Do you often wake up with headaches, jaw soreness, or unexplained tooth sensitivity? These symptoms often point to bruxism, a condition where you grind or clench your teeth during sleep without realizing it. Dr. Andy Keith and the dedicated team at Hillcrest Dental specialize in creating custom dental night guards that provide comfortable, effective protection for your teeth. Our personalized approach combines advanced fitting techniques with a calming, spa-like atmosphere to ensure you receive a night guard solution that feels natural and works seamlessly with your lifestyle, allowing you to finally enjoy restful sleep and pain-free mornings.
Night Guard
Understanding Dental Night Guard
A dental night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance that fits over your teeth to protect them from the damaging effects of teeth grinding and clenching, medically known as bruxism. Unlike over-the-counter mouth guards that offer a one-size-fits-all approach, a professionally crafted dental night guard conforms precisely to your unique dental structure, ensuring maximum comfort and protection throughout the night. The appliance acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of clenching and preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact that can lead to enamel wear, tooth fractures, and jaw pain.
Benefits of Dental Night Guards
How We Use Night Guards with Our Dental Treatment
Complete Bruxism Evaluation and Diagnosis
During your first visit, Dr. Andy Keith will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite pattern to assess the extent of your grinding habits. Our experienced team looks for telltale signs like worn enamel, chipped teeth, or muscle tenderness that indicate bruxism. This comprehensive evaluation takes place in our comfortable Hillcrest office, where we determine whether a dental night guard is the right solution for your specific needs and which type would provide optimal protection for your smile.
Custom Night Guard Design and Personalized Planning
After your examination, we’ll discuss the best type of dental night guard for your situation based on the severity of your grinding and your comfort preferences. We’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure your custom night guard fits perfectly and feels natural when you wear it. At Hillcrest Dental, we understand that some patients feel anxious about dental impressions, which is why we offer sedation options to ensure your complete comfort throughout the process. Your treatment plan is tailored to your bite and grinding habits.
Professional Fitting and Comfort Adjustment
Once your custom dental night guard is fabricated, you’ll return to our San Diego office for a fitting appointment where we’ll ensure it sits comfortably and provides proper protection. Dr. Disraeli or Dr. Keith will make any necessary adjustments to optimize the fit and show you how to properly insert and remove the appliance. We take the time to answer all your questions and provide detailed instructions on wearing your night guard consistently, along with care guidelines to maintain its effectiveness and longevity. Our goal is to make the entire experience feel more like visiting a wellness spa than a traditional dental office.
Daily Care Instructions for Your Night Guard
Proper care of your dental night guard ensures it remains hygienic and effective for years to come. Rinse your appliance with cool water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap to remove bacteria and debris. Store your night guard in its protective case when not in use to prevent damage and keep it away from heat sources that could warp the material. Our team at Hillcrest Dental provides you with everything you need to maintain your appliance, including a protective case and detailed care instructions.
Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
We’ll schedule periodic check-up appointments to monitor your progress and examine your dental night guard for signs of wear or damage. These visits allow us to assess whether your bruxism symptoms are improving and make any necessary adjustments to your appliance. Regular follow-ups ensure your night guard continues providing optimal protection and comfort in our serene, welcoming environment. Dr. Disraeli, Dr. Keith, and our compassionate team are always available to address any concerns you might have about your treatment.
Why Choose Us
Dr. Andy Keith leads our experienced team at Hillcrest Dental, bringing extensive expertise in treating bruxism and creating custom dental night guards that address each patient’s unique needs. Our San Diego practice stands apart through our dedication to sedation dentistry options that make even anxious patients feel relaxed during every appointment, combined with precise impression techniques that ensure optimal fit and comfort. Our friendly, experienced dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care, taking time to explain your treatment options thoroughly and answer all your questions. We craft each night guard from high-quality, biocompatible materials designed to withstand years of nightly use while maintaining comfort, and our tranquil Hillcrest office environment reflects our belief that dental care should feel more like visiting a wellness center than a clinical setting. From the moment you walk through our doors, every member of our devoted team prioritizes clear communication and personalized attention because we understand that informed patients experience better outcomes and feel more confident about their care decisions.
Get Your Custom Dental Night Guard Today
If teeth grinding has been affecting your sleep quality, causing daily discomfort, or threatening the health of your teeth, a custom dental night guard from Hillcrest Dental can provide the relief and protection you need. Dr. Andy Keith and our compassionate team have helped countless San Diego patients overcome bruxism symptoms and preserve their smiles through personalized night guard solutions designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Call us today at 619-291-2980 to schedule your consultation at our convenient Hillcrest location. You can also find us easily on Google Maps at 3645 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, or explore our Yelp reviews to see what patients are saying.
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FAQs
What is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard is a custom-made oral appliance designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. Unlike sports mouthguards, dental night guards are specifically crafted for comfort during extended overnight wear. The appliance creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing grinding forces and preventing enamel wear, tooth fractures, jaw pain, and related symptoms.
Is sleeping with a mouth guard dangerous?
Sleeping with a properly fitted mouth guard is safe and beneficial for protecting your teeth from bruxism damage. Custom-made night guards from your dentist are designed with appropriate thickness and materials to allow normal breathing and won’t cause choking hazards. However, poorly fitted over-the-counter guards or those that haven’t been evaluated by a dentist could potentially cause discomfort, bite issues, or inadequate protection, which is why professional fitting is important.
How long do mouth guards last?
A well-maintained dental mouth guard typically lasts between three to five years, depending on the severity of your grinding and the type of material used. Hard acrylic guards generally provide longer durability than soft or dual laminate options, especially for heavy grinders. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your mouth guard and determine when replacement is necessary to ensure continued effectiveness and protection.
What type of mouth guards do dentists recommend?
Dentists typically recommend custom-made mouth guards fabricated from impressions of your teeth, as these provide superior fit, comfort, and protection compared to over-the-counter options. The specific type depends on your needs: hard acrylic guards work best for severe grinders, soft guards suit mild cases, and dual laminate guards combine a soft inner layer with a hard outer layer for moderate grinding. Your dentist will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate material and design for your bruxism symptoms.
Can you eat with a mouth guard?
You should not eat while wearing your mouth guard, as it’s designed specifically for nighttime use to protect against grinding and clenching during sleep. Eating with a mouth guard can damage the appliance, compromise its fit, and create hygiene issues by trapping food particles. Always remove your mouth guard before eating or drinking anything other than water, clean your teeth thoroughly, and reinsert it only when you’re ready for sleep.
