Mouth Guards in West Palm Beach
A night guard is a custom-fitted appliance worn while you sleep. It places a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth so that clenching and grinding wear against the guard instead of your enamel. Many people who grind at night never realize it until they notice a sore jaw in the morning, a dull headache, or teeth that look flatter or more chipped than they used to. At Family Dental Care, we make Mouth Guards (Night) for patients in West Palm Beach and nearby communities. Our dentists, Dr. Michael C. Westcott and Dr. Sujay Trivedi, fit each guard to the individual patient.
Grinding and clenching during sleep, often called bruxism, can put steady pressure on your teeth and jaw for hours at a time. Over months and years, that pressure can contribute to worn enamel, small cracks, sensitivity, and strain on existing dental work such as crowns, veneers, bridges, and fillings. A night guard does not stop the habit itself. Instead, it absorbs and spreads out the forces so your natural teeth and restorations take less of the impact.
A guard made for your mouth is designed around the exact shape of your teeth. That generally makes it more comfortable to sleep in and more stable than a one-size-fits-all product. Many of our West Palm Beach patients find that the protection is worth having in place before small problems turn into larger repairs. Consider the cost of fixing a cracked tooth that needs a crown or root canal compared with the cost of protecting it each night.
Night guards can help a wide range of adults and older children. We see patients ages eight and up, and our team can tell you whether a guard makes sense for your situation. You may be a good candidate if any of the following sounds familiar:
- You wake up with jaw soreness, tight facial muscles, or headaches
- A partner or family member has heard you grinding at night
- Your teeth show flattened edges, chips, or unexplained sensitivity
- You have invested in crowns, veneers, implants, or other restorations you want to protect
- You notice yourself clenching during stressful periods
Because our office brings together several areas of care under one roof, we can look at the bigger picture. That includes orofacial pain, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. If your jaw discomfort or tooth wear needs attention beyond a night guard, such as repairing a cracked tooth or restoring worn teeth, we can discuss those options during the same visit rather than sending you elsewhere to start over.
How We Make Your Night Guard
The process begins with a dental exam. We look closely at your teeth, bite, gums, and any existing restorations, and we talk with you about your symptoms and sleep habits. This helps us understand where the wear is happening and confirm that a night guard is the right approach for you.
Next, we capture the shape of your teeth so the guard can be made to match them precisely. When your guard is ready, you will return so we can check the fit, make sure your bite feels balanced, and adjust anything that feels too tight or uneven. We will also show you how to place and remove it so you feel confident using it at home on your first night.
Caring for Your Guard
A night guard lasts longer and stays more comfortable with simple daily care. After each use, rinse it and brush it gently to remove saliva and plaque. Let it dry and store it in its case, away from heat and out of reach of pets. Brush and floss your teeth before putting it in so you are not trapping food against your enamel overnight.
Bring your guard with you to your regular cleanings and exams. That lets us check it for wear, cracks, or changes in fit. Since we provide dental cleanings, exams, and preventive care in the same West Palm Beach office, keeping an eye on your guard fits easily into the visits you already make.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your benefits apply to a night guard. Coverage varies from plan to plan, so we recommend checking with us before treatment so there are no surprises.
We also welcome self-pay patients. If you do not have dental insurance, we are happy to walk you through the cost of your night guard ahead of time so you can plan with confidence. Patients from West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens can contact our office to schedule an exam and find out whether a night guard is right for them.