Mouth Guards in Palm Beach
Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep and never realize it until they notice a sore jaw in the morning, a dull headache, or teeth that look flatter than they used to. Because it happens at night, the habit can go on for years. At Family Dental Care, we help patients from Palm Beach protect their teeth with a custom night mouth guard. It is a simple, comfortable appliance that acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth while you rest. Our office in West Palm Beach is a short trip across the water, so patients on the island can get personalized care close to home.
A night mouth guard is a thin, custom-fitted appliance you wear over your teeth while you sleep. Its purpose is to keep your upper and lower teeth from grinding directly against each other. The guard absorbs that pressure so your enamel, fillings, crowns, and other dental work don't have to. Because we make it from the shape of your own teeth, it fits more securely and comfortably than a generic option.
Patients usually come to us after noticing one or more of these signs:
- Waking up with jaw soreness, tightness, or fatigue
- Morning headaches that ease as the day goes on
- Teeth that look worn, chipped, or shorter than before
- Increased tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
- A bed partner hearing grinding sounds at night
Sometimes the person in the dental chair never noticed these signs at all. We spot signs of wear during a routine dental exam. Either way, a night guard is often a practical first step in protecting your smile.
Night guards can help a wide range of patients. Some are stressed professionals who clench without realizing it. Others have invested in restorative or cosmetic work, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants, and want to protect it. We see patients ages eight and up, so we can also talk with Palm Beach families about whether a guard makes sense for an older child or teen who grinds.
Not every case of jaw discomfort comes from grinding alone. Our team includes orofacial pain care, and we accept patients without a referral. That means we can look at the full picture of your symptoms instead of treating one piece in isolation. If we find a cracked tooth or other damage, we can address it here too, because we offer endodontic and restorative care in the same office.
Your First Visit and Getting Fitted
Your visit starts with a conversation. We'll ask what you've been experiencing, when symptoms tend to show up, and whether you've had dental work that might be at risk. Then Dr. Michael Westcott or Dr. Sujay Trivedi will examine your teeth, gums, and bite. They'll look for wear patterns, cracks, and other signs of grinding or clenching.
If a night guard is right for you, we capture the shape of your teeth so the appliance can be made to fit your mouth precisely. When your guard is ready, you'll come back so we can check the fit. We'll confirm it feels secure and make any adjustments needed so it's comfortable enough to wear every night. We'll also show you how to put it in and take it out.
Caring for Your Night Guard
A night guard works best when you wear it consistently and keep it clean. Each morning, rinse it and brush it gently. Then let it dry and store it in its case. Keep it away from heat, and keep it out of reach of pets. Bring it with you to your regular dental cleanings and exams so we can check its condition and fit.
Over time, a guard may show wear. That's a sign it's doing its job by taking the pressure instead of your teeth. If it starts to feel loose, cracks, or no longer fits comfortably, let us know. Changes in your teeth or dental work can also affect the fit, so we'll keep an eye on it during your routine visits.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Coverage for night guards varies from plan to plan. Our team is happy to help Palm Beach patients understand their benefits before treatment begins, so you know what to expect.
If you're paying on your own, just ask. We'll walk you through the cost of your night guard and answer your questions up front. Our goal is a clear, comfortable experience from your first call through your final fitting. If you've been waking up sore or noticing wear on your teeth, we'd be glad to see you and help you rest easier.