Custom Night Guards in South Hadley, MA
If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, a night guard can protect your smile from serious damage. Similar to how a mouthguard protects teeth during sports, a night guard creates a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth to prevent wear, chips, and cracks caused by nighttime grinding. At Baltazar Dental, Dr. Felicia Baltazar provides custom-fitted night guards that are more comfortable and more effective than store-bought options for patients in South Hadley, MA .
Do You Need a Night Guard?
Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth until damage appears. Signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) include:
- Waking up with jaw soreness, facial muscle fatigue, or headaches
- Flattened, worn, or shortened teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Broken or loose fillings and crowns
- A partner hearing grinding sounds at night
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
There is a wide variety of mouthguards available, ranging from pre-formed pieces to boil-and-bite guards you shape at home. While these may offer some protection, they’re often bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to slipping out of place, which means many people stop wearing them. A custom night guard is made from precise impressions of your teeth, so it fits snugly, feels thinner, stays in place, and distributes biting forces evenly for better protection.
Benefits of a Custom Night Guard
- Protects enamel from grinding and clenching wear
- Helps prevent chips, cracks, and fractures
- Protects existing crowns, fillings, and bonding
- Can ease jaw muscle tension and morning headaches
- Durable and comfortable for nightly wear
Getting Your Night Guard
During your visit, Dr. Baltazar examines your teeth for signs of wear, often using our intraoral camera to show you the damage. We then take impressions of your teeth, which a dental lab uses to fabricate your custom guard. When it’s ready, we’ll check the fit and make any adjustments for comfort.
Caring for Your Night Guard
Rinse and brush your guard each morning, store it in its case, keep it away from heat, and bring it to your cleanings and exams so we can check its condition. If grinding has already damaged your teeth, we can help with cracked tooth repair and other restorative dentistry. Learn more about preventative dentistry.
Night Guards FAQs
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a removable appliance worn over the teeth while sleeping to protect them from damage caused by grinding and clenching.
Why choose a custom night guard over a store-bought one?
Custom night guards are made from impressions of your teeth, so they fit more comfortably, stay in place better, and provide more effective protection than pre-formed or boil-and-bite guards.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?
A night guard may not stop the grinding habit, but it protects your teeth from damage and can reduce strain on your jaw muscles.
How long does a custom night guard last?
With proper care, a custom night guard can last several years. We check its condition during your routine visits.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse and gently brush it each morning, let it air dry, and store it in its case away from heat.
How long does it take to get a night guard?
After impressions are taken, your guard is made by a dental lab. We’ll schedule a fitting appointment when it’s ready.
Where can I get a custom night guard in South Hadley, MA?
Baltazar Dental in South Hadley, MA provides custom night guards for teeth grinding. Call (413) 538-7546 to schedule.
Sleep Easy Knowing Your Teeth Are Protected
Call Baltazar Dental at (413) 538-7546 to get fitted for a custom night guard with Dr. Baltazar in South Hadley, MA .