Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding Temple Hills, MD

Many people know MINT dentistry for our ability to transform smiles, but we're also proud to offer proactive treatments to protect your teeth from problems. Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw (known in the medical world as bruxism) when you sleep is a common issue that can result in damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. Although the most visible sign of damage is worn-down enamel, chronic tooth grinding and jaw clenching can manifest with symptoms like loose teeth, frequent headaches, swelling in the lower face, and chronic pain in your head and neck. MINT dentistry's team of board-certified doctors offers night guards that are custom-made to protect your teeth and jaw from nocturnal bruxism. Night guards are made with high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology to help them fit comfortably while preventing problems from grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw so that you can get a restful night of sleep. Get more information about night guards that are custom-made for your needs at MINT dentistry by scheduling a consultation at our office in Temple Hills, MD.

You might notice one or many signs that you have nocturnal bruxism (grinding your teeth and/or clenching your jaw while you sleep). You may benefit from a night guard if you often experience headaches when you wake up in the morning in addition to pain, swelling, or tightness along your lower face. Some other symptoms that may be alleviated with a night guard are loose teeth or fillings, worn-down enamel on the tops of your back teeth, tooth sensitivity, and a receding gumline. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching while you sleep are often stress-related; however, you may also have allergies, misaligned teeth, a sleep disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). While your team of MINT dental professionals is assessing your bruxism, we also look for the underlying cause so we can develop your best plan for your treatment.

Your MINT dentistry team will need to conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and jaw to determine if you have bruxism and might benefit from a night guard. You will be asked to relax in one of our treatment chairs with a pair of MINT sunglasses and Beats headphones while your exam is underway. After the MINT dentistry team diagnoses your bruxism, we will get impressions and digital x-rays of your bite that will be used to design your night guard. MINT dentistry will send the information and design to a dental lab, where your guard will be created out of high-quality materials with advanced technology. When your night guard is returned to our office, we will schedule an appointment at our Temple Hills, MD facility. A member of the MINT dentistry team may make slight alterations to your night guard to ensure it fits comfortably. Your team will also talk to you about how to care for your appliance, so it remains in good condition for as long as possible.

In order to experience the full benefit of your custom night guard, you need to wear it whenever you sleep or as often as your MINT dentistry team recommends. Your guard should greatly reduce any problems of nocturnal bruxism, but if not, schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can discuss other treatment options. To avoid problems with your night guard, you should clean your guard and teeth before each use as well as after. Your night guard should be brought in to all of your exams and cleanings so we can perform repairs and make adjustments.

Dental insurance may pay some of the costs for treatment if you are diagnosed with nocturnal bruxism. We will contact your provider to understand your coverage and benefits. During your consultation, a MINT dentistry team member will try to estimate the cost of your night guard. Our practice accepts several forms of payment and can help you find low-interest medical financing to ensure your night guard fits within your budget. MINT dentistry is committed to helping all patients in Temple Hills, MD get the dental care they need. If you don't have PPO dental insurance, our team can tell you more about the MINT Discount Plan.

Teeth grinding is a common dental issue that can cause pain and other problems, making it difficult to enjoy life. Night guards are an effective option to get better sleep by treating the unpleasant symptoms of nocturnal bruxism and jaw clenching. Custom night guards by MINT dentistry may also boost your overall oral health while reducing the risk of more expensive issues. To learn more about nocturnal bruxism and night guards, contact our office in Temple Hills, MD to book an appointment with MINT dentistry.