Nightguards

Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

Nightguards are recommended by dentists to address a variety of sleep-related concerns. While many people associate nightguards with bruxism, or teeth grinding, they can also help reduce jaw pain, ease headaches and in some cases, relieve certain sleep apnea symptoms.

Read on to discover if our custom-fit nightguards could benefit you and help you start enjoying more restful, restorative sleep.

Couple resting comfortably with custom nightguard care from the dental care center serving zebulon, wake forest, fayetteville, greenville, smithfield, and wilson, north carolina.

Custom Nightguards From The Dental Care Center

We take precise impressions of your teeth to create a nightguard that fits your smile comfortably and securely. Each custom nightguard is crafted in our lab for durability, comfort and long-term protection, helping you get better sleep while safeguarding your teeth and jaw.

The biggest difference between a custom nightguard and a generic, store-bought option is the fit. Custom nightguards are designed using precise impressions of your teeth, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit that stays in place while you sleep. Because of this, they are more comfortable to wear, less likely to break or fall out and more effective at protecting your teeth and jaw.

Generic nightguards are made to fit a wide range of mouths, which often makes them bulky, uncomfortable and more likely to shift during sleep. This can reduce their effectiveness and make them harder to tolerate long term.

Bruxism

Bruxism occurs when a person unconsciously clenches or grinds their teeth, most often during sleep. Since bruxism typically occurs while a person is unaware, they are unable to stop it. A custom nightguard helps by creating a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This reduces the damaging pressure caused by grinding and clenching while also easing strain on the jaw and surrounding muscles. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to several oral health concerns, including:

  • Worn, chipped or fractured teeth

  • Increased tooth and gum sensitivity
  • Enamel loss
  • Tooth loss
  • Headaches
  • Chronic jaw, neck, head and face pain
Patient resting comfortably with a custom nightguard from the dental care center serving zebulon, wake forest, fayetteville, greenville, smithfield, and wilson, north carolina.

Sleep Apnea

In some cases, custom nightguards can help alleviate certain sleep apnea symptoms and may be a comfortable alternative for patients who struggle with CPAP therapy.

These appliances work by gently repositioning the jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep, which can improve airflow and reduce snoring, gasping and interrupted breathing.

Not every patient is a candidate for using nightguards to help with sleep apnea symptoms, but an appointment with one of our expert dentists can help figure out what is best for you!

TMJ Pain

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to speak, chew and yawn. When this joint is under strain, it can cause jaw pain, stiffness, popping and headaches.

Nightguards help relieve TMJ pain by reducing nighttime clenching and easing pressure on the joint, keeping your jaw in a more relaxed position while you sleep.

Chronic Headaches

Nighttime strain from TMJ pain or bruxism can contribute to tension headaches and migraines. By reducing clenching and easing pressure on the jaw, a custom nightguard may also help decrease the frequency of headaches.

Start Your Journey Toward Sleep Wellness Today

You deserve restful, restorative sleep! At The Dental Care Center, we understand how deeply quality sleep impacts your daily life, from focus at school or work to your overall mood and well-being. Sleep truly is the cornerstone of wellness. If you struggle with bruxism, TMJ pain, chronic headaches or sleep apnea symptoms, a custom nightguard may offer the relief you’ve been searching for.

Give our office a call at (252) 674-1122, send our friendly team a text at (252) 506-0110 or request an appointment online today. We can’t wait to partner with you on your journey to better sleep!

Dental Care For The Whole Family

At The Dental Care Center, we proudly provide exceptional family dentistry throughout Eastern North Carolina, with seven convenient locations designed to make high-quality care easy to access close to home. No matter which office you visit, you can expect the same trusted, personalized treatment from our experienced dentists and caring team. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, stress-free environment where patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident, because your comfort, health and smile are always our top priorities.