10901 W. Toller Dr., Suite 100, Littleton, CO 80127 
303-933-2066 Teeth grinding can happen without you realizing it, especially while you sleep. Over time, that repeated pressure can wear down enamel, strain the jaw and leave teeth more vulnerable to chips, cracks and sensitivity. A custom night guard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to help reduce that damage.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, provides custom night guards in Littleton, CO, for patients who grind or clench their teeth. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule an appointment and find out whether a custom night guard could help protect your teeth while you sleep.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. It can happen during the day or while you sleep, and many people are unaware that nighttime grinding is occurring until symptoms or visible tooth wear begin to develop.
Stress can contribute to clenching and grinding for some patients, but bruxism can have different causes. Dr. Carreon can examine your teeth, discuss your symptoms and look for signs that repeated grinding may be affecting your smile.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
Because nighttime bruxism happens while you are asleep, the symptoms you notice during the day can provide important clues. Signs may include:
- Jaw tightness or fatigue after waking
- Jaw, facial or ear discomfort
- Morning headaches
- Flattened or worn tooth surfaces
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Wear that exposes deeper layers of a tooth
- Indentations along the sides of the tongue
If you notice these changes, it is worth having your teeth evaluated before additional wear or damage occurs.
How Does a Night Guard Protect Your Teeth?
A night guard is worn over the teeth while you sleep. It creates a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth so they are not grinding directly against each other. This barrier can help reduce wear on the enamel and limit the stress placed on teeth during nighttime clenching or grinding. A night guard does not stop every patient from clenching, but it can help protect the teeth from the forces created by bruxism.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard?
A custom night guard is made specifically for your mouth rather than using a generic shape. The fit is based on your teeth and bite, which can help the appliance stay in place more securely while you sleep.
Dr. Carreon will evaluate your teeth and bite before the appliance is made. The goal is to create a night guard that protects your teeth while remaining comfortable enough for consistent nighttime use.
What Can Happen If Bruxism Is Left Untreated?
Repeated grinding can gradually weaken or wear down tooth structure. In some cases, it may contribute to cracked teeth, worn restorations, sensitivity or changes in the way the teeth fit together. If grinding has already damaged a tooth, additional restorative treatment may be needed. Identifying bruxism early can help protect existing tooth structure and reduce the risk of more extensive dental problems.
Night Guards and Jaw Discomfort
Some patients who clench or grind their teeth also experience tightness, soreness or fatigue in the jaw muscles. Morning headaches or facial discomfort may also occur. A custom night guard may help reduce some of the strain created by tooth-to-tooth contact during sleep. If your symptoms have another cause, Dr. Carreon can discuss whether additional evaluation or treatment should be considered.
Patient-Focused Care for Teeth Grinding
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and believes in listening carefully to each patient’s concerns before recommending treatment. If you are experiencing tooth wear, jaw tension or other signs of bruxism, she will evaluate what is happening and explain how a night guard may fit into your care.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, the goal is to protect your natural teeth while giving you a clear understanding of your treatment options.
Schedule an Appointment for a Custom Night Guard
If you wake with jaw tension, notice worn teeth or suspect you may be grinding while you sleep, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule an appointment with our dentist and learn whether a custom night guard can help protect your smile from bruxism.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
You may notice signs such as morning jaw tightness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, flattened tooth surfaces, chips or cracks. Dr. Carreon can examine your teeth for wear patterns that may indicate nighttime grinding.
What does a night guard do?
A night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. This helps reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact and can limit wear caused by grinding or clenching.
Can a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?
A night guard is primarily designed to protect the teeth from the effects of grinding. It may not stop the clenching or grinding habit itself, but it can help reduce the damage those forces cause.
Why should I get a custom night guard instead of an over-the-counter guard?
A custom night guard is made to fit your individual teeth and bite. This can provide a more secure and comfortable fit than a one-size-fits-all appliance and allows our dentist to design the guard around your dental needs.
Can teeth grinding damage crowns or other dental work?
Yes. Repeated grinding can place stress on natural teeth as well as fillings, crowns and other restorations. A night guard may help protect both your teeth and existing dental work from excessive nighttime forces.
Can a night guard help with jaw pain or morning headaches?
Some patients with bruxism experience jaw fatigue, facial discomfort or morning headaches. A night guard may help reduce the stress caused by nighttime tooth contact, although these symptoms can have other causes and may require further evaluation.
How long does a custom night guard last?
The lifespan of a night guard depends on how heavily you grind, how consistently it is worn and how well it is cared for. Our team can examine the appliance during routine appointments and let you know when replacement should be considered.
Where can I get a custom night guard in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics provides custom night guards in Littleton for patients who grind or clench their teeth. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule an appointment with our dentist and learn how a night guard may help protect your teeth.