Nightguards in Charlotte, NC: Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Are you waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth? These symptoms often indicate nighttime teeth grinding, a condition affecting millions of Americans that can significantly damage your dental health. Custom-fitted night guards provide an effective solution to protect your teeth while you sleep, preventing further damage and relieving painful symptoms associated with teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs, Dr. Shelli Boucher, and our experienced team offer professional, custom-fitted night guards designed specifically for your unique dental structure. With over 20 years of experience and training through The Dawson Academy, Dr. Coambs provides exceptional care for patients suffering due to teeth grinding and related issues in the South Charlotte area.
Understanding Teeth Grinding and Its Effects
Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, often occurs during sleep when patients are unaware of their grinding or clenching habits. This unconscious behavior places enormous pressure on teeth and jaw joints, sometimes exceeding 250 pounds of force. Over time, this pressure can lead to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and damaged dental work.
The effects extend beyond tooth damage. Many patients experience morning jaw soreness, persistent headaches, and even changes in facial appearance as muscles become overdeveloped due to constant grinding. Without proper protection, teeth grinding can compromise years of dental work and lead to expensive restorative procedures.
Signs You Might Need a Night Guard
Do you recognize the morning headache that won’t go away? Or perhaps your partner has mentioned hearing grinding sounds while you sleep? These are telltale signs of sleep bruxism. Other indicators include unexplained tooth sensitivity, worn-down teeth that appear flatter than before, and tired or tight jaw muscles upon waking.
TMJ pain is another common symptom, manifesting as discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This pain can radiate to your temples, face, neck, and even shoulders. If you experience these symptoms, a custom night guard from Imagine Dentistry might be the solution you need.
Custom-Fitted Night Guards vs. Over-the-Counter Options
When it comes to protecting your teeth while sleeping, the difference between custom and store-bought night guards is significant. Over-the-counter guards offer a one-size-fits-most approach that often results in bulky, uncomfortable devices that patients simply won’t wear consistently.
Custom night guards, crafted from professional dental impressions, provide superior protection and comfort. These guards are precisely molded to fit your unique dental structure, offering the right thickness and coverage for your specific grinding pattern. The result is a comfortable fit that protects your teeth effectively without disrupting your sleep.
The Custom Night Guard Process at Imagine Dentistry
When you visit Imagine Dentistry for a custom night guard, the process begins with a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw to assess wear patterns and grinding severity. Our trusted team will take precise dental impressions to create your personalized night guard.
These impressions capture the exact contours of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit. Your custom night guard is then fabricated using durable, high-quality materials in varying thicknesses, tailored to your specific needs. The final product offers superior protection and comfort compared to any store-bought alternative, with a lifespan that typically exceeds over-the-counter options by years.
Benefits of Professional Night Guards for TMJ Relief
For patients suffering due to TMJ disorders, a custom night guard can provide significant relief. By creating proper space between upper and lower teeth, night guards prevent clenching and grinding that aggravate TMJ symptoms. This separation reduces pressure on the temporomandibular joint, alleviating pain and allowing inflamed tissues to heal.
Additionally, custom night guards help correct bite alignment issues that contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Dr. Boucher’s advanced training in TMJ disorders enables her to design night guards that not only protect your teeth but also address the underlying causes of your discomfort. Many patients report decreased headache frequency, reduced morning jaw soreness, and improved sleep quality after just a few weeks of consistent night guard use.
Maintaining Your Custom Night Guard
With proper care, your custom night guard from Imagine Dentistry can provide years of protection. Daily cleaning with a soft toothbrush and mild soap helps prevent bacterial buildup, while periodic deep cleaning maintains its clarity and freshness. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material and compromise the precise fit.
During your regular dental check-ups at Imagine Dentistry, we will evaluate your night guard for wear and determine if adjustments or replacement are needed. This ongoing assessment ensures your night guard continues to provide optimal protection for your dental health, protecting your investment in both the guard and your overall dental care.
Schedule Your Custom Night Guard Consultation Today
Don’t let teeth grinding destroy your smile and disrupt your sleep. Imagine Dentistry offers professional, custom-fitted night guards designed to protect your teeth while addressing the discomfort associated with teeth grinding and TMJ disorders. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs, with her Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry and extensive experience in treating TMJ issues, provides exceptional care for patients throughout Charlotte.
Contact Imagine Dentistry today at (704) 540-7600 or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your smile while you sleep. Located in South Charlotte’s Arboretum area at 3025 Springbank Lane, Suite 250, our friendly team looks forward to helping you achieve better dental health and a more restful sleep with a custom-fitted night guard tailored to your needs.
The tooth bonding procedure involves applying a tooth colored resin material to the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. This resin is shaped and then hardened with a special light, which helps the bonding material stick to the tooth securely. It’s an effective solution for repairing a chipped tooth, closing small gaps, or covering discolored teeth. Cosmetic dental bonding offers natural-looking results in just one visit and requires little to no enamel removal.
Yes, tooth bonding is a reliable solution for repairing a chipped tooth or small cracks. During the dental bonding procedure, your dentist applies composite bonding to the affected area and sculpts it to restore the natural shape. The bonding material is then cured with a special light to ensure it adheres firmly. This cosmetic dentistry treatment offers a cost-effective and efficient way to restore function and enhance your smile without extensive dental work.
Cosmetic dental bonding offers a great alternative to teeth whitening for treating discolored teeth, especially when stains are deep or resistant. The tooth colored resin material can cover areas of stubborn discoloration and create a uniform, natural appearance. This non-invasive dental bonding procedure allows for quick results without removing much of the natural tooth. It’s especially useful for patients who may not qualify for traditional whitening treatments due to sensitivity or existing dental work.
Cosmetic bonding can last between 5 to 10 years with proper care. To extend its lifespan, avoid biting hard objects and minimize exposure to staining foods and drinks. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, and visit your dentist regularly. While the bonding material can stain over time and isn’t as strong as enamel, this cosmetic dentistry solution remains a durable and affordable choice for addressing issues like chipped teeth or mild tooth decay.
Cosmetic dental bonding offers a conservative and cost-effective alternative to treatments like veneers or crowns. Unlike those options, the tooth bonding procedure involves minimal removal of enamel and uses composite bonding that bonds directly to the tooth surface. It’s especially suited for small imperfections like chipped teeth, discolored teeth, and minor gaps. The ability of the bonding material to stick securely and blend seamlessly with natural teeth makes it a popular choice for enhancing smiles quickly and naturally.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
