Bite Guards Durham, NC

Dr. Blaylock, your experienced dentist in Durham, NC, offers custom bite guards. We recommend them to patients to relieve jaw pain and muscle tension or to address teeth grinding.

Patients who grind or clench their teeth can benefit from using a custom fit bite guard. It protects the teeth and reduces symptoms associated with too much pressure on the jaw joints.

Bite Guards for Teeth Grinding

Dr. Brent Blaylock provides comprehensive dental care for patients who suffer from complex dental problems, including teeth grinding. Teeth grinding, called bruxism, is a common temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptom, commonly known as TMJ. To learn more about how to treat TMJ disorders, see TMJ treatments.

Although many patients do not realize they are grinding their teeth, there are several common signs of teeth grinding:

When left untreated, bruxism can cause significant damage to teeth. It contributes to painful symptoms like headaches and jaw pain. Stress can primarily cause teeth grinding, but an underlying TMD can sometimes lead to teeth grinding.

Lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques may help to reduce or stop your teeth from grinding. However, professional evaluation is often necessary. A professional can fully correct the source of the problem and repair damage caused by teeth grinding.

Dr. Blaylock recommends a tooth-grinding mouthguard or bite guard to stop teeth grinding. A bite guard is a customized, removable appliance. It’s similar to a sports mouthguard and made to fit over your teeth and prevent teeth grinding.

You usually wear bite guards at night. However, some patients find wearing teeth-grinding mouthguards beneficial during high-stress situations. While there is a wide range of over-the-counter options for bite guards, a custom-made appliance will offer the best protection. Unlike over-the-counter options, we design this to address your individual dental health needs.

Why should I choose to get a custom bite guard from a dentist?

Dr. Blaylock recommends a custom bite guard from his office if you have been diagnosed with bruxism or a TMJ disorder. Even though there are many options to choose from, it is best to get a custom-fit mouthguard from a dentist office.

This will ensure that the molds are taken correctly and your bite guard is, therefore, accurate. The online options are do-it-yourself, and you risk not creating your mold correctly.

No one can guarantee a more custom fit than a dentist. Dr. Blaylock and his staff have years of experience taking accurate molds of teeth.

The quality of the material is also very important. Dr. Blaylock will only send your molds to the top dental labs offering top-quality mouth guards.

Our office will also consider the position of your jaw and make adjustments accordingly. With an accurate and quality bite guard, you will have comfortable protection that will last a long time.

Restorative Care for Teeth Grinding

The signs appear in your mouth if you’ve been grinding your teeth. Your teeth may chip or wear down prematurely because of your teeth grinding. We may suggest dental restorations to guarantee the function and aesthetics of your teeth.

These can include dental crowns, tooth bonding, or porcelain veneers. If pieces of your teeth break off, these methods can help to make your teeth whole again. Pain can come from exposed tooth roots and nerves, causing sensitivity when touched.

Restorative efforts can protect these nerves and help to eliminate the pain. We also want you to have a smile you want to show off, which may not be the case if you have broken or damaged teeth.

FAQs

How long does a dental bite guard last?

A dental bite guard can last several years when used correctly and regularly. Your dentist will advise you on when to replace your guard. It also depends on the bite guard material, how often you wear them, and other factors, such as grinding or clenching at night.

Can wearing a bite guard at night cause dry mouth?

Wearing a dental bite guard at night will not cause dry mouth. However, if you have issues with your oral health that contribute to dry mouth, they may become more noticeable while wearing the guard. If this is the case, talk to your dentist about other ways to manage these symptoms.

Can a bite guard damage teeth?

If used properly, a bite guard should not damage your teeth. However, if it’s too tight or ill-fitting, it can cause pain and lead to other dental problems. It is vital for your dentist to correctly fit your bite guard. This is so your dentist can readjust or replace the bite guard when they need to ensure they are functioning at their best.

Can a bite guard straighten your teeth?

No, bite guards cannot straighten your teeth. Although they can help protect your teeth from grinding or clenching at night. You must speak to your dentist about orthodontic treatment options to achieve straighter teeth. Orthodontic options reposition the teeth within the dental arch.

Does a bite guard help TMJ?

Yes, a bite guard can help to relieve TMJ pain. Bite guards cushion the jaw muscles and prevent them from grinding or clenching, reducing joint tension and reducing discomfort. They also protect the teeth and dental restoration from damage from TMJ, TMD, or coexisting conditions such as bruxism.

Do over-the-counter bite guards work?

Over-the-counter bite guards may provide short-term relief. However, your dentist can design a custom fit guard specifically for you. Custom guards are more comfortable and effective. They can also adjust as needed to ensure they are working properly.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today

Teeth grinding is not something you have to live with. Dr. Blaylock offers the proper treatment to help patients stop grinding and correct the damage caused by grinding.

Schedule a visit for a consultation with Dr. Brent Blaylock today to learn more about bite guards! Call us at 984-213-4695, or request an appointment online.

Location

3206 Old Chapel Hill Road
Suite 300
Durham, NC 27707

Schedule Appointment

new patients 984-213-4695

current patients 919-493-8036

Hours

Monday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday: Closed