Essenmacher Family Dental

Nightguards

Dental NightGuards in Albuquerque, NM

Do you clench your teeth at night? Do you grind them together? If so, you may need a nightguard. Nightguards are dental appliances that help protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching and grinding. How do nightguards benefit patients? How much do they cost? What can you expect as a patient getting fitted for one? At Essenmacher Family Dental, we educate our patients on dental services and procedures to alleviate stress and anxiety. Our top priority is the health of our patients and making sure they are comfortable. Contact us today to set up an appointment!

What do nightguards do?

Nightguards work by creating a barrier between upper and lower teeth. This barrier protects your teeth from damage and potential jaw pain caused by clenching teeth and grinding, also called bruxism. In addition, when people grind their teeth, a nightguard appliance reduces noise, protects your teeth from unnecessary discomfort, and helps sleep habits.

Benefits of Nightguards for Teeth Grinding

There are many benefits that a night guard can provide for patients. For example, they can help protect teeth from damage, reduce the noise created by clenching and grinding, and help you avoid costly dental treatments.  Nightguards can also help increase your comfort level while sleeping, as they provide a cushion between your teeth. 

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that causes the jaw muscles to tighten and can lead to pain in the jaw, headaches, and tooth damage. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe problems such as TMJ disorder.

Who can benefit from using nightguards?

Nightguards are most commonly used by people who clench or grind their teeth at night and people who have had dental work done, such as braces, crowns, or veneers. Nightguards can also be used by people who have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). TMJ is a condition that causes severe pain in the jaw joint and muscles.

How do I get fitted for a nightguard?

Your dentist will scan your teeth to create a custom nightguard for you. The scan is sent to a lab where technicians build your nightguard based on the exact shape of your mouth. The nightguard will be made to fit snugly over your teeth and be comfortable to wear.

Caring for Your Night Guard

When you have a nightguard, you will want to take proper care of it. Here are some tips for taking care of your new night guard:
  • Keep it out of direct sunlight
  • Wash with cold, soapy water to keep it clean
  • Always keep it in a case when it’s not in use

How much do night guards cost?

The cost of nightguards varies depending on the type of night guard you choose and the dentist you visit. Custom nightguards can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000. Your insurance may help cover the cost. If you think you may need a nightguard, talk to your dentist about it. They will help you determine if a mouthguard is right for you and fit you for one if necessary.

Nightguards in Albuquerque, NM

Nightguards are a great way to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching and teeth grinding. They are an investment in your oral health and can help you avoid costly dental treatments and stress down the road. Essenmacher Family Dental provides various dental services for the whole family, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and more! We are a women-owned dental practice located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and take pride in helping our patients have a healthy smile and overall dental health. Dr. Essenmacher, Goyal, and Truong have years of experience and provide high-quality dental care in the Albuquerque area. Contact our dental office team to schedule an appointment today!