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Nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching create a symphony of damage that echoes through your smile long after you wake. The unconscious forces generated during sleep can quietly destroy years of dental health, leaving you with worn enamel, cracked teeth, and morning jaw pain that signals deeper problems beneath the surface.
At Enso Dental Arts, Dr. Maria Hiruma and her team understand how bruxism silently wreaks havoc on your oral health while you sleep. Our custom-fitted night guards offer a comfortable and effective solution to protect your teeth from grinding damage, helping you wake up refreshed rather than sore.
Night guards, also known as occlusal guards or dental splints, act as protective barriers between your upper and lower teeth during sleep. These custom-made oral appliances absorb and distribute the intense forces generated by grinding and clenching, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact that can cause significant damage over time.
When you wear a properly fitted night guard, the appliance creates space between your jaw joints, reducing muscle tension and allowing your facial muscles to relax. The guard’s smooth surface also prevents your teeth from locking together, minimizing the grinding action that typically occurs during deep sleep phases.
Night guards can also treat snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
Research from the American Dental Association reveals a startling trend: teeth grinding affects more than 70% of dental patients, with rates climbing nearly 10% in recent years as stress levels continue to rise. Stress from daily life, work pressures, and sleep disorders often manifests as nocturnal bruxism. Many patients experience grinding without realizing it, only becoming aware of it when their partner mentions the sounds or when dental damage becomes visible during routine check-ups.
The consequences of untreated teeth grinding extend far beyond simple wear patterns. Chronic bruxism can lead to several serious complications:
Dr. Hiruma often identifies these issues during comprehensive examinations, noting telltale signs like worn enamel surfaces, muscle tenderness, and joint clicking that indicate the need for protective intervention.
Recognition of grinding symptoms helps determine whether you need professional evaluation. Common indicators include waking with jaw soreness, unexplained tooth sensitivity, or morning headaches that gradually improve throughout the day.
Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools, including detailed bite analysis and intraoral scanning technology, to assess your specific grinding patterns and jaw alignment. This comprehensive approach ensures your night guard addresses your unique needs while providing optimal comfort and protection.
Dr. Hiruma’s approach to night guard fabrication emphasizes precision and comfort. The process begins with detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth, capturing every contour needed for a perfect fit.
Our dental laboratory utilizes high-quality materials specifically selected for their durability and biocompatibility. Unlike over-the-counter options that provide minimal protection and often cause discomfort, professional night guards are designed to withstand nightly grinding forces while maintaining their shape and protective properties.
The fitting appointment allows Dr. Hiruma to make precise adjustments, ensuring your guard feels comfortable and doesn’t interfere with breathing or natural jaw positioning. She provides detailed instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance to maximize the longevity of your investment.
Various materials offer different benefits, depending on the severity of your grinding and personal preferences. Soft guards are well-suited for mild grinding, while dual-layer designs provide enhanced durability for severe bruxism cases.
Proper care extends the lifespan of your night guard while maintaining optimal hygiene. Daily cleaning with gentle soap and cool water, combined with routine professional evaluations, ensures continued effectiveness and oral health protection.
Temporomandibular joint disorders often accompany teeth grinding, creating a cycle of jaw dysfunction and discomfort. Night guards can provide significant relief by reducing muscle tension and preventing excessive joint loading during sleep.
Dr. Hiruma evaluates each patient’s specific symptoms to determine whether a night guard alone will address their concerns or if additional TMJ treatments might be beneficial. Her comprehensive approach considers your entire oral health picture, not just isolated symptoms.
Some patients experience immediate relief from jaw pain and morning stiffness, while others notice gradual improvement over several weeks as their muscles learn to relax. The key lies in consistent use and proper fitting adjustments as needed.
Protecting your smile from the damaging effects of bruxism requires professional intervention with customized solutions. At Enso Dental Arts, Dr. Hiruma combines advanced technology with artful precision to create night guards that provide exceptional protection while maintaining maximum comfort.
Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive a night guard tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re dealing with mild grinding or severe bruxism. As a Kois Center-trained dentist, Dr. Hiruma brings her Dr. John Koi’s training, scientific knowledge, and clinical excellence to every treatment, delivering results that safeguard your dental health for years to come. Call us today at (516) 484-2676 or complete a contact form to discuss how a custom night guard can transform your sleep and protect your smile for years to come.
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