Night Guards services in Gresham and Portland

At Premier Dentistry, where we believe in protecting your smile while you sleep! If you’ve ever woken up with jaw pain, headaches, or noticed your teeth wearing down, you might be one of the many who could benefit from a night guard. Here at our Gresham dentist office, Dr. Kevin Shim is dedicated to providing you with the best care for your oral health.

Key Takeaways

• Night guards are vital for protecting your teeth from grinding and clenching.
• They can significantly reduce jaw pain, headaches, and tooth wear.
• Custom-fitted night guards offer the best comfort and protection.
• Visiting a Gresham dentist like Dr. Kevin Shim at Premier Dentistry ensures you get a night guard tailored to your needs.

Why Night Guards Are Essential

Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, might be more common than you think. It often happens while you’re asleep, so you might not even be aware you’re doing it. However, the effects can be noticeable and damaging. Night guards act like a cushion between your teeth, absorbing the force of grinding or clenching, thus preserving your teeth and jaw health.

Understanding Bruxism

Bruxism isn’t just about wearing down your teeth. It can lead to more severe issues like TMJ disorder, chronic headaches, and even changes in your bite. The use of night guards can prevent these issues before they escalate.

How Night Guards Work

Night guards are custom-made to fit over your upper or lower teeth, creating a barrier that prevents tooth-to-tooth contact during sleep. This not only protects your teeth from damage but also helps in redistributing the force of clenching away from your jaw joint.

Choosing the Right Night Guard

At Premier Dentistry, we understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to dental care. Here’s how we ensure you get the perfect night guard:

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter

• Custom Night Guards: Made from precise impressions of your teeth, these offer superior fit, comfort, and durability. They are tailored by your Gresham dentist to address your specific dental profile.
• Over-the-Counter Guards: While more affordable, they often lack in fit and effectiveness. They can be bulky and may not fully protect your teeth.

Materials Matter

We use high-quality, durable materials that are safe for long-term use, ensuring your night guard lasts and works efficiently.

Comfort and Fit

A custom night guard from a skilled Gresham dentist like Dr. Shim will feel almost like a second skin, providing comfort throughout the night without hindering your sleep.

The Process at Premier Dentistry

Initial Consultation

We start with a thorough examination to assess your teeth, jaw, and any signs of bruxism or TMJ issues.

Impressions and Customization

We take detailed impressions of your teeth to create a night guard that fits perfectly. This process involves:

• Dental Impressions: Using modern techniques, we capture your dental structure.
• Lab Fabrication: Your night guard is crafted in a professional dental lab for precision.

Fitting and Adjustment

Once your night guard is ready, Dr. Shim will ensure it fits comfortably and makes any necessary adjustments.

Benefits of Night Guards

• Prevent Tooth Damage: Night guards protect your enamel from the wear of grinding.
• Reduce Jaw Pain: By cushioning the jaw, they can alleviate or prevent TMJ symptoms.
• Improve Sleep Quality: Less pain and noise mean better rest for you and your partner.

Maintaining Your Night Guard

We’ll teach you how to clean and care for your night guard, ensuring it serves you well for years.

Conclusion

Protecting your smile starts with awareness and action. If you’re experiencing signs of bruxism or just want to safeguard your dental health, consider getting a night guard. At Premier Dentistry, Dr. Kevin Shim is here to provide you with personalized care. Don’t wait for the damage to escalate—call us at 503 667-1184 or visit us at 23479 SE Stark St #102, Gresham, OR 97030 to schedule your appointment. Let’s keep your smile healthy and bright, even while you sleep!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes teeth grinding at night?

Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, or lifestyle habits like excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption.

2. How long does a night guard last?

A custom night guard, with proper care, can last from one to several years. Regular check-ups will help determine when it’s time for a replacement.

3. Can night guards fix my TMJ issues?

While night guards can alleviate symptoms related to TMJ, they might not fix underlying issues. Dr. Shim can assess and recommend the best treatment plan.

4. Are night guards covered by insurance?

Some dental insurance plans cover night guards if they’re deemed medically necessary. We can help you navigate your insurance coverage.

5. Is wearing a night guard uncomfortable?

Initially, there might be an adjustment period, but a custom night guard should be comfortable to wear. We ensure yours fits just right for nightly use.