A night guard is a dental accessory made of plastic that fits over the top teeth. When you grind or clench your teeth, much of the force is passed to the night guard rather than the teeth. The intensity of the grinding will frequently cause deep grooves to emerge in the night guard. The night guard prevents the same force from causing tooth damage. Without a nightguard, the enamel might be significantly worn away, resulting in tooth sensitivity. Teeth can also be damaged or cracked, necessitating costly restorative dental procedures to fix. Contact Primera Dental to receive the most suitable treatment for your specific needs.

What Is the Procedure for Obtaining a Night Guard?

Obtaining a teeth protector for sleeping is a straightforward and painless process. Our dentist develops an impression of your teeth. The impression is used to create the mold that will be utilized by the lab to make your night guard out of strong plastic. When the guard is finished, the dentist will inspect it to verify that it fits properly. Then all you have to do is sleep with the guard on. It may feel strange at first, but most of our patients quickly grow used to wearing their night guard. The guard will not obstruct your breathing, and you will be able to communicate properly.

Benefits of a Night Guard

Protects Teeth from Damage

A night guard prevents your top and bottom teeth from making contact while you sleep. Teeth grinding is prevalent and creates a slew of issues with your teeth. Teeth enamel is lost as a result of grinding. Tooth sensitivity is caused by enamel loss. It is important to wear a night mouth guard while sleeping to protect your teeth from any of these difficulties.

Nightguards Improve Sleep

A night guard can enhance your sleep by relieving stress on your jaw muscles and alleviating jaw pain, face pain, and headaches. It's a lot simpler to obtain a nice, peaceful night's sleep when you're not in pain, as you might expect.

Prevents Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that connects the jaw to the skull and affects the chewing muscles. When you clench your teeth while sleeping, you put pressure on the TMJ, which can lead to misalignment. Wearing a nightguard helps to prevent the disease from developing since it relieves muscle strain.

Caring for Your Night Guard

To keep your night guard in good condition, rinse it with cool water each morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive). Store it in its protective case when not in use, and keep it away from heat, such as hot water or direct sunlight, since this can warp the plastic. Bring your night guard to your regular dental visits so your dentist can check its fit, as normal wear or changes in your bite may mean it needs an adjustment or replacement over time. With proper care, most night guards last one to several years depending on how heavily you grind your teeth.

Insurance & Financing Options

Primera Dental accepts Medi-Cal, and we also offer flexible payment plans through Cherry to help make your night guard fit comfortably within your budget. Contact our office and our team will be happy to walk you through your coverage and payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a night guard last?

With proper care, most night guards last between one and five years, depending on how much you grind your teeth and how well the guard is maintained.

Does Primera Dental accept Medi-Cal for night guards?

Yes, we accept Medi-Cal and also offer Cherry payment plans to help make treatment affordable.

Will a night guard change the shape of my bite?

No. A properly fitted night guard is designed to protect your teeth and support your jaw without shifting your bite. That's why it's important to have your night guard custom-made and periodically checked by your dentist rather than using an over-the-counter version.

How do I clean my night guard?

Rinse it with cool water after each use and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water and toothpaste, as both can damage the material over time.

Can children wear night guards?

Yes, children who grind their teeth can also benefit from a night guard. Our dentists can evaluate your child's bite and recommend the right option as their teeth continue to develop.

Do you serve patients outside of Lynwood?

Yes, we welcome patients from Lynwood, South Gate, Compton, Paramount, Downey, Bell, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, Cudahy, and surrounding communities.