Protect Your Smile From Teeth Grinding in Your Sleep
Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night without even realizing it. This common condition, called bruxism, affects millions of people and can cause serious damage to your teeth and jaw over time. The good news is that a custom night guard can protect your smile and help you wake up pain-free.At Southern Smiles, Dr. Bethany Burton and her experienced team provide custom-fitted night guards designed specifically for your mouth. Unlike store-bought options that often feel bulky and uncomfortable, our professionally crafted guards offer superior protection and comfort so you can actually wear them consistently. Many patients notice improvement in their symptoms within just a few nights of wearing their custom guard. If you're experiencing signs of teeth grinding or clenching, don't wait until the damage becomes severe. Call our Jacksonville dental clinic at 904-389-3451 to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Orange Park, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville Beach.
Why Choose Southern Smiles for Night Guards
Dr. Burton takes a comprehensive approach to treating bruxism, starting with a thorough examination to identify the underlying causes of your grinding or clenching.
- Precise digital impressions that create a perfectly fitted guard you'll actually want to wear every night
- High-quality materials that are durable enough to withstand heavy grinding while remaining comfortable
- Thorough bite analysis to address any alignment issues that may be contributing to your bruxism
- Flexible financing options, including our in-house membership plan with 15% discounts on most procedures
- Over 20 years of trusted care in the Jacksonville community with a 4.9-star rating from over 250 reviews
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom-made dental appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep to prevent damage from grinding and clenching. Made from durable acrylic or similar materials, it creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. The guard absorbs and distributes the force of grinding, protecting your tooth enamel, reducing jaw strain, and minimizing headaches. Custom night guards fit precisely to your bite, making them far more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options that use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Benefits of Night Guards
Getting a custom night guard offers protection that extends far beyond just your teeth.
- Prevents costly dental damage – Grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, and damage existing work like dental crowns and tooth fillings, leading to expensive repairs
- Eliminates morning jaw pain and headaches – Most patients report a significant reduction in tension headaches and facial soreness within the first week
- Improves sleep quality – By reducing the physical stress of clenching, many patients experience deeper, more restful sleep
- Protects existing dental investments – If you have crowns, veneers, bridges, or implants, a night guard helps preserve these restorations
- Reduces TMJ symptoms – Guards help relax jaw muscles and reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint, alleviating clicking, popping, and pain
- Prevents tooth sensitivity – As enamel wears away from grinding, teeth become increasingly sensitive to hot and cold; guards stop this progression
- Saves money long-term – The cost of a night guard is minimal compared to treating cracked teeth, root canals, or replacing worn-down teeth
- Non-invasive solution – Unlike some dental treatments, wearing a night guard requires no surgery or permanent changes to your teeth
- Non-invasive solution – Unlike some dental treatments, wearing a night guard requires no surgery or permanent changes to your teeth
Who Is a Good Candidate For Overnight Mouth Guards?
Nearly anyone experiencing signs of bruxism can benefit from a custom night guard.
- You wake up with regular headaches, especially around your temples or behind your eyes
- Your partner tells you they hear grinding noises while you sleep
- You notice your teeth look worn, flattened, chipped, or have tiny fractures
- You experience a sore jaw, tightness, or difficulty opening your mouth fully in the morning
- Your teeth have become increasingly sensitive to temperature or pressure
- You have existing dental work that needs protection from grinding forces
- You have existing dental work that needYou've been diagnosed with TMJ disorder or experience jaw clicking and poppings protection from grinding forces
The Night Guard Process – Step by Step
Getting your custom night guard at Southern Smiles is straightforward and typically requires just two visits.
1. Initial Consultation and Examination
Dr. Burton examines your teeth for signs of wear, checks your jaw alignment, and discusses your symptoms. She'll look for flat spots on teeth, cracks, and evaluate your TMJ function to determine the best guard type for your situation.
2. Digital Impressions
We take precise digital impressions of your teeth using advanced scanning technology. This comfortable process takes just minutes and creates an exact model of your mouth, eliminating the need for messy traditional impressions.
3. Custom Fabrication
Your impressions are sent to a professional dental lab where skilled technicians craft your guard to exact specifications. The fabrication process typically takes one to two weeks and ensures a perfect fit.
4. Fitting and Adjustment
Once your guard arrives, you'll return for a fitting appointment. Dr. Burton checks the fit, makes any necessary adjustments, and ensures you can comfortably bite and breathe while wearing it.
5. Instructions and Follow-Up
You'll receive detailed care instructions and tips for adjusting to your new guard. We schedule a follow-up visit to check how the guard is working and make any final modifications needed.
Caring for Your Night Guard
Proper maintenance keeps your night guard clean, effective, and long-lasting.
