Night Guards

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, our Greater Washington Area dentist, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, offers custom-made night guards to protect your teeth and improve your sleep.

What are Night Guards?

Night guards are custom dental appliances that protect your teeth from the effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Wearing these appliances while sleeping provides a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, reducing pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles. Night guards are made from high-quality materials and are customized to fit your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

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Overview

Are you constantly waking up with headaches, tinnitus, or jaw pain? Sleep bruxism or night-time teeth grinding, may be the culprit. Unlike daytime bruxism, sleep bruxism is likely to cause even more serious issues such as worn-down enamel and chronic pain because you aren’t aware you’re doing it. Fortunately, at Smiles of Chevy Chase, our Greater Washington Area dentist, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, offers custom-made night guards to protect your teeth and improve your sleep.

Learn more about bruxism and the benefits of custom night guards at Smiles of Chevy Chase by reading the guide below.

Benefits of Custom Night Guards

Utilizing a custom night guard can effectively alleviate issues caused by sleep bruxism and jaw clenching, including:

Headaches

Bruxism can exert excessive pressure on the jaw and facial muscles, resulting in tension headaches. Custom night guards help reduce the intensity and frequency of such headaches, promoting better sleep and overall well-being.

Tooth Pain

Grinding and clenching can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity. By providing a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth, night guards significantly decrease the impact of these forces, preventing tooth damage and discomfort.

Jaw Discomfort

The constant strain caused by bruxism often leads to jaw pain and soreness. Custom night guards create a comfortable and balanced bite, reducing the stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and easing jaw discomfort.

Inflammation

Bruxism-related inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissues can be alleviated with the use of night guards. By creating a protective barrier, night guards minimize the potential for irritation and inflammation, promoting healthier oral tissues.

Preventing Worn Enamel

The repetitive grinding action during sleep can wear down the enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth. Custom night guards act as a cushion, preventing direct contact between the upper and lower teeth and safeguarding the enamel from erosion.

Reducing Tooth Sensitivity

Exposed dentin due to enamel wear can result in tooth sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli. Night guards help preserve the enamel, decreasing sensitivity and enhancing comfort during eating and drinking.

Protecting Against Receding Gum Line

Bruxism can contribute to gum recession, which exposes the tooth roots and can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and vulnerability to decay. Night guards aid in preventing excessive pressure on the gums, minimizing the risk of gum recession.

Enhancing Sleep Quality

By reducing the disruptive effects of bruxism, custom night guards promote better sleep patterns. A well-rested night allows individuals to wake up feeling refreshed and energized, positively impacting their overall physical and mental health.

Long-term Dental Health

Custom night guards offer a proactive approach to safeguarding dental health. By preventing damage caused by bruxism, they contribute to the preservation of natural teeth, reducing the need for extensive dental treatments in the future.

What Causes Bruxism?

Bruxism can be caused by several factors, including:

Identifying the underlying cause of bruxism is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Dr. Markogiannakis will diagnose your bruxism and determine the underlying cause, allowing the night guard to be combined with additional treatments for more effective results.

The Night Guard Process

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Initial Consultation

Before getting your custom-made night guard, you’ll attend an initial consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis at our Chevy Chase dental office. During the consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will examine your teeth and jaw to diagnose your bruxism and determine if a night guard is the right solution for you. Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you have.

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Impression Taking & Design

If you’re approved for a custom night guard, our team will take impressions and digital X-rays of your mouth to create a custom night guard. Smiles of Chevy Chase will send your information to a dental laboratory where your night guard will be crafted.

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Fitting

When your custom night guard arrives at our Chevy Chase dental office, you’ll come in for the fitting. Dr. Markogiannakis will ensure a comfortable fit, making minor adjustments if necessary.

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Adjustments

During your fitting, our team will provide instructions on night guard care to ensure its durability. For effective results, wearing the night guard every night is crucial. If it doesn't alleviate the symptoms, contact our office so Dr. Markogiannakis can explore other issues or alternative treatments.

Night Guard Aftercare

Proper care and maintenance of your night guard are essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Here’s a bulleted list of night guard aftercare tips:

Following these night guard aftercare tips will not only prolong the lifespan of your night guard but also ensure it continues to provide the best protection against teeth grinding and clenching. Remember to consult your Chevy Chase dentist if you have any concerns or questions about the proper care of your night guard.

Protect Your Teeth and Experience Restful Nights; Call Smiles of Chevy Chase!

Night guards not only provide relief from unpleasant symptoms but also contribute to overall oral health and prevent future issues. If you think custom night guards could be the remedy for you or wish to learn more, contact our dental office in Chevy Chase, MD by dialing 301-652-0656. You can also fill out the contact form in the upper right-hand corner of the page, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Dr. Markogiannakis offers custom night guards to patients in the greater Washington area, including Chevy Chase and surrounding areas such as Bethesda, Somerset, and Forest Hills, MD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental insurance may cover part of the cost for custom night guards if you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism or jaw clenching. Your dental office can verify your coverage and benefits by contacting your insurance carrier. During the consultation, your dentist will discuss cost estimates, both with and without dental insurance, and the different payment methods your dental office accepts. If necessary, they may also assist with medical financing to make your treatment more affordable.

Custom night guards can provide relief for sensitive teeth by reducing the pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles. Your dentist will ensure the custom night guard fits your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Custom night guards typically last for several years with proper care and maintenance. Signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement include visible wear and tear, cracks or holes in the material, and discomfort or pain while wearing the night guard.

Custom night guards are available for children and can be customized to fit their mouths for maximum comfort and effectiveness. The age at which children should start using night guards varies depending on the severity of their bruxism and their dental development. Your child’s dentist can guide you on when to start using a night guard for your child.