Why a Guard Matters for Long-Term Tooth Health
Grinding forces can be several times stronger than normal chewing. Without protection, enamel wears down, fillings chip, and jaw muscles stay tense. Our team focuses on choosing the best dental guard design for your bite so you can chew, speak, and sleep with less strain on your teeth. We also track changes over time to help prevent future damage to your smile.
What to Expect From Your Custom Guard Visit
During your visit, your dentist reviews symptoms, checks your bite and jaw joints, and takes digital impressions. These molds guide the lab in shaping a mouth guard that feels secure yet comfortable. When it returns, we adjust the fit, review wear instructions, and answer questions about cleaning and storage. Follow-up visits help us confirm the guard still protects your teeth as your bite changes.
Better Sleep and Breathing With a Custom Night Guard
Some patients also clench and struggle with snoring or mild airway issues. A mouth guard for snoring can shift the lower jaw a bit forward to help keep the airway more open. Your dentist reviews your health history and may recommend a sleep study if your symptoms suggest a more complex sleep or breathing issue. The goal is safer, quieter rest without adding strain to teeth or jaw joints.
Who Should Consider a Custom Guard in Maryland
Patients who experience sore jaws, tension headaches, or see flattening or chipping of teeth often benefit from a custom mouth guard for teeth grinding designed to relieve pressure and prevent further wear. Students under stress, adults with high-pressure jobs, and those with a history of TMJ discomfort often see relief with consistent nighttime wear. We tailor material and thickness to match your grinding pattern and lifestyle.
Ready to Protect Your Teeth?
Schedule a visit with a dentist at Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Ellicott City so we can evaluate your bite, discuss guard options, and create a plan; call the office or request an appointment through the website today to protect teeth.
FAQs
Most patients adjust within a few nights; the guard is slim over the chewing surfaces, not the gums. It may feel different at first, but the mouth guard sports players use has a similar feel and should not block normal speech or breathing.
With good care, a custom bite guard often lasts several years, though heavy grinders may need replacement sooner. Bring it to routine checkups so your dentist can check for wear, fit changes, or cracks that could reduce protection.
Coverage varies by plan. When you search for a dental clinic near me, our team at Ellicott City Dentistry can review your benefits, explain estimated costs before treatment, and help you decide whether to file a claim or use flexible spending funds.
