Are You Grinding Your Teeth at Night?
Millions of Americans grind or clench their teeth while they sleep, a condition called bruxism. Many people do not even realize they are doing it until the damage is already done. If you are waking up with a sore jaw, dull headaches, or your partner has mentioned hearing you grind at night, it is time to take action.
At Agape Dental Studio in Arlington, VA, Dr. Lidia Tekle provides custom-fitted night guards that protect your teeth, relieve jaw pain, and help you wake up feeling better. Our Columbia Pike office sees patients from across Arlington, Baileys Crossroads, Falls Church, and Pentagon City for night guard fittings and TMJ-related care.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Teeth grinding often goes undetected because it happens while you are asleep. However, there are several telltale signs that you may be clenching or grinding at night. These include waking up with jaw soreness or stiffness, frequent morning headaches especially around the temples, teeth that appear flat, worn down, or chipped, increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, soreness in the face or neck muscles, and a partner who can hear the grinding sounds.
If any of these sound familiar, schedule an exam at our office. Dr. Tekle can check for the physical signs of bruxism during a routine visit, including wear patterns on your teeth and tension in your jaw muscles.
Why a Custom Night Guard Is Better Than Store-Bought
You may have seen boil-and-bite mouth guards at the drugstore and wondered if they would work. While they are better than nothing, they fall short in several important ways. Store-bought guards are bulky, uncomfortable, and often fit poorly, which means many people stop wearing them after a few nights. They also do not provide the precise bite alignment needed to truly protect your teeth and jaw joint.
A custom night guard from Agape Dental Studio is made from impressions of your teeth, so it fits perfectly. It is thinner, more comfortable, and designed to last for years with proper care. Most importantly, Dr. Tekle can adjust the fit to ensure your jaw rests in a neutral, relaxed position while you sleep, which helps reduce clenching pressure and relieve TMJ symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Night Guard Fitting
Getting a custom night guard at our Arlington office is simple and takes just two short visits. During the first appointment, we take digital impressions of your upper and lower teeth. There is no messy putty involved. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your guard is precision-crafted from durable, medical-grade material.
At your second visit, usually about two weeks later, Dr. Tekle fits the night guard and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. We will also give you care instructions to keep your guard clean and in great shape.
How a Night Guard Protects Your Smile
Left untreated, teeth grinding can cause serious and expensive dental problems over time. The constant pressure can crack or fracture teeth, wear down enamel to the point where teeth need crowns, cause or worsen TMJ disorders that affect your ability to open and close your mouth comfortably, and lead to receding gums and increased sensitivity.
A custom night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of grinding so your teeth do not have to. Many patients notice a significant improvement in jaw pain and headaches within the first week of wearing their guard.
Night Guards and TMJ Treatment
Teeth grinding and TMJ disorders are closely related. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, and chronic clenching puts enormous strain on this joint. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, difficulty chewing, earaches, and facial pain.
While a night guard is not a cure for TMJ disorders, it is often the first and most effective step in managing symptoms. By preventing clenching and keeping the jaw in a relaxed position overnight, many patients experience significant relief. Dr. Tekle can evaluate your TMJ and recommend a comprehensive treatment approach if needed.
Does Insurance Cover Night Guards?
Many dental insurance plans cover custom night guards, either partially or fully, especially when there is documented evidence of bruxism or TMJ issues. Coverage varies by plan, but our team at Agape Dental Studio will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect. For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, we offer affordable self-pay rates and flexible payment options.
Caring for Your Night Guard
A well-maintained custom night guard can last three to five years or even longer. We recommend rinsing it with cool water every morning after use, brushing it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap once a week, storing it in the ventilated case we provide, keeping it away from heat and direct sunlight, and bringing it to your regular dental check-ups so we can inspect it for wear.
Get Your Custom Night Guard in Arlington, VA
If you are dealing with teeth grinding, jaw pain, or morning headaches, a custom night guard could be the simple solution that changes how you feel every day. Schedule an appointment at Agape Dental Studio in Arlington, VA. We are located at 5555 Columbia Pike, Suite 102, and we are open six days a week including Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Call us at (703) 820-8282 or book online at agapedentalstudio.com. Dr. Lidia Tekle and our team are here to help you protect your smile and sleep more comfortably.