A night guard covers your teeth while you sleep
It is for adults and teens who clench or grind, or who wake with a sore jaw. It protects teeth from wear. It doesn't stop the clenching.
Jaw soreness has many causes, and not all of them are in the mouth. Dr. Galvan starts with an exam of your teeth, bite, jaw muscles and the joint itself, and tells you plainly if what she sees looks like something a physician should look at.
What happens
Usually two or three visits.
- 01
Step 1: Talk and exam
Dr. Galvan asks when your jaw bothers you, then checks teeth, bite, muscles and joint. X-rays only if she needs them.
- 02
Step 2: Impressions or a scan
A lab makes the night guard to fit your teeth.
- 03
Step 3: Fitting and adjusting
She checks the fit and the bite, and shows you how to wear and clean it.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
No numbing is needed for impressions. A new guard can feel bulky for a few nights. Tell us if it hurts and we adjust it.
Other options
Some people do better with rest, heat, exercises or a physician's or physical therapist's help. We'll say if we think so, and we won't hold you here.
Risks and after-care
A guard that doesn't fit can change how your teeth meet. Bring it to each checkup, and call us if your bite feels different.
How it's billed
Night guards are usually a dental benefit, and plans differ on how often they pay. We give you a written estimate before we make one.
How fees work
Questions about night guards
Will a night guard stop my grinding?
No. It protects your teeth from wear. Why you grind is a bigger question, and we'll talk it through.
My jaw clicks. Is that a problem?
Clicking that doesn't hurt is common. If it hurts or locks, Dr. Galvan will examine it and say if you need a physician.
Can I buy one at the drugstore instead?
You can. A custom guard fits your teeth, and a poor fit can change your bite. We'll tell you what we'd choose for your mouth.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Dayanara Galvan, DDS, general dentist, licensed in Washington.