Why You Should Ask Our Renton Dentist About a Custom Night Guard
Do you often wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth? You could be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep without even knowing it. This condition, called bruxism, affects millions of people and can cause serious dental issues if left untreated. The good news is that our trusted Renton dentist at Pure Dental Care has a simple yet effective solution: a custom night guard.
A night guard, also known as an occlusal guard or bite guard, is a dental appliance worn while you sleep to protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of grinding or clenching. While store-bought mouthguards are available, they often fit poorly and may not provide adequate protection. A custom-made night guard from Dr. Shih is specifically designed to fit your unique bite, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness. Many people with bruxism don’t even realize they’re doing it until they start experiencing the symptoms—such as worn-down enamel, tooth sensitivity, or unexplained jaw discomfort. That’s why it’s important to see our Renton dentist if you suspect something might be wrong.
How Night Guards Help
Wearing a night guard serves several key purposes:
- Protects your teeth from the wear and tear of grinding
- Reduces strain on the jaw muscles and TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
- Prevents dental damage, such as cracked, chipped, or flattened teeth Improves quality of sleep by relieving nighttime tension
- Prevents headaches and facial pain caused by excessive clenching
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard?
Over-the-counter night guards may be less expensive initially, but they often don’t offer the same level of protection or comfort. They can be bulky, shift during sleep, or even contribute to further jaw misalignment. A custom night guard from Pure Dental Care is molded to the exact shape of your teeth, offering a secure fit that stays in place all night, longer-lasting materials, less bulk and greater comfort, and better protection for your enamel and jaw Our Renton dentist will take precise impressions of your mouth and work with a dental lab to create your personalized appliance. Once it’s ready, we’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly.
When to See a Dentist
You should schedule a consultation with our Renton dentist if you notice any of the following:
- Jaw soreness or clicking
- Chronic headaches or neck pain
- Tooth sensitivity without decay
- Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
- Trouble sleeping or waking up feeling tired
Take the First Step Toward Relief
At Pure Dental Care, we’re committed to helping you protect your smile day and night. If you suspect teeth grinding is affecting your sleep and dental health, don’t wait. A custom night guard could be the simple solution you need for long-term comfort and peace of mind. Call us today to schedule an appointment with your trusted Renton dentist, or request a consultation online. Your smile will thank you.