Night Guards near Las Vegas, NV

Commonly known as bruxism, grinding your teeth at night is a common problem that affects many men and women. While the most noticeable symptom is wear on the surface of the teeth, nocturnal bruxism might also lead to tooth pain, headaches, and inflammation. It can even cause discomfort in your neck and jaw. To protect your mouth against these effects of teeth grinding, seasoned dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi offers custom night guards that help defend your teeth while you sleep. Custom night guards are made from high-quality materials that comfortably fit in your mouth and improve the nature of your sleep by reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding. If you live in Henderson or near Las Vegas NV, learn more about custom night guards at Michaela Tozzi, DMD by scheduling a private consultation. 

A number of symptoms may indicate that you are grinding your teeth and/or clenching your jaw while you sleep. You might wake up in the morning with pain in your jaw, a headache, and facial swelling. Other symptoms include loosened teeth and/or fillings, chipped enamel on your back teeth, a receding gumline, and tooth sensitivity. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching at night are typically caused by stress but could also be the result of a sleep disorder, misaligned teeth, allergies, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). As Dr. Tozzi makes your bruxism diagnosis, she will also find out the underlying cause so your night guard therapy may be coupled with other treatments for the best possible outcome.

For patients who clench or grind their teeth at nighttime, a customized night guard may be recommended to help safeguard overall oral health. Night guards provided by Dr. Tozzi at our Las Vegas, NV office offer several benefits, including:

• Guard against teeth grinding and jaw clenching throughout the night
• Help the jaw muscles relax
• Work to prevent tooth deterioration
• Can reduce TMD-related discomfort, including headaches and jaw pain
• Comfortable to wear while sleeping
• Could improve your sleep and rest patterns
• Designed from durable materials that should last a long time

After Dr. Tozzi makes your bruxism diagnosis, she will take oral impressions and digital x-rays of your mouth to create your custom night guard. Michaela Tozzi, DMD will send your specifications to a dental laboratory where your specialized night guard will be made from high-quality materials. Once your night guard is sent back to our office, we will schedule a secondary appointment for your fitting. Dr. Tozzi might make minor adjustments so your night guard fits properly and comfortably. We will also give you specific instructions on how to properly care for your night guard so it lasts a long time.

For maximum night guard efficiency, you will need to wear it every night. Your night guard should relieve or eliminate the pain and dental issues caused by bruxism, but if not, please inform our team so Dr. Tozzi can consider other issues or try other therapies. To help keep your mouth and night guard healthy, you should properly clean your teeth and guard prior to and following each use. We ask that you bring your night guard to all future appointments so Dr. Tozzi can adjust and repair the guard as necessary.

If you have been diagnosed with nocturnal bruxism or jaw clenching, part of the cost of your night guard should be covered by your insurance company. If you have dental insurance, our team will contact your insurance carrier to confirm your coverage and costs. At your consultation, Dr. Tozzi can discuss cost estimates (with or without dental insurance) and payment methods. For more affordable dental care, Michaela Tozzi, DMD can help you apply for medical financing.

Do night guards cure bruxism?
Night guards don't wholly cure bruxism or prevent teeth grinding from happening in the first place. However, night guards custom-made at Michaela Tozzi, DMD effectively prevent tooth deterioration and other oral problems that result from grinding. Additionally, night guards can help halt side effects like migraines.

How long do night guards last?
Night guards can last for years with proper care. That includes removing them at night, brushing them after wearing, and regular cleaning. Dr. Tozzi suggests that patients bring their night guards whenever attending a dental appointment or cleaning to make sure they are still in good shape.

Could wearing a night guard be bad for your teeth in some cases?
Wearing a night guard made for you by Dr. Tozzi isn’t bad for your teeth. In fact, it can help prevent serious issues brought on by bruxism. However, wearing a generic night guard or sports mouth guard from a retail store that doesn't fit well in your mouth can cause teeth to shift, tooth pain, and promote the growth of bacteria.

What are the benefits of wearing a night guard?
Night guards provided by Michaela Tozzi, DMD can protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism, or teeth grinding. They act as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing wear and tear. Night guards can also reduce jaw pain and headaches caused by grinding.

Can I clean my night guard with regular toothpaste?
It's not recommended to use toothpaste to clean your night guard, as it can be abrasive and lead to quicker wear and tear. Instead, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner or soap, and always remember to rinse it thoroughly before use. Michaela Tozzi, DMD can offer specialized cleaning solutions as well.

Do I need a prescription to get a night guard?
Yes, you will need a prescription from a qualified dentist like Michaela Tozzi, DMD to get a custom-fitted night guard. Over-the-counter options are available, but a custom-fit provides better comfort and protection.

Grinding your teeth can cause discomfort and pain in a variety of ways. Night guards are a safe option to diminish the stress caused by the negative side effects of jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Custom night guards from Michaela Tozzi, DMD can also benefit the overall health of your mouth and deter future complications. If you think a night guard may be right for you, call our team in the Greater Las Vegas area to book a consultation with Dr. Tozzi.