Night Guards Overview

At Ivy Dentistry, Dr. Erin Bang-Crooks creates custom night guards in Alpharetta to protect teeth, ease jaw pain, and help patients sleep soundly. The dentist works closely with each patient to understand symptoms, detect signs of grinding or clenching, and design the perfect guard to protect your teeth from damage.

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, affects more than just your sleep. It wears down enamel, causes jaw pain, leads to tension headaches, and sometimes damages dental restorations. It can also cause gum recession, leaving exposed dentin. Fortunately, a well-made night guard can stop the cycle and restore restful nights.

Our patients rest easier knowing we prioritize comfort. With amenities like cozy blankets, pillows, headphones, stress balls, and warm towels, we make your visit relaxing from start to finish. We also offer nitrous oxide for extra ease, plus chapstick, water, and TVs in treatment rooms to keep you comfortable during your care.

Night Guards: The Sentinels of Sleep

A night guard acts as a cushion between your teeth while you sleep. This slim, custom-fitted device absorbs the pressure from clenching or grinding, protecting your enamel and reducing tension in the jaw. The dentist customizes each guard to fit your bite precisely. Unlike bulky drugstore versions, ours feel comfortable and stay in place all night. Check out the benefits of a custom night guard:

  • A night guard helps prevent worn, chipped, or cracked teeth.
  • It can ease the pain caused by TMJ disorders.
  • Wearing a guard may lessen tension headaches and facial soreness.
  • It helps reduce jaw popping or clicking during movement.
  • A custom night guard protects dental work like crowns and veneers.
  • Prevents gum recession.
  • It also promotes better quality sleep by reducing grinding and clenching.

Signs You Need a Night Guard

If you wake up with jaw soreness, notice worn teeth, or clench your teeth under stress, you may need a night guard. During your exam, the doctor will look for common symptoms and listen to what you’ve experienced.

Signs that you may benefit from a night guard include:

  • Frequent morning headaches: Regular headaches after waking up may result from overnight clenching or grinding, which puts pressure on your head and jaw muscles.
  • Sore or tight jaw muscles: Persistent tension in your jaw can indicate that you’re clenching your teeth during sleep, often without even realizing it.
  • Flattened, chipped, or sensitive teeth: Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, making teeth appear flat, more prone to chips, and increasingly sensitive.
  • Interrupted sleep: Bruxism can cause discomfort and jaw movement that disrupts your sleep, leaving you feeling tired despite a full night’s rest.
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw: These sounds may signal stress or imbalance in the jaw joint, often occurring in people who grind their teeth.
  • Unexplained damage to dental work: If your crowns, fillings, or veneers keep breaking or loosening, nighttime grinding may be the hidden cause.

Our staff offers same-day appointments when possible and provides a cozy, wheelchair accessible environment with easy parking to make your visit simple and stress-free.

Ivy Dentistry in Alpharetta: Night Guard Gurus

Getting a night guard at Ivy Dentistry is quick, easy, and personalized. Here’s how we create your custom-fit protection:

Step 1: Consultation and Exam
The dentist begins with an exam and listens to your symptoms. We check for wear on your teeth, jaw issues, or signs of clenching. During this step, you can relax with headphones, warm towels, or a cozy blanket.

Step 2: Impressions
Next, we take detailed impressions of your teeth. We use this information to design a night guard that fits your mouth perfectly. While we complete this step, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi, sip water, or unwind with an eye mask or stress ball.

Step 3: Custom Fabrication
We send your impression to a trusted dental lab that crafts your guard from high-quality, durable materials. Once it arrives, we schedule a fitting to ensure the guard feels just right.

Step 4: Fitting and Adjustments
The dentist checks the fit, makes small adjustments, and explains how to wear and clean the night guard. Before you leave, we send you home with a goodie bag, chapstick, and personalized care tips.

Get Your Night Guards in Alpharetta

If you grind your teeth or struggle with jaw pain, we can help. Contact us for an appointment with Dr. Bang-Crooks to learn more about our custom night guards in Alpharetta, Georgia. At Ivy Dentistry, we provide protection, comfort, and peace of mind while you sleep.