Night Guards
Dental Night Guards in Antioch, IL
Many patients come to us already dealing with jaw tension, worn enamel, or morning headaches without realizing the cause. At Antioch Advanced Dentistry, we regularly help patients address nighttime grinding and clenching with professionally made solutions designed for comfort and durability. Dental night guards in Antioch, IL, are one of the most effective tools we offer for protecting teeth and preventing long-term damage caused by bruxism.
What Are Night Guards? Why Are They Important?
A night guard is a dental appliance worn while sleeping to prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact. Grinding and clenching place excessive force on teeth and jaw joints, often without the patient being aware that it is happening. Over time, this pressure can lead to cracked teeth, enamel erosion, jaw pain, and restorations that fail prematurely.
A professional dental night guard acts as a protective barrier. Instead of your teeth absorbing grinding forces, the appliance distributes pressure more evenly and cushions the jaw. A dental night guard for teeth grinding can also help reduce muscle fatigue and strain in the temporomandibular joint, making it an important preventive tool rather than just a reactive treatment.
Why You Might Need a Night Guard
Not every patient knows they grind their teeth, but there are several signs that often point to the need for a night guard. Some symptoms develop slowly and may only be discovered during a routine exam, while others interfere with daily comfort. Common reasons patients benefit from a dental night guard include the following:
- Waking up with jaw soreness or facial muscle fatigue
- Flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Increased tooth sensitivity without decay
The Benefits of Custom Dental Night Guards
There are many over-the-counter products available, but they cannot match the accuracy or longevity of a dental night guard custom-made in a dental office. A custom dental night guard is fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring proper fit and balanced contact.
Patients often notice dental night guard benefits quickly, including reduced jaw tension and fewer morning symptoms. A professional appliance is also more durable, less bulky, and easier to wear consistently. Because the fit is exact, it stays in place throughout the night and does not interfere with breathing or speech.
Another advantage of a custom dental night guard is that it protects existing dental work. Crowns, bridges, veneers, and fillings are especially vulnerable to grinding forces. Using a professional appliance can extend the lifespan of these restorations and reduce the risk of emergency dental visits.
Our Dental Night Guard Process
We offer a straightforward dental night guard procedure. During your initial appointment, we evaluate your bite, jaw movement, and signs of wear. If a night guard is recommended, we take impressions or digital scans of your teeth. Those records are used to fabricate your professional dental night guard using durable materials designed for nightly use. Once the guard is ready, we check the fit carefully and make any necessary adjustments so it feels comfortable. We also review how to clean dental night guard appliances properly, including daily rinsing, gentle brushing, and safe storage to maintain hygiene and prevent warping.
Other Dental Services We Offer
Night guards are part of a broader approach to preventive and restorative care. We focus on protecting your oral health while also addressing cosmetic and functional concerns, and our team provides a full range of services to support long-term dental stability. By integrating night guards with routine care, we help patients avoid complications that often require more complex treatment later. Our services include the following:
- Preventive exams and professional cleanings
- Restorative treatments such as crowns and fillings
- Cosmetic dentistry, including whitening and veneers
- Advanced care for bite alignment and oral health maintenance
Why Choose Antioch Advanced Dentistry
We take the time to evaluate how your teeth function together, not just how they look. Every dental night guard we provide is made with attention to bite accuracy, comfort, and durability. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful planning, and long-term protection. Patients appreciate that we explain options, answer questions thoroughly, and ensure the appliance fits properly before final delivery. That attention to detail is what allows our night guards to perform effectively over time.
Schedule Your Night Guard Consultation
If you are experiencing jaw discomfort, tooth wear, or suspect nighttime grinding, a custom night guard may help protect your smile. Contact Antioch Advanced Dentistry today to schedule an evaluation and find out whether a professionally made night guard is right for you.
FAQ
What is the difference between a store-bought guard and a professional one?
Store-bought guards are generic and often bulky, while a professional dental night guard is custom-fitted for comfort, durability, and accurate bite alignment.
How long does a custom night guard last?
With proper care, a custom dental night guard can last several years. Longevity depends on grinding intensity and how well the appliance is maintained.
Is wearing a night guard uncomfortable?
Most patients adapt quickly. A well-fitted appliance should feel secure without causing soreness or irritation.
How should I clean my night guard?
We recommend gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and mild cleanser, followed by air drying. We review how to clean dental night guard appliances to help prevent odor and buildup.