Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep and don’t even realize it. This condition, called bruxism, can cause worn teeth, jaw pain, headaches, broken dental work, and long-term damage to your smile. One of the most effective ways to protect your teeth while you sleep is with a custom dental night guard from Crested Butte Dental.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a comfortable, custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a protective barrier, absorbing the pressure from clenching and grinding so your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles aren’t taking the full impact.
Unlike over-the-counter options, a professionally made night guard is:
Custom-fit to your teeth
More comfortable to wear
More durable
Designed specifically to support your bite and jaw alignment
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
You may benefit from a night guard if you experience:
Jaw soreness or stiffness in the morning
Frequent headaches, especially upon waking
Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Noticing grinding sounds at night (often reported by a partner)
Gum recession and/or notches in your teeth near the gumline (also called abfractions)
Once damage has occurred, our team at Crested Butte Dental can detect signs of grinding during your exam, but if you notice any symptoms, it is important to bring it up at your appointment to avoid further damage.
Why Wearing a Night Guard Matters
Grinding and clenching may seem harmless, but over time they can cause serious problems, including:
Flattened or shortened teeth
Cracked or broken teeth
Fractured fillings, crowns, or veneers
TMJ discomfort
Increased tooth sensitivity
A night guard helps prevent these issues, saving you discomfort, time, and potentially significant dental costs in the future.
How We Make a Custom Night Guard
Our process is modern, comfortable, and highly precise:
Evaluation – We assess your teeth, bite, jaw, and symptoms.
Digital Scan – Instead of traditional goopy impressions, we use comfortable, accurate digital scanning technology.
3D Printing Fabrication – Your night guard is designed and created using advanced 3D printing for excellent durability and precision.
Fitting – We ensure comfort and accuracy and make any needed adjustments.
You get a custom, high-quality night guard made specifically for your smile.
Caring for Your Night Guard
Night guards are easy to care for with just a few simple habits:
Rinse with cool water after wearing
Gently brush with a toothbrush (no toothpaste)
Store in a ventilated case
Avoid heat, which can warp the material
Bring your night guard to your regular dental visits so we can clean it for you and ensure it still fits properly and remains in great condition.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
If you suspect you’re grinding or clenching, don’t wait for damage to occur. A custom night guard is a simple, effective way to protect your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation, we’d be happy to help! Call (970) 349-5880