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Protect Your Teeth and Jaw While You Sleep

With stress levels at an all-time high, we don’t often think about the effect of stress on our teeth. One of the many manifestations of stress is nighttime clenching and grinding of your teeth. TMJ pain, excessive tooth wear, and fractured teeth are among the multiple signs of grinding. Additionally, problems with the temporomandibuar joint (TMJ) can cause headaches, jaw aches, and degenerative joint problems.

Professional nightguards are an excellent way to prevent the worsening of the effects of grinding. The process is easy: We take a mold of your teeth and your bite and make either an upper or lower nightguard customized to your teeth. Professional-made night guards are much smaller and comfortable than the store bought ones, and they are more rigid, which makes them last much longer!

Professional nightguards are an excellent way to prevent the worsening of the effects of grinding and TMJ deterioration. The process is easy: We take a mold of your teeth and your bite and make either an upper or lower nightguard customized to your teeth. In addition to being much smaller and more comfortable than store-bought guards, professional-made night guards are adjusted in the office to fit your individual wear pattern. They are also more rigid, which makes them last much longer!

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard

You may benefit from a night guard if you experience:
  • Jaw pain or stiffness in the morning
  • Frequent headaches
  • Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Clicking or popping in your jaw
  • Interrupted sleep or waking up feeling tired
Even if you’re not aware of grinding at night, your dentist can often detect the signs during a routine checkup.

How Night Guards Help Prevent Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, often occurs during sleep, so many people aren’t even aware they’re doing it. Over time, this can wear down enamel, cause chips or cracks, and strain the jaw.
A custom night guard provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping to:
  • Absorb the pressure from grinding and clenching
  • Prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact
  • Reduce the risk of damage to teeth, fillings, and crowns
  • Relieve jaw muscle tension, which can ease pain and headaches
Wearing a night guard consistently can protect your smile from long-term damage and help you wake up feeling more comfortable, refreshed, and pain-free.

Getting a Custom Night Guard

Getting a custom night guard is simple and straightforward:

CONSULT

This is the first step in the full arch process. During this appointment, you will meet with your Dr. Kurt O. Bally DMD FICOI to discuss your needs and options for dental implants. The consultation will typically take about an hour. This first and free visit is $525 value.
STEP 1
STEP 2

RECORDS

Your dentist will take a series of records, including dental x-rays, 3D scans, and photographs. These records will be used to create a treatment plan and to fabricate your dental implants.

PRE-SURGICAL CONSULT

This appointment is held before the surgery to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
STEP 3
STEP 4

SURGERY

This is the procedure where the implants are placed into your jawbone. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours per jaw and is done safely with oral anesthesia. All patients leave with their new temporary teeth on the day of the surgery and will return within 1-2 weeks to have their first post-op visit and receive their fist implant prototype teeth. It is important to remain on a very soft diet after surgery and before receiving your first prototype.

PROTOTYPES

1-2 weeks after your surgery you will return to check your healing and receive your first set of implant prototype teeth that will be attached directly to your implants. We allow up to 3 versions of teeth during the healing process to ensure the dentist and patient is happy with the look and feel. As your implants heal your dentist will create a series of prototypes for your implant bridge. These prototypes will be used to test the fit and function of the bridge before it is permanently placed.
STEP 5
STEP 6

HEALING

The implants will need to heal for 4-6 months before the next step can be taken. Dr. Bally will also provide a night guard to help prevent excess pressure from going to your implants. As you heal you will remain on a soft diet.

PROTOTYPING AND VERIFICATION

Once the implants have healed, your dentist will create a final prototype of your dental bridge. This prototype will be verified to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color. Before authorizing the fabrication of your new zirconia implant smile.
STEP 7
STEP 8

DELIVERY

This is the appointment where your permanent dental bridge is placed. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. It's a truly rewarding visit for everyone.

POST-DELIVERY CONSULT AND DOCUMENTATION

This appointment is held after your new zirconia implant smile is installed and your final night guard is given and instructions to maintain your smile are discussed. Final pictures, X-rays and video mark the end of your zirconia implant smile journey.
STEP 9
STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

Your zirconia implant smile will need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function properly. This may include cleaning, adjustments, and checkups.

Dental Exam

We evaluate your teeth and jaw to determine if a night guard is the right solution for you.

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Impressions

We take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a night guard that fits perfectly.
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Fitting

Once your night guard is ready, you’ll return for a fitting. We’ll ensure it’s comfortable and make any necessary adjustments.
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Wear Nightly

Use your night guard every night as recommended, and maintain it by rinsing and storing it properly.
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New Patients Welcome

Book Online
206-935-1855