Custom Night Guards in O’Fallon Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
A night guard in O’Fallon is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth and cushions them against grinding and clenching. While store-bought guards may seem like a quick solution, they often fit poorly, feel bulky, and wear out fast. A professionally made guard from our office offers a secure, comfortable fit tailored specifically to your mouth using high-precision technology.
We use digital impressions and advanced scanning tools, such as the iTero Digital Scanner and CEREC systems, to design your guard accurately and ensure your appliance fits snugly and works effectively without disrupting your sleep.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Is a night guard right for you? Common symptoms that may indicate you need one include:
- Morning jaw soreness or stiffness
- Headaches, especially in the temples
- Tooth sensitivity or worn enamel
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Visible signs of tooth damage, flattening, or chipping
- Sleep disruption due to clenching
If you experience one or more of these issues, we recommend coming in for an evaluation. Our team uses digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and 3D imaging to assess your bite and rule out other potential causes.
How We Make a Custom Night Guard
Our process for designing your night guard is quick, precise, and comfortable:
Digital Scan and Evaluation: We start with a consultation to examine your jaw and teeth. Dr. Hurtte uses intraoral cameras, CBCT scanning, and digital impressions to evaluate your bite, tooth wear, and joint health.
Step 2: Fabrication and Fitting: After we capture your digital impressions, we create your custom night guard using CAD/CAM technology. Because the fit is so precise, most patients report that their guard feels natural and easy to wear.
When your guard is ready, we’ll check the fit and make any adjustments needed. We’ll also show you how to clean and care for it properly so it lasts for years.
The Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
Wearing a custom night guard offers more than a better night’s sleep. It can also protect your oral health and reduce the need for more costly procedures later.
- Prevents Tooth Damage: Guards act as a buffer between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the risk of fractures, chips, and enamel erosion.
- Relieves Jaw Pain and Headaches: A guard can ease the soreness often accompanying TMJ issues by reducing tension on your jaw joints.
- Preserves Dental Work: Grinding can damage crowns, fillings, and other restorations. A guard helps protect your investment.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Many patients sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed when they start wearing their guard regularly.
- Reduces Stress on Joints: A well-fitted night guard can improve jaw alignment and reduce the pressure on your TMJ while you sleep.
Serving Veterans with Specialized Care
At Boardwalk Family Dental, we’re honored to care for our veterans with the same respect and dedication we show every patient. Dr. Hurtte is the only local provider approved to treat VA patients, allowing us to deliver the specialized support our veteran community deserves. With a veteran on our team, we bring added insight and compassion to the care we provide. No matter your background, you can expect personalized attention, advanced technology, and a friendly, supportive environment whenever you visit.
Be on Guard: Contact Us for a Consultation
A custom night guard can make a big difference in your comfort and long-term oral health. Dr. Hurtte and our team at Boardwalk Family Dental are here to help you find lasting relief with a personalized solution. Ask us about our flexible financing and membership plan to make your care as accessible and stress-free as possible. Dr. Hurtte looks forward to helping you protect your teeth—and your peace of mind—night after night.
