Bite Guards & Night Guards
Custom-fitted guards to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep.Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching are surprisingly common, affecting millions of adults, often without them even realizing it. Over time, grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, damage existing dental work, and contribute to chronic jaw pain and headaches. At New Image Advanced Dental in Trinidad, CO, Dr. Amy Wilson provides custom-fitted bite guards and night guards that protect your teeth and relieve the stress on your jaw joints.
Unlike generic store-bought guards, our custom appliances are made from precise impressions of your teeth for a comfortable, secure fit that you can actually wear every night without discomfort.
How Custom Guards Work
A custom bite guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of grinding and clenching so your teeth do not have to. The guard also helps position your jaw in a more relaxed alignment, reducing muscle tension and the strain on your temporomandibular joints.
The Fitting Process
Getting a custom guard is quick and easy. Dr. Wilson takes impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a dental lab where your guard is fabricated to fit precisely. At your follow-up appointment, she checks the fit, makes any necessary adjustments, and shows you how to care for your new appliance.
When to Consider a Guard
You may benefit from a custom guard if you experience any of the following:
- Morning jaw soreness or headaches
- Worn, flattened, or chipped tooth surfaces
- Tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
- A partner who hears you grinding at night
If TMJ symptoms are also present, a bite splint may be part of a broader treatment plan to address the underlying cause.
Protecting your teeth from grinding damage is one of the simplest investments you can make in your long-term dental health. Call 719-846-7387 or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Trinidad, Walsenburg, Raton, and across Southern Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Guards
Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or headaches, worn or flattened tooth surfaces, cracked or chipped teeth, and tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can also detect signs of grinding during a routine exam.
The terms are often used interchangeably. A night guard is typically worn during sleep to prevent grinding and clenching. A bite guard (or bite splint) may be worn during the day as well, often as part of TMJ treatment. Both are custom-fitted to your teeth.
Yes. Custom guards are made from impressions of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit. Store-bought guards are one-size-fits-all, often bulky and uncomfortable, and may not provide adequate protection. A poor-fitting guard can even make jaw problems worse.
A well-made custom guard typically lasts two to five years depending on the severity of your grinding