Night Guards
Excessive jaw clenching and bruxism can accelerate tooth and jaw deterioration. Meanwhile, snoring can impact the quality of your own sleep and that of those around you. To help our patients most comfortably avoid this, we customize night guards to their bite. One type of night guard acts as a cushion between the top and bottom dental arches while the other creates more space between the front teeth to prevent the top and lower jaw from touching. Snore prevention mouth pieces look similar, but instead of acting as a cushion or spacer, they keep the lower jaw forward, thereby preventing pressure on the larynx.
How to keep your night guard in good condition?
Rinse Immediately: After removing your night guard in the morning, rinse it thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water to remove any saliva or debris.
Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a mild, non-abrasive toothpaste (or a denture cleaning solution) to brush the night guard. Avoid using hot water, harsh toothpaste, or abrasive materials, as they can damage the guard.
Soak Occasionally: Soak your night guard in a dental appliance cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for about 15-30 minutes once a week to disinfect and remove stains.
Rinse Again: After soaking, rinse the night guard thoroughly with water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
Dry Completely: Allow the night guard to air dry before storing it in its case. Moisture can encourage bacterial growth, so ensure it's dry before storage.
Store Properly: Always store your night guard in its protective case to prevent damage or contamination. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners on your night guard, as they can damage the material and affect its fit.
Regular Check-ups: Bring your night guard to your dental check-ups so your dentist can inspect it for any signs of wear, damage, or changes in fit.
Replace as Needed: Night guards have a lifespan, and they may wear out over time. If you notice any cracks, changes in fit, or if your dentist recommends it, replace the night guard to maintain its effectiveness.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to address any underlying dental issues that may require the use of a night guard.
By following these steps, you can keep your night guard clean, comfortable, and effective in protecting your teeth from conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Pricing
If you have dental insurance (see dental insurances we accept):
Some dental insurances cover a part of the fee for a Night Guard.
We will help verify your dental insurance and give you an estimate of cost.
Please call our front desk and provide us with your dental insurance information.
If you don’t have dental insurance:
Ask our office about Captain Dental Insurance Plan. (Office number: 408-826-4676)