Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding Decatur, GA

While we're known for our cosmetic dentistry here at MINT, we provide a variety of treatments to protect your smile. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (also called bruxism) when you sleep is a common issue that causes damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. While the most visible sign of damage is worn-down enamel, nocturnal bruxism can lead to headaches, tooth pain, facial inflammation, plus pain in your jaw and neck. MINT dentistry's staff of board-certified dentists offers a night guard (oral appliance) to protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep. Night guards are made with top-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology that fits you comfortably while preventing problems from grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, helping you to achieve better sleep and have less pain in the morning. Get more information about custom night guards at MINT dentistry by booking a consultation at our office in Decatur, GA.

Looking for signs of teeth grinding or jaw clenching is essential for your oral health. A night guard may help if you tend to have headaches upon waking, plus swelling, tightness, or pain in your lower face. Some other signs that suggest you may need a night guard are loose fillings or teeth, ground-down enamel on your molars, chronic tooth sensitivity, and a receding gumline. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth at night is usually stress related; however, it may also result from a sleep disorder, allergies, misaligned teeth, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). When your MINT dental team assesses your bruxism, we will also try to identify the underlying cause to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

A comprehensive examination will be performed to diagnose bruxism and decide if a night guard is necessary. You will be asked to relax in one of our treatment chairs while wearing MINT sunglasses and listening to your favorite music through Beats headphones while the exam is underway. After the MINT dentistry team diagnoses your bruxism, we will get digital x-rays and impressions of your teeth so your custom night guard can be designed. MINT dentistry will send this information to a dental lab where your appliance will be crafted with advanced technology from high-quality materials. When your guard is returned to our office, we will schedule an appointment at our Decatur, GA dental center. Your dentist might make minor adjustments to your appliance so it's more comfortable. Your dentist will also talk to you about how to take care of your guard so it remains in great condition for a long time.

Using your night guard whenever you sleep, or when our MINT dental professionals recommend it, is the key to getting optimal results. Your custom night guard should greatly reduce any problems of teeth grinding and jaw clenching but if it continues or worsens, schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can discuss other treatment options. To help keep your mouth and night guard healthy, we recommend brushing your guard and teeth before each use and after. Your night guard should be brought in during your exams and cleanings so your dentist can perform repairs and make adjustments if needed.

Part of the cost of your night guard may be covered once you’re diagnosed with bruxism or jaw clenching. If you have PPO dental insurance, 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. In order to have your night guard fit into your budget, we accept several forms of payment and can help you find medical financing. We are committed to helping patients of all ages and stages of life in Decatur, GA achieve great oral health. If you don't have PPO dental insurance, ask our team about the MINT Discount Plan.

Teeth grinding can have adverse effects on your daily life. A custom night guard is an effective way to get better sleep by treating the side effects of nocturnal bruxism and jaw clenching. Custom night guards by MINT dentistry may also boost oral health while reducing the risk of more expensive issues. Contact our practice in Decatur, GA to schedule an appointment with MINT dentistry to learn more about nocturnal bruxism and night guards.