NightGuards
About Night Guards in Indianapolis, IN
At MINT dentistry, protecting your mouth from damage is just as important as transforming your smile. Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw (also called bruxism) when you sleep is a common condition that causes problems in your whole mouth. Although the most visible sign of damage is worn-down enamel, chronic tooth grinding and jaw clenching can also cause headaches, tooth pain, inflammation, as well as chronic pain in your head and neck. Our team of board-certified dentists suggests night guards that are custom-made to protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep. Our night guards are crafted from high-quality materials with state-of-the-art technology for a comfortable fit that also prevents problems caused by jaw clenching and teeth grinding, helping you to achieve a better night’s sleep. Learn more about how night guards can help you at MINT dentistry by booking a consultation at our office in Indianapolis, IN.
Should I Get a Night Guard?
Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night is typically accompanied by a number of side effects. A night guard may help if you tend to experience headaches when you wake up in the morning, in addition to pain, swelling, or tightness along your jaw. Some other signs that suggest you may need a night guard are loose teeth or fillings, ground-down enamel on your molars, chronic tooth sensitivity, and receding gums. Nocturnal bruxism is typically caused by stress, but you may also have allergies, dental malocclusion, a sleep disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). When your team of MINT dental professionals is assessing your bruxism, we also look for the underlying cause, which helps us to develop the most effective treatment plan.
How Do Night Guards Work?
Your MINT dentist will perform an oral exam to determine if you will benefit from a night guard. You can relax in a massaging treatment chair with a pair of MINT sunglasses and Beats headphones while your exam is underway. Once a board-certified MINT dentist diagnoses your bruxism, we will take digital x-rays and impressions of your bite, which will be used to design your night guard. MINT dentistry will forward the information and design to a dental laboratory where your appliance will be created with advanced technology from high-quality materials. When your guard is returned to our office, we will schedule a fitting at our Indianapolis, IN dental center. Your dentist might make a few adjustments to your guard so it's more comfortable. Your dentist will also give you instructions on how to take care of your night guard, so it remains in good condition for as long as possible.
Caring for Your Night Guard Appliance
Optimal results from a night guard are best achieved by wearing the night guard as often as your MINT dentist recommends. Your guard should minimize or eliminate the pain and dental problems of bruxism; however, if it does not, contact our office right away. For a healthy mouth and night guard, you should clean your guard and teeth before and after each use. Please bring your night guard to every appointment at MINT dentistry so your dentist can perform repairs and make adjustments as needed.
The MINT Commitment
A portion of the cost of your night guard may be covered if you have been officially diagnosed with a dental condition like nocturnal bruxism. Someone in our office will contact your provider to verify the coverage of your specific policy. At your consultation, your dentist will be able to estimate your costs. To help make your treatment more affordable, our office takes several payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing. Our practice is committed to helping patients of all ages and stages of life in Indianapolis, IN achieve great oral health. If you don't have PPO dental insurance, get more information on the MINT Discount Plan.
Protect Your Smile
The symptoms of teeth grinding can be painful and uncomfortable. A custom night guard is an effective option to get better sleep by treating the side effects of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth while you sleep. Custom night guards by MINT dentistry can also prevent expensive problems and keep your whole mouth safe. If you think that this might be the remedy for you or would like to learn more, contact our practice in Indianapolis, IN to book a consultation with a board-certified MINT dentist.