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Stop Nighttime Grinding from Damaging Your Smile
Many people grind or clench their teeth in their sleep without ever realizing it. This unconscious grinding is a condition known as bruxism, and over time it can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, damage existing dental work, and leave you waking up with jaw pain or headaches. If you are grinding your teeth most nights, a custom night guard can make a real difference.
At Broadway Dental of Millbrae,Dr. Donald Yang creates comfortable, custom-fitted night guards that shield your teeth while you sleep. Unlike bulky over-the-counter versions, a professionally made guard fits your mouth precisely, so it protects better and feels far more natural to wear.
Ask About a Custom Night Guard
What a Night Guard Does for You
A night guard is a removable dental appliance, similar to an athletic mouth guard, that provides a protective barrier between your top and bottom teeth. By keeping those surfaces from grinding directly against each other, it absorbs the pressure of clenching and prevents the damage bruxism causes.
The result is protection where you need it most while you sleep, without any effort on your part. You simply wear it at night and let it do the work.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Because grinding happens during sleep, many people do not know they do it until symptoms appear. You may benefit from a night guard if you notice:
- Waking up with a sore jaw, face, or neck
- Frequent morning headaches
- Teeth that look worn, flattened, or chipped
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- A partner who hears you grinding at night
- Pain or clicking in your jaw joint
- Damage to existing fillings or crowns
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth mentioning at your next visit so Dr. Yang can take a look.
Getting Your Custom-Fitted Night Guard
Getting a night guard at our office is simple and comfortable, and the custom fit is what makes all the difference. Here is what to expect:
1
Evaluation
Dr. Yang examines your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding and discusses your symptoms with you.
2
Precise impressions
We take digital impressions of your teeth using our intraoral scanner, so there are no messy trays.
3
Custom fabrication
Your night guard is crafted to fit your mouth exactly, balancing durability with comfort.
4
Fitting
Dr. Yang custom-fits your night guard to ensure it feels secure and comfortable, making any small adjustments needed.
5
Guidance for lasting relief
We also discuss other ways to help reduce or eliminate nighttime grinding, which may include avoiding chewing gum, alcohol, and caffeine, since these can increase the risk of grinding.
The Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
Sealants are best known for protecting children, but they are not just for kids. You may be a good candidate if:
- Are a child or teen with newly erupted permanent molars, ideal for early protection
- Have deep grooves or pits in the back teeth that trap food easily
- Are prone to cavities or have a history of decay
- Want an extra layer of prevention on healthy back teeth
- Struggle to keep back teeth fully clean with brushing alone
The best time to seal permanent molars is soon after they come in, usually around ages 6 and 12, but adults with healthy, cavity-free molars can benefit as well. Dr. Yang will let you know if sealants are a good fit during your exam.
Wake up Comfortable and Protect Your Teeth
You do not have to live with the wear, pain, and headaches that come from nighttime grinding. A custom night guard is a simple, effective way to protect your smile for years to come. If you suspect you have an issue with teeth grinding, we are here to help.
We proudly welcome patients from Millbrae, San Bruno, Tanforan, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Burlingame, and Daly City.
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