Night Guards
WHAT IS NIGHT GUARDS?
Every night without a guard, grinding is doing damage your dentist will eventually have to repair.
Bruxism, the grinding and clenching of teeth during sleep, is one of the most common and most underdiagnosed causes of progressive dental damage. Many patients are completely unaware they grind until the evidence is visible: flattened tooth surfaces, unexplained sensitivity, fractured enamel, or persistent jaw soreness on waking. A custom night guard from LUMI Dental in Boca Raton creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing and distributing grinding forces before they can damage the tooth structure.
Custom night guards fabricated at LUMI Dental are made from precise impressions of your teeth, a level of fit that over the-counter guards simply cannot match. Most patients abandon store bought guards because they are bulky, unstable, or uncomfortable. A custom guard is comfortable enough to wear throughout the night, stable enough not to dislodge during sleep, and durable enough to withstand the significant forces generated by grinding. It is also the most cost effective investment you can make against the far more expensive restorative work that unaddressed bruxism eventually requires.
BENEFITS OF NIGHT GUARDS
- Prevents progressive enamel wear and tooth fracture caused by nightly grinding forces.
- Custom fabrication ensures a comfortable, precise fit that patients actually wear consistently.
- Can significantly reduce jaw soreness, morning headaches, and facial muscle tension.
- A fraction of the cost of the crowns, veneers, or restorations that bruxism eventually necessitates.
- Material and thickness selected to match your specific grinding severity for optimal protection.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING A NIGHT GUARDS TREATMENT?
The night guard process involves an impression or digital scan appointment, a fabrication period of one to two weeks, and a delivery appointment where the guard is adjusted to ensure perfect fit and occlusal stability. Most patients adapt to wearing their guard within a few nights. We schedule a follow-up to check fit, assess the wear pattern on the appliance, and confirm symptoms are being managed effectively. We also provide detailed instructions for cleaning and storing the guard properly.
OUR APPROACH TO NIGHT GUARDS
At LUMI Dental, we screen for signs of bruxism at every comprehensive examination, looking for wear patterns, enamel cracks, sensitivity, and muscle tenderness that indicate grinding is occurring. Many patients are surprised to learn they grind during sleep because it is entirely unconscious. When we identify bruxism, we explain our findings and the clinical consequences clearly, then fabricate a guard using quality materials selected for your specific case. We do not sell guards; we recommend them when the clinical evidence supports it.
Your smile deserves attention today, not tomorrow.
Schedule Your ConsultationWhat our PATIENTS SAY
VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALFrequently Asked Questions LUMI Dental
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs include waking with a sore jaw or temples, morning headaches, tooth sensitivity, and visible flattening of tooth edges. A partner noticing grinding sounds during sleep is also a reliable indicator.
How long does a night guard last?
Mild to moderate grinders typically get three to five years from a well made custom guard. Severe grinders may wear through it more quickly. We monitor the guard at regular visits and recommend replacement when needed.
Will my night guard be covered by insurance?
Many dental plans provide partial coverage for custom night guards when bruxism is clinically documented. We verify your benefits and provide necessary documentation to support coverage claims.
Can a night guard straighten my teeth or fix my bite?
A standard night guard is a protective device, not an orthodontic appliance. It will not change tooth positions. If bite issues are contributing to bruxism, we discuss appropriate treatment options separately.
Can I wear my night guard during the day if I clench then too?
Daytime clenching is often better managed with a different type of appliance designed for daytime use. We discuss the most appropriate solution if daytime clenching is identified as a concern.