Night Guards in Springfield, OR

Night guards can help protect your teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching. Dr. Matthew Epperson provides custom night guards in Springfield, OR, for patients who need added protection from repeated bite forces while they sleep.

Our orthodontist can evaluate your teeth, bite and wear patterns to determine whether a custom night guard may be appropriate for you. Call 541-852-2552 today to schedule a consultation and learn more.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a removable oral appliance worn while you sleep. It creates a protective surface between the upper and lower teeth, helping reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact from grinding or clenching.

Nighttime grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, may place repeated stress on the teeth and dental restorations. Some people are aware that they grind their teeth, while others first notice signs such as tooth wear or morning jaw tension.

A properly fitted night guard does not necessarily stop the grinding habit itself. Its primary purpose is to help protect your teeth from the forces created by that habit.

Signs You May Benefit From a Night Guard

Our orthodontist may recommend evaluating you for a night guard if there are signs that grinding or clenching is affecting your teeth.

Possible signs include:

• Flattened or worn tooth surfaces

• Chipped or cracked teeth

• Wear on crowns, fillings or other dental work

• Tight or tired jaw muscles in the morning

• Jaw soreness after sleeping

• Awareness of nighttime clenching or grinding

• A grinding habit noticed by a spouse or family member

These symptoms can have more than one cause, so an evaluation is important before deciding whether a night guard is the right solution for your needs.

How a Custom Night Guard Helps Protect Your Teeth

A night guard places a protective layer between the teeth so the upper and lower arches are not grinding directly against one another. For patients who regularly clench or grind, this barrier may help reduce wear on natural teeth and dental restorations. It can also provide a more controlled surface for the bite during sleep.

Potential benefits include:

• Protecting tooth enamel from repeated grinding

• Reducing direct contact between opposing teeth

• Helping protect crowns, fillings and other dental work

• Reducing the risk of additional wear or chipping

• Providing a custom fit based on your individual mouth and bite

Dr. Epperson offers custom night guards rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach to protection.

Custom Night Guards vs. Over-the-Counter Guards

Drugstores and online retailers sell boil-and-bite and other over-the-counter guards, but these products are designed to fit a wide range of mouths rather than your specific teeth and bite.

A custom night guard is made specifically for you. This allows our orthodontist to evaluate the fit and how the appliance interacts with your bite rather than relying on a generic shape.

If you are unsure whether you need a custom appliance or whether an existing guard is fitting properly, bring it with you to your appointment so it can be evaluated.

Night Guards Are Different From Sports Mouth Guards

Night guards and sports mouth guards serve different purposes. A night guard is designed for nighttime grinding and clenching. A sports mouth guard is designed to help protect the teeth and mouth from impact during athletic activity. Because the two appliances are designed for different types of forces, a sports mouth guard should not automatically be used as a substitute for a night guard, or vice versa.

Dr. Epperson provides both custom night guards and sports guards, allowing the right appliance to be selected based on why protection is needed.

What To Expect When Getting a Night Guard

Your visit begins with an evaluation of your teeth and bite. Our orthodontist may look for signs of tooth wear, damaged restorations or other indications that grinding or clenching is placing excessive force on your teeth.

If a night guard is recommended, your appliance is customized to fit your mouth. Once it is ready, the fit can be checked so the guard feels secure and works appropriately with your bite. You will also receive instructions for wearing and caring for the appliance.

Getting Used to Your Night Guard

A new night guard may feel noticeable when you first begin wearing it. Your mouth generally needs some time to adjust to having an appliance in place while you sleep.

The night guard should feel secure without causing persistent pain or creating areas of significant pressure. If the appliance feels uncomfortable, begins rubbing your gums or no longer seems to fit correctly, contact our office rather than trying to modify it yourself.

Caring for Your Night Guard

Regular cleaning can help keep your night guard in good condition. To care for your appliance:

• Rinse it after removing it in the morning

• Clean it gently with a soft toothbrush

• Avoid hot water, which may distort some appliance materials

• Allow it to dry before storing it

• Keep it in its case when it is not being worn

• Keep it away from pets, which may chew or damage it

• Check periodically for cracks, deep wear or changes in fit

Bring your night guard with you if you are concerned about wear or if changes to your teeth or dental work affect how it fits.

When Should a Night Guard Be Replaced?

There is no single replacement schedule that applies to everyone. How quickly a night guard wears depends on factors such as the strength and frequency of grinding, the condition of the appliance and changes in your teeth or bite.

Contact our office if your night guard:

• Develops cracks or breaks

• Has significant areas of wear

• Becomes loose

• No longer fits comfortably

• Feels different after dental work

• No longer stays securely in place

Our orthodontist can evaluate the appliance and determine whether an adjustment or replacement is needed.

Schedule a Night Guard Evaluation

If you are concerned about grinding, clenching or tooth wear and are considering a night guard in Springfield, OR, our orthodontist can evaluate your teeth and determine whether a custom appliance is the right option for you. Call 541-852-2552 today to schedule an evaluation and learn how a night guard can help protect your smile!