Get more information about how night guards can help you at MINT dentistry by scheduling an appointment at our practice in Lake Worth, TX.

There are many signs that you have nocturnal bruxism (grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw while you sleep). A night guard may help if you tend to experience headaches when you wake up in the morning, as well as pain, tightness, or swelling in your jaw. Other signs that suggest you may need a night guard include loose fillings or teeth, worn-down enamel on the tops of your back teeth, tooth sensitivity, and receding gums. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching while you sleep are typically a symptom of chronic stress, but you may also have misaligned teeth, a sleep disorder, allergies, or a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When our team of dental professionals is diagnosing bruxism, we also look for the cause of the condition so we can create a comprehensive plan for your treatment.

First, to determine if you would benefit from a night guard, we will perform a thorough dental examination. You can relax in one of our treatment chairs wearing MINT sunglasses and listening to your favorite music through Beats headphones while your exam is performed. After a board-certified MINT dentist diagnoses you with nocturnal bruxism, we will take digital x-rays and impressions of your mouth, which will be used to design your night guard. MINT dentistry will forward this information to a dental laboratory where your night guard will be created with advanced technology from high-quality materials. When your guard is returned to us, you will be scheduled for an appointment. A member of the MINT dentistry team might make slight adjustments to your guard to ensure it fits comfortably. We will also give you instructions on how to care for your guard to keep it in great condition for a long time.

To fully benefit from your custom night guard, you should wear it every night or as frequently as your MINT dentistry team recommends. Your guard should greatly reduce any problems caused by nocturnal bruxism; however, if it does not, schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can discuss other treatment options. To avoid problems with your night guard, we recommend that you brush your guard and teeth both before and after you use it. Your night guard should be brought in to every appointment at MINT dentistry so your dentist can make adjustments or repairs.

Once you are diagnosed with nocturnal bruxism or jaw clenching, some of the cost of your night guard will possibly be paid by dental insurance. If you have PPO dental insurance, our office will talk to your insurance company to understand how much your policy will cover. At your first appointment, a MINT dentistry team member will be able to estimate your costs. To help make your treatment more affordable, MINT dentistry accepts numerous payment methods, including medical financing. We are dedicated to helping all patients in Lake Worth, TX get great dental care. For patients who don't have PPO dental insurance, ask our team about the MINT Discount Plan.

Teeth grinding creates pain and other problems that make it difficult to enjoy your life. A custom night guard is a simple option to get better sleep by treating the unpleasant side effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching). Custom night guards from MINT dentistry can also improve the overall health of your mouth and prevent future issues. To get a custom night guard or learn more about bruxism, contact our office in Lake Worth, TX to schedule an appointment with a board-certified MINT dentist.