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Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is often a chronic condition known as bruxism that can be brought on by stress or other neurological conditions.

If you’re experiencing a heightened level of stress in your career or personal life, you may be taking it out on your teeth. During your commute home or while you’re sleeping at night, your TMJ may be tightening up and causing you to clench your teeth against one another.

Instead of allowing your enamel to succumb to stress-induced fractures, you can protect your smile with a customized nightguard.

How Do Nightguards Work?

Teeth grinding can be managed with a nightguard, which helps protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching during sleep. Unlike oral sleep appliances that attach to your top and bottom teeth, a nightguard only covers one or the other. You wear it at night while you sleep to counteract the neurological effect of stress that builds up during the day. That way, when your jaws clench and grind your teeth together, the mouthguard will cushion the tension and protect your smile.

Although a nightguard can gradually wear out from bruxism, it’s better to replace an acrylic appliance than it is to restore broken teeth.

How Are Nightguards Made?

All we’ll need is a quick impression or a digital scan of your teeth. We’ll send the model or digital file to our lab where they’ll fabricate your mouthguard.

A Different Approach to Care

Dr. Downing Moua is a Kois-trained dentist, who approachs oral health from a comprehensive, holistic standpoint. Rather than treating specific symptoms, his goal is to understand what the big picture is.

For instance, what is causing you to grind your teeth? Is it an undiagnosed TMJ condition? Misaligned teeth? Daytime stress? By intercepting causes, we can then reduce the long-term damage that’s possible to your teeth long before those symptoms ever arise.

Advantages of Nightguards

When you invest in a bruxism mouthguard, you’ll be able to reduce your chances of:

Broken, chipped teeth

TMJ disorder

Fractured dental restorations

Headaches and migraines

Ear pain

Muscle fatigue

Since mouthguards place a small buffer between your upper and lower teeth, they naturally prevent your TMJ from fully engaging. In turn, it relaxes your joint and muscles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will dental insurance cover my mouthguard?

Some insurance companies do cover nightguards for teeth grinding and clenching. Our treatment coordinators will verify your benefits to determine if this is something that falls under your plan’s coverage.

What is the difference in a custom mouthguard and one I can buy in the store?

Commercial mouthguards are looser and bulkier. They’re less likely to feel comfortable enough to sleep in overnight and they’re not nearly as durable as a professionally fitted appliance. Our nightguards offer an extremely higher level of protection.

How can I tell if I'm clenching and grinding my teeth?

Usually, we’ll see fractured teeth or dental work. You’ll also notice jaw, face or teeth pain from the excessive tension throughout the day or night.

How should I care for my nightguard?

Clean your appliance with antibacterial soap, a toothbrush and lukewarm tap water after removing it. Then store it in a protective case out of the reach of children and pets.

Stop Teeth Grinding and Protect Your Smile

If you need a mouthguard for teeth grinding, all we’ll need to do is take an impression. Reserve your appointment today.

Contact Us

Contact Info

11321A NE 120th St
Kirkland, WA 98034

Phone: 425-823-1600

Kirkland Dentist

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Fri, Sat & Sun: Closed

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