Stop the Damage Before It Gets Worse
Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can cause serious damage over time. Worn enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, and chronic headaches are all common consequences. A custom night guard from Williamsburg Dental Health acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of grinding while you sleep.
Unlike store-bought options, our custom night guards are molded from impressions of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit. They are made from durable materials that hold up night after night and can be adjusted to your bite during follow-up visits.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or signs of tooth wear, a night guard may be exactly what you need. For patients with more severe symptoms, our doctors may also recommend TMJ treatment to address the underlying cause. Visit us at our Williamsburg or Marengo office for an evaluation.
Bruxism, the clinical term for teeth grinding and clenching, affects an estimated 10 to 15 percent of adults and can cause significant damage over time. The forces generated during nighttime grinding are much greater than those produced during normal chewing — sometimes strong enough to crack a healthy tooth or fracture a dental restoration. A custom night guard cushions the biting surfaces and redistributes those forces, protecting your teeth, existing dental work, and jaw joints while you sleep.
Unlike the one-size-fits-all guards available in stores, a custom night guard is fabricated from a precise impression or digital scan of your teeth. The result is a device that fits snugly, stays in place through the night, and feels comfortable enough that you actually wear it. Store-bought guards are bulky, ill-fitting, and can even shift your bite over time. A professionally made guard is thinner, more durable, and designed to support your specific bite pattern.
Signs that you may benefit from a night guard include waking with jaw soreness, facial pain, or headaches; noticing flat, worn, or chipped teeth; hearing a grinding sound (often reported by a partner); or experiencing increased tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause. If any of these sound familiar, a simple evaluation at Williamsburg Dental Health can determine whether a night guard would help. Patients from Williamsburg, Marengo, and the surrounding Iowa County area trust our team to protect their smiles while they sleep.
Getting Your Custom Night Guard
Two simple visits for lasting protection
Impressions
We take detailed impressions of your teeth and evaluate your bite to design a night guard tailored to your mouth.
Fabrication
Your night guard is crafted from durable materials in a dental lab, custom-shaped to fit your unique bite.
Fitting
You return for a fitting. We check the fit, adjust if needed, and provide care instructions for nightly use.
Key Benefits
Custom-fitted for comfort and effectiveness
Made from a precise impression of your teeth, so the guard fits snugly, stays in place, and feels comfortable enough to wear every night.
Protects Teeth and Restorations
Cushions the biting surfaces to prevent cracks, chips, and excessive wear on both natural teeth and existing dental work like crowns and veneers.
Reduces Jaw Pain and Headaches
By redistributing the forces of clenching, a night guard eases strain on the jaw joints and muscles, reducing morning headaches and facial soreness.
Durable, Long-Lasting Materials
Professional-grade acrylic or thermoplastic materials withstand nightly grinding and typically last several years with proper care.
Monitored at Routine Visits
We check your guard at every cleaning appointment for wear, adjust the fit if needed, and replace it when the material begins to thin.