Pasadena Texas Night Guards:
Patients can grind their teeth at night. This is a destructive action the damages the teeth. A night guard can help protect the teeth by taking the forces of this grinding. The night guard gets worn down and damaged and NOT the teeth. The night guard is easily replaceable. Replacing all of your teeth is more difficult.
How to get a Night Guard:
- Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth
- Stone replicas are made from the impression
- The night guard is created out of a strong durable plastic
- When the guard is finished, it is properly fitted to your mouth by either Drs. West or Nugent
- Simply wear the guard while you sleep every night
Benefits of a Night Guard:
- Can reduce the damage caused by grinding teeth during sleep
- Prevents headache pain
- Can help prevent jaw disorders by relieving pressure
- Prevents the development of TMD (temporomandibular disorder)
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth and is worn while you sleep. Its primary purpose is to protect your teeth and jaw from the harmful effects of bruxism—more commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching. Many people grind their teeth at night without even realizing it, and over time, this constant pressure and friction can lead to serious dental problems, including worn or cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to dental restorations like crowns or fillings.
Dr. Michael Nugent often recommends a night guard to patients who show signs of bruxism or who frequently experience jaw tension and discomfort upon waking. During a dental exam, Dr. Nugent may notice flattened teeth, stress fractures, or gum recession—all signs that you might be grinding or clenching during sleep. By taking impressions of your teeth, he can create a custom-fit night guard that’s comfortable, durable, and effective in protecting your smile. Unlike over-the-counter options, a professionally made night guard fits precisely, allowing for better comfort and protection.
Wearing a night guard can offer numerous benefits. It helps preserve the integrity of your natural teeth, prevents damage to previous dental work, and can significantly reduce or eliminate jaw pain and headaches associated with nighttime clenching. Many patients also notice improved sleep quality once they start using a night guard, as the jaw muscles are allowed to relax fully during rest. If you wake up with a sore jaw, frequent headaches, or tooth sensitivity, a custom night guard from Dr. Nugent could be the simple solution to protect your oral health and enhance your overall well-being.
To find out if you might benefit from a custom dental night guard, call our Pasadena, Texas office at 713-941-8261 today. We are located at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.