Custom Mouth Guards in Columbus, OH
Compassion · Care · Comfort
Prioritizing oral health & restoring your beautiful smile
At 4th Street Dental Studio, we provide custom mouth guards and dental night guards in Columbus, OH to protect your teeth, enhance comfort, and improve your oral health. Whether you’re struggling with teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw pain, or need a sports mouth guard, our personalized approach ensures you get the best fit and results. Don’t settle for generic store-bought options—trust our experienced team at 4th St Dental Studio to safeguard your smile with precision and care.
What Are Custom Night Guards, and How Do They Work?
Custom night guards are tailor-made dental appliances designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. Unlike over-the-counter options, our night guards are crafted from high-quality materials to fit the unique shape of your teeth. They act as a protective barrier, preventing enamel wear, reducing jaw pain, and helping you enjoy a more restful sleep.
Why You Might Need a Night Guard:
If you experience the following symptoms, a custom night guard may be right for you:
- Waking up with jaw pain or headaches
- Noticing tooth wear or chipped enamel
- Hearing complaints of grinding noises at night
- Experiencing tightness or discomfort in your jaw
Dr. Wood can evaluate your needs and recommend a solution to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort.
Who Should Wear a Night guard?
Patients with TMJ disorders or bruxism benefit most from night guards. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), also commonly referred to as TMJ, cause pain and discomfort, clicking or popping in the jaw, trouble with chewing, and sometimes swelling. Bruxism is a common condition causing patients to clench or grind their teeth consistently, often while asleep. Over time Bruxism causes pain and discomfort while wearing down your teeth.
Custom Mouth Guards
While there are many over-the-counter night guard options, having a custom mouth guard is better for you in the long run. Custom night guards not only last longer, but they are specifically made for your teeth making them more effective and comfortable. Over-the-counter night guards could potentially cause tissue damage, teeth movement, and are sometimes a choking hazard since they’re typically made to be one size fits all.
Interested in night guards?
What Are The Benefits of Night Guards?
There are numerous benefits to wearing night guards. Ultimately mouth guards prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw. Consistent teeth grinding can leave your teeth feeling more sensitive than usual due to extreme enamel wear. In some cases, the enamel damage can even result in your tooth chipping over time.
Night guards also help alleviate jaw tension and pain. Constant jaw clenching leads to headaches, toothaches, earaches, or jaw and neck soreness. Mouth guards can help relieve the pressure and tension to your jaw and teeth, reducing these headaches significantly. This can help you sleep better by reducing the discomfort caused by conditions like bruxism and TMJ. Lastly, apart from getting pain relief and protection against potential damage, the cost of night guards is far less than restorative dental procedures.
Night guards for TMJ or Bruxism also help promote healthier sleeping patterns. By reducing clenching and grinding which relieves discomfort, night guards allow your facial, jaw, and neck muscles to relax helping you stay asleep.
What Is the Process for Getting a Personalized Night Guard in Columbus, OH?
Getting a mouth guard at 4th Street Dental Studio is quick and easy:
- Consultation: We’ll assess your symptoms, concerns, and oral health.
- Impressions: We take precise molds of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit.
- Fabrication: Your guard is custom-made using durable, high-quality materials.
- Fitting: We make adjustments to ensure your night guard is comfortable and effective.
Our team prioritizes your comfort at every step, so you leave with a solution just for you.
How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth at Night?
Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth while sleeping. Look for these signs:
- Unexplained tooth sensitivity or wear
- Tightness in your jaw muscles
- Frequent morning headaches
- Being told you make grinding noises at night
How Do I Care for and Clean My Custom Night Guard?
Proper care keeps your night guard clean and functional:
- Rinse it with cool water after each use
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Store it in a ventilated case when not in use
- Avoid exposing it to hot water or direct sunlight
What Should I Do If My Custom Mouth Guard Feels Uncomfortable?
If your teeth guard feels uncomfortable, contact our office immediately. Minor adjustments may be all that’s needed to ensure a proper fit and maximum comfort.
Cost of Night Guards
A custom night guard costs between $160 and $800. Many insurance plans will cover all or a portion of the cost, be sure to check with your specific provider.
How Long do Night Guards Last?
The lifespan of a night guard can vary depending on numerous factors. That includes the severity of your teeth grinding and the quality of the product. Most custom night guards can last up to five years before you need a replacement versus cheaper drugstore options that wear out quickly.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary habit of teeth grinding or clenching, often occurring during sleep or stressful situations. While mild cases may go unnoticed, frequent grinding can lead to significant dental issues like worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and even TMJ disorders.
Common causes of bruxism include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea
- Misaligned teeth or bite issues
- Lifestyle factors, such as caffeine or alcohol consumption
If you wake up with jaw discomfort, frequent headaches, or notice worn-down teeth, you might be suffering from bruxism. A custom dental night guard can help protect your teeth and relieve associated symptoms.
Why Choose 4th Street Dental Studio for Custom Mouth Guards?
At 4th Street Dental Studio, we take pride in providing high-quality, custom-fit mouth guards in Columbus, OH. Here’s why patients trust us:
- Expert Care: Led by Dr. Robert D. Wood II, a compassionate and skilled dentist.
- Comfort and Quality: Each mouth guard is tailored for comfort, durability, and protection.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Our modern clinic ensures a positive experience for patients of all ages.
- Commitment to Your Smile: We prioritize oral health, preventive care, and patient education.
Can Custom Night Guards Help with Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
In some cases, custom night guards can help reduce snoring or mild sleep apnea by properly positioning your jaw during sleep. Dr. Wood can evaluate your condition and determine if a custom solution is right for you, or may have to refer to a TMJ specialist in certain instances.
How Often Should I Replace My Custom Night Guard?
You should replace your night guard if it becomes worn, cracked, or no longer fits properly. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor the condition of your mouth guard and recommend replacements as needed.
Visit 4th Street Dental Studio
Mouth guards are highly beneficial for those with TMJ, bruxism, or anyone experiencing pain and tension on the jaw and teeth while sleeping. Additionally, these devices can help you reduce or eliminate the adverse effects of dental conditions, as mentioned above. You can schedule your next dental appointment and take your dental impression for custom mouth guards.