Do you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or sensitive teeth? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism. At Moritis & Shin Dentistry in downtown Seattle, our doctors provide custom night guards designed to protect your teeth, relieve discomfort, and prevent long-term damage.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. Many of our patients don’t realize they’re doing it until symptoms appear. Common signs include:
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Morning headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ)
- Facial muscle soreness
Left untreated, bruxism can contribute to uneven tooth wear, fractures, and worsening temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
How a Custom Night Guard Helps
A night guard, also called an occlusal guard, is a custom-made oral appliance worn while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage from grinding and reducing muscle strain.
Top benefits of protecting your smile with a custom night guard include:
- Protects teeth from wear and fractures
- Reduces jaw tension and muscle fatigue
- Helps prevent TMJ discomfort
- Minimizes headaches related to clenching
- Preserves existing dental work
Unlike over-the-counter guards, a custom night guard from our Seattle dental office is precisely fitted to your bite for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
The Night Guard Process
Receiving your custom night guard from Moritis & Shin Dentistry is simple and comfortable. The process typically includes:
- Evaluation. Your doctor will assess your teeth, jaw alignment, and symptoms to confirm whether a night guard is the right solution for you.
- Comfortable Impressions. Our team will take precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a guard that's custom-fitted to your smile.
- Custom Fabrication. Your appliance is professionally fabricated for durability, comfort, and proper fit.
- Fitting & Adjustments. Once ready, we'll ensure your night guard fits comfortably and make any necessary adjustments.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard?
Store-bought guards may feel bulky, interfere with breathing, or fail to protect your bite properly. A professionally made night guard from Moritis & Shin Dentistry offers:
- A secure, comfortable fit
- Balanced bite alignment
- Longer-lasting materials
- Improved protection for your teeth and jaw
Your comfort and long-term oral health are always our priority.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Bruxism can silently damage your teeth over time, but this condition is highly treatable. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or signs of tooth wear, a custom night guard may be the solution.
Schedule an appointment at Moritis & Shin Dentistry today to learn more about custom night guards in Seattle and protect your smile for years to come.
