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Night Guards in Danbury, CT
A night guard is a custom-fitted mouthpiece you wear while you sleep. It keeps your upper and lower teeth apart, which helps protect them from grinding and clenching that can wear down or crack teeth.
Care from general dentist Dr. Anusha Atique, DDS · Se habla español
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At a glance
Worn
While you sleep
Fit
Custom-made
Protects
Your teeth
Paying
Insurance accepted
Signs of grinding
Grinding often happens in your sleep
Most people don't know they grind until someone hears it or we spot the wear. Watch for these signs.
Sore jaw in the morning
Or tired jaw muscles
Headaches at the temples
Often when you wake up
Flat or chipped edges
Worn biting surfaces
Grinding sounds
Often noticed by a partner
Only an exam can confirm grinding.
Could a night guard help?
A night guard may help if you…
✓ Wake up with a sore jaw or headache
✓ Have flat or chipped teeth
✓ Have veneers or other cosmetic work to protect
✓ Have been told you grind at night
Something else may be going on if…
– You snore or stop breathing at night. Ask your doctor about sleep apnea.
– One tooth hurts. It may need a filling or root canal.
– Your jaw clicks, locks or hurts all day. We'll check and may refer you.
– You clench during the day. We'll check for signs and talk about options.
Custom vs. store-bought guards
The ADA notes that store-bought guards may not protect as well as one made for you.
Custom guard
Store-bought
Fit
Made from your teeth
Boil-and-bite or one size
Protection
Made for your bite
May not protect as well
Adjustments
We adjust it for you
None
Checkups
We check your bite
No one checks
How it works
1
2
3
Exam
We look for signs of grinding and check your bite.
Scan or impression
We take a quick scan or impression of your teeth.
Fitting
We fit your guard, adjust it for comfort and show you how to clean it.
Good to know
Does a night guard stop grinding?
It keeps your teeth apart to prevent damage, and it may reduce grinding muscle activity.
Can stress cause grinding?
How do I clean it?
It can. Stress, sleep problems and bite issues are all linked to grinding.
We'll show you how to clean and store it at your fitting.
“The staff are all so kind and gentle, very thorough in explaining what is going on, and helpful through payment.”
Mya Rushka · Google review
Paying for a night guard
Some insurance plans help cover night guards. Members save 10%, and financing is available.
Night guard questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs are a sore jaw or headache in the morning, worn or chipped edges, and a partner hearing grinding. We can check for wear at your visit.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?
A custom guard is made from a scan or mold of your teeth for the closest fit. The ADA notes store-bought guards may not protect as well.
Can a night guard protect my crowns or veneers?
It can help. A guard keeps your teeth apart while you sleep, which helps protect teeth and cosmetic work from grinding.
How long does it take to get a night guard?
It takes a quick scan or impression, then a fitting visit once your guard is made.
Does insurance cover night guards?
Some plans do. We'll check your benefits before we start.
