If you wake up with sore jaws, headaches, or worn teeth, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep — a condition known as bruxism. This habit can cause damage to your teeth, strain your jaw muscles, and even affect your quality of rest. At Skale Dental Professionals in Northbrook, IL, we create custom nightguards designed to protect your smile and promote more comfortable, restorative sleep. Our custom-fit appliances are lightweight, durable, and made to relieve the pressure caused by nighttime grinding, helping you wake up refreshed and pain-free.
Understanding Teeth Grinding & Clenching
Teeth grinding and clenching often happen unconsciously, especially during sleep or times of stress. Over time, this constant pressure can wear down enamel, cause tooth fractures, and contribute to jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Common causes of bruxism include:
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional tension can lead to clenching or grinding, particularly at night.
- Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can trigger or worsen bruxism.
- Bite misalignment: When teeth don’t fit together properly, it can lead to uneven pressure during sleep.
- Lifestyle factors: Excess caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco use can increase muscle activity and contribute to grinding.
Without treatment, bruxism can lead to long-term problems such as tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and facial discomfort. A professionally fitted nightguard provides an effective, non-invasive way to protect your teeth and reduce these symptoms.
How Nightguards Protect Your Smile
A nightguard is a custom-made oral appliance that fits comfortably over your upper or lower teeth to act as a protective barrier. It prevents direct contact between teeth, reducing friction and the force caused by clenching or grinding. Nightguards help protect your smile by:
- Preventing tooth wear: Protects enamel from erosion and cracking.
- Reducing jaw tension: Relieves strain on the jaw muscles and TMJ.
- Minimizing headaches: Decreases pressure that can lead to morning headaches or facial pain.
- Improving sleep quality: Reduces nighttime discomfort and allows for more restful sleep.
- Preserving dental work: Protects restorations such as crowns, veneers, and fillings from damage.
Unlike over-the-counter options, custom nightguards are precisely molded to your bite for superior protection and comfort. They stay in place throughout the night, ensuring consistent coverage and a natural fit.
Custom-Fit Comfort For Better Sleep
At Skale Dental Professionals, our nightguards are designed specifically for your mouth, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness. The process begins with a detailed impression of your teeth, which is used to create a perfectly contoured guard that fits snugly and comfortably. Benefits of a custom nightguard include:
- Personalized fit: Crafted to match your exact dental anatomy for maximum comfort.
- Lightweight design: Slim and smooth, making it easy to wear without interfering with breathing or speaking.
- Durable materials: Made from high-quality, long-lasting materials that resist wear.
- Improved compliance: Because they’re more comfortable, patients are more likely to wear them consistently.
Many patients report feeling relief from jaw discomfort and improved sleep within just a few nights of wearing their custom nightguard.
Signs You Might Need A Nightguard
Since teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, you may not realize it’s happening until you notice certain symptoms. Recognizing these early warning signs can help prevent lasting damage. You may benefit from a nightguard if you experience:
- Worn or flattened teeth.
- Increased tooth sensitivity.
- Frequent morning headaches or jaw pain.
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint.
- Tightness or soreness in the neck and facial muscles.
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth comfortably.
During your exam, our team can look for signs of bruxism and discuss whether a nightguard is right for you. Addressing the problem early helps preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for extensive restorative work later on.
Caring For & Cleaning Your Nightguard
Proper care is essential to keeping your nightguard clean, comfortable, and effective. Regular maintenance helps prevent bacteria buildup and extends the life of your appliance. To care for your nightguard:
- Rinse after each use: Use cool water to remove saliva and debris.
- Brush gently: Clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive.
- Store properly: Keep your nightguard in a ventilated case when not in use.
- Avoid hot water: High temperatures can warp the material and affect fit.
- Bring it to check-ups: We’ll examine it during your dental visits to ensure it’s still fitting properly.
With the right care, a custom nightguard can last several years while providing consistent protection every night.
Sleep Peacefully & Protect Your Smile With
Custom Care
If nighttime grinding or jaw discomfort is affecting your sleep or damaging your teeth, Skale Dental Professionals in Northbrook, IL, is here to help. Our custom nightguards are designed to protect your teeth, relieve tension, and improve your overall comfort while you sleep.
Our experienced team will assess your symptoms, design a guard tailored to your bite, and ensure a perfect fit that makes nightly wear easy and effective. Don’t let grinding wear down your smile — schedule your consultation today and discover how a custom nightguard can help you sleep better, feel better, and wake up with confidence.