Occlusal / Night Guards Dentist in Harrison, NY
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or a headache that seems to show up overnight? You could be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, and most people have no idea they’re doing it.
That habit is called bruxism, and it puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and jaw muscles. Over time it can wear down enamel, chip teeth, damage dental work, and leave your jaw aching.
At Saxon Woods Dental in Harrison, NY, we help patients understand what grinding is doing to their teeth and how to protect them. A custom night guard can keep your upper and lower teeth from rubbing directly against each other, which takes much of the damage out of grinding and clenching.
If you are looking for a night guard dentist in Harrison, an exam can tell us whether an occlusal guard is right for you. Call (914) 630-4980 to ask about a custom night guard.
What is an occlusal guard, or night guard?
An occlusal guard, usually called a night guard, is a removable appliance you wear over your teeth, most often while you sleep. It puts a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth to limit the damage from grinding and clenching.
We commonly recommend one for patients with bruxism, especially when we see worn teeth, fractured teeth, or signs of strain from heavy clenching.
A custom guard is made around your teeth and your bite. Many over-the-counter guards can’t match that fit, and with a custom one, we can check how it sits and works in your mouth.
A night guard doesn’t necessarily stop the grinding itself. Its job is to protect your teeth and dental work from what grinding does.
Signs you may need a night guard
Many people grind in their sleep without knowing it. The signs often show up only after the habit has gone on for a while.
It’s worth getting checked if you notice:
- A sore jaw in the morning. Your jaw muscles may feel tired, tight, or achy when you wake up.
- Frequent morning headaches. Some headaches are linked to clenching overnight.
- Worn or flattened teeth. Grinding slowly wears down the chewing surfaces.
- Chipped or cracked teeth. Heavy biting force can break a tooth.
- Sensitive teeth. Worn enamel exposes the more sensitive layer underneath.
- Jaw tension. Clenching can leave the muscles around your jaw tired and uncomfortable.
- Damaged fillings, crowns, or other dental work. Extra force puts extra stress on restorations.
These symptoms can have other causes, so we need to examine you before we decide on treatment.
Benefits of custom night guards in Harrison, NY
If you grind or clench, a custom night guard can be a big part of protecting your teeth.
It protects your enamel. The guard sits between your teeth, so they touch less and wear down less.
It protects your dental work. Crowns, veneers, fillings, and other restorations take a lot of force when you clench. A well-chosen guard can shield those surfaces from too much contact.
It fits you. We make custom guards from impressions or digital scans of your teeth, depending on the method we use. That lets us design the appliance around your teeth and your bite.
It may ease some of the strain. A protective surface between your teeth can reduce some effects of heavy clenching. It doesn’t guarantee relief from jaw pain, headaches, or temporomandibular joint disorders, though.
It protects over the long run. If you wear it as directed and we check it regularly, it can help guard your natural teeth and your existing dental work against years of grinding.
Night guard dentist in Harrison, NY
If you’re looking for a night guard dentist in Harrison, Saxon Woods Dental can help you work out how to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching.
We’re at 550 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 110, Harrison, NY 10528. We provide general and restorative dental care, including night guards for patients with bruxism.
Maybe you have noticed your teeth are wearing down, you wake up with a sore jaw, or you want to protect dental work you already have. We can look at your concerns and talk about a plan that suits you.
Patients from Harrison and nearby Westchester County towns are welcome to contact our office about an appointment for a night guard evaluation and fitting.
Saxon Woods Dental 550 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 110 Harrison, NY 10528 Phone: (914) 630-4980
Protect your teeth while you sleep
You can’t control every bout of grinding at night, but you can protect your smile from the damage. If you have a sore jaw, worn teeth, or other signs of bruxism, a custom night guard may give your teeth the protection they need.
Call us at (914) 630-4980 or request an appointment online. Tell us about your symptoms, and we’ll help you find out whether an occlusal guard fits your situation.
FAQ
How long does a custom night guard last?
It depends on the material, how hard you grind, how often you wear it, and how well you take care of it. Regular checkups let us spot wear, cracks, or changes in fit that mean it needs an adjustment or a replacement.
Is a custom night guard better than an over-the-counter one?
A custom guard is made to match your teeth, and we can check it and adjust it. Over-the-counter guards are usually less tailored. The best choice depends on how you grind, the condition of your teeth, your comfort, and your treatment needs.
How much does a custom night guard cost in Harrison, NY?
The cost depends on the type of appliance, the materials, how it’s made, and any extra evaluation or treatment you need. Contact Saxon Woods Dental for current pricing and information about insurance coverage.
What is the difference between a night guard and a sports mouthguard?
A night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching, usually while you sleep. A sports mouthguard absorbs and spreads out impact during physical activity. They do different jobs, so you generally can’t swap one for the other.
Where can I get an occlusal guard in Harrison, NY? Saxon Woods Dental in Harrison offers night guards for patients with bruxism. Contact us to set up an evaluation and find out whether a custom occlusal guard is right for you.
