Protect your teeth from grinding and clenching with custom-fitted nightguards designed for comfort and durability
Nightguards provide essential protection for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. At Pauley Family Dentistry, Dr. Pauley takes a thorough approach to evaluating signs of teeth grinding and designing custom nightguards that fit comfortably and provide optimal protection. Left untreated, bruxism can lead to worn teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and other complications that significantly impact your quality of life and oral health.
Dr. Pauley’s meticulous attention to detail ensures each nightguard is precisely crafted to fit your unique mouth structure and bite pattern. Custom nightguards offer superior comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter options, staying securely in place throughout the night while allowing natural jaw movement. The careful design process involves detailed impressions and multiple adjustments to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and effectiveness in protecting your teeth.
Custom nightguards create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing wear, chips, and fractures caused by grinding and clenching forces during sleep.
By cushioning the jaw joints and reducing muscle tension, nightguards can help alleviate morning jaw pain, headaches, and facial muscle soreness associated with bruxism and teeth grinding.
Comfortable, properly fitted nightguards allow for more restful sleep by reducing the disruptive effects of teeth grinding, helping both you and your partner enjoy better sleep quality.
Common signs include worn or chipped teeth, jaw pain upon waking, morning headaches, facial muscle soreness, or a partner noticing grinding sounds during sleep. Dr. Pauley will examine your teeth and jaw for signs of bruxism and discuss your symptoms to determine if a nightguard would be beneficial.
Custom nightguards are precisely fitted to your unique mouth structure using detailed impressions, providing superior comfort, protection, and durability. Unlike one-size-fits-all options, custom guards stay securely in place and distribute bite forces evenly while allowing natural jaw movement throughout the night.
Most patients adjust to their nightguard within a few nights to a week of regular use. Initially, you may notice increased saliva production or slight speech changes, but these effects typically diminish quickly as you become accustomed to wearing the appliance.
Clean your nightguard daily with cool water and a soft toothbrush, occasionally using denture cleaner for deeper cleaning. Store it in the provided case when not in use, avoid hot water that could warp the material, and bring it to dental appointments for professional cleaning and evaluation.
With proper care, custom nightguards typically last 2-5 years, depending on the severity of your grinding, the material used, and how well you maintain the appliance. Dr. Pauley will monitor your nightguard during regular visits and recommend replacement when necessary.
While nightguards are primarily designed to protect teeth from grinding, some patients notice reduced snoring. However, for diagnosed sleep apnea or significant snoring issues, Dr. Pauley may recommend specialized oral appliances or refer you to a sleep medicine physician for a comprehensive evaluation.
Just as Dr. Pauley approaches his hobbies with careful attention to detail and precision, he brings that same dedication to your dental care. Every procedure follows meticulous protocols to ensure optimal results, whether it’s crafting the perfect crown or achieving the ideal shade for your whitening treatment.
We believe in taking the time to do things right—no shortcuts, no rushed appointments. Dr. Pauley’s background as a Lincoln native who understands the community means that you’re not just another patient; you’re a neighbor and friend deserving of exceptional care.
Protect your teeth and improve your sleep quality with a custom nightguard designed specifically for your needs. Dr. Pauley’s careful approach to nightguard design ensures optimal comfort and protection. We’ll evaluate your specific situation and create a personalized solution to help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
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Located within the Trade Center