1988 Wilcrest Dr G, Houston, TX 77042, United States

Briar Forest Dental Group

713-784-4430

Briar Forest Dental Group

Night Guards in Houston, Tx 77042

Night Guards are designed to keep your jaw in the correct position while you sleep. They help prevent any grinding or clenching while allowing natural breathing and swallowing.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is an appliance made of plastic and molded silicone that sits over the upper teeth during sleep to protect against night-time grinding and clenching. It may also be called a mouthguard or dental appliance. A person with braces might wear one while sleeping on their back because otherwise, the grinding could damage their braces.

Who Needs a Night Guard?

If someone clenches or grinds their teeth at night, they may need a night guard. When people clench their teeth, it can cause many problems such as headaches, sore jaw muscles, and even tooth damage. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist for a check-up.

People wear night guards when they grind or clench their teeth at night. If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, you might wake up with a headache and sore jaw muscles, and if it is severe enough, you could even break some teeth. Anyone who grinds or clenches their teeth while sleeping should get a mouthguard to protect against these problems.

What Kind of Dentist Fits Night Guards?

Usually, an orthodontist will fit patients with night guards. Orthodontists are dentists who have gone through special training to correct problems with the alignment of teeth and jaws. They can fit you for a custom-made night guard to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep. If you are having problems with headaches, sore jaw muscles, or tooth damage, it is a good idea to visit an orthodontist and get fitted for a night guard.

Boil and Bite Night Guard vs. Custom-Fit Night Guard

The boil and bite type is generally much less expensive than a custom-fitted night guard because it can be made in your dentist’s office. It usually only protects the front teeth instead of the full upper arch, which means you are more likely to wake up with jaw pain. The other problem with the boil and bite model is that they can break easily and get warped or misshapen during fitting.

Custom-fit night guards are usually more expensive than the boil and bite model, but they often cover the molars, so you have protection along your entire upper arch. They will also last longer because they aren’t made from a mold of your teeth, so there is less need to fit them again. Custom-fit night guards are more comfortable because they are made from an impression of your teeth, so they can’t warp, shrink, or break like the boil and bite type.

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Mouth Guards

Are Night Guards Expensive?

Night guards can be expensive, but the cost varies depending on the type of night guard you get. Custom-fit night guards tend to be more expensive than boil and bite night guards, but the former are more comfortable and provide better protection. The average cost of a custom-fit night guard is between $200 and $600. However, if you have dental insurance, your night guard may be covered by your plan.