Nightguards

A custom nightguard is a thin, durable oral appliance worn during sleep to protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding (bruxism) and clenching. At Nova Dental Care of Vienna, custom nightguards are made from precise impressions or digital scans of your mouth and designed to fit comfortably while providing optimal protection. Custom nightguards are significantly more effective and comfortable than over-the-counter options.

Teeth grinding and clenching are remarkably common, often happening unconsciously during sleep, and can cause significant damage including worn-down enamel, cracked or fractured teeth, broken dental work, jaw pain and TMJ problems, headaches, and tooth sensitivity. Many patients don't realize they grind until a dentist notices the wear patterns or until symptoms develop. Common signs include flat or worn-looking teeth, jaw soreness in the morning, frequent headaches, partner reports of grinding sounds, and increased tooth sensitivity.

A custom nightguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of grinding and clenching that would otherwise damage your teeth and jaw. There are several types including hard acrylic guards (most durable, best for heavy grinders), soft guards (more comfortable but less durable, best for clenchers), and dual-laminate guards that combine soft inner layers with hard outer layers. We recommend the type best suited to your grinding pattern, bite, and preferences. With proper care, a custom nightguard typically lasts 3 to 5 years.