- Rinse thoroughly every morning with cool water to remove saliva and debris before storing it
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap or denture cleaner several times per week
- Store in a ventilated case to allow air circulation and prevent bacterial growth; never wrap it in tissue or leave it exposed
- Keep away from heat – hot water, direct sunlight, and heated car interiors can warp the material and ruin the fit
- Bring to dental appointments so Dr. Burton can inspect for wear patterns, cracks, or areas needing adjustment
- Deep clean weekly by soaking in denture cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15-20 minutes
- Replace when needed – most guards last one to five years, depending on grinding severity and care
Cost & Financing
The investment in a custom night guard is minimal compared to treating the dental damage that grinding causes. At Southern Smiles, we believe financial concerns shouldn't prevent you from protecting your smile.
- Custom night guards typically range from $300-$600, depending on the type and materials used
- Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for night guards when prescribed for bruxism
- Our in-house membership plan offers 15% discounts on most procedures, making treatment more affordable for patients without insurance
- Flexible payment plans are available to spread the cost over several months
- Consider that a single cracked tooth can cost $1,000-$3,000 to repair – prevention is far more cost-effective
Want to discuss your specific costs? Our friendly Jacksonville dental staff will review your insurance benefits and payment options during your consultation. Call 904-389-3451 to learn more.
Important Considerations & Alternatives
Want to discuss your specific costs? Our friendly Jacksonville dental staff will review your insWhile custom night guards are highly effective for most patients, they do require consistent use to work. You must wear your guard every night to see benefits, and some patients need a few nights to adjust to the sensation of sleeping with an appliance in their mouth. If you have allergies to certain dental materials, let Dr. Burton know during your consultation so she can select appropriate materials.
Night guards treat the symptoms of bruxism, but not always the underlying causes. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and certain medications can all contribute to grinding. Dr. Burton may recommend combining your night guard with stress reduction techniques, addressing sleep apnea if present, or evaluating medications that might worsen bruxism.urance benefits and payment options during your consultation. Call 904-389-3451 to learn more.
Common Alternatives
- Stress management through counseling, meditation, or relaxation exercises may reduce grinding in stress-related cases
- Botox injections in the jaw muscles can temporarily reduce clenching strength for severe cases
- Orthodontic treatment may help if misalignment contributes significantly to your grinding
- Physical therapy for TMJ can strengthen and relax jaw muscles
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary jaw soreness or tooth sensitivity during the first few nights as you adjust
- Increased salivation initially, which typically resolves within a week
- Mild gagging sensation if you're sensitive to oral appliances, though a custom fit minimizes this
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get used to wearing a night guard?
Most patients adjust within three to seven nights of consistent use. The first few nights may feel strange, but your mouth quickly adapts. Starting with wearing it for a few hours before bed while you're awake can help ease the transition.
Can I wear my night guard if I have braces or dental work?
Yes, Dr. Burton can create guards that work with braces, implants, crowns, and other dental work. In fact, protecting expensive restorations from grinding is one of the main reasons patients get night guards.
How do I know if I'm grinding my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking with jaw pain or headaches, worn or flattened teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, cheek tissue indentations, and a partner reporting grinding noises. Dentists like Dr. Burton can identify grinding damage during your regular dental exam.
What's the difference between a custom guard and a store-bought one?
Custom guards fit precisely to your teeth for maximum comfort and protection. Store-bought guards use a one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite approach that often feels bulky, doesn't stay in place well, and may not properly protect your teeth from grinding forces.
How often should I replace my night guard?
Replacement timing depends on grinding severity and care. Light grinders may use the same guard for three to five years, while heavy grinders might need replacement every one to two years. Dr. Burton will monitor wear patterns at your regular checkups.
Can children wear night guards?
Yes, children who grind their teeth can benefit from night guards. However, because children's mouths are still growing and changing, they may need more frequent replacements as their teeth develop.
Will wearing a night guard stop me from grinding completely?
Night guards don't stop the grinding reflex itself, but they protect your teeth from damage and reduce the force on your jaw muscles. Many patients find that their grinding naturally decreases over time with consistent guard use.
Start Protecting Your Smile Tonight With Overnight Dental Guards in Jacksonville
Don't let bruxism steal your sleep quality or damage your smile. Custom night guards from Southern Smiles offer comfortable, effective protection that lets you wake up refreshed and pain-free. Dr. Burton's personalized approach ensures you get the right guard for your specific needs, and our team supports you through every step of the process.
Take control of your oral health today. The longer you wait, the more damage grinding can cause to your teeth, jaw, and quality of life. With our state-of-the-art facility, experienced team, and commitment to patient comfort, you're in excellent hands at Southern Smiles.
Schedule your night guard consultation now by calling 904-389-3451. We welcome patients to our Jacksonville dental office, whether you're from Orange Park, St. Augustine, or Jacksonville Beach. We look forward to helping you achieve lasting relief from bruxism with high-quality night guards.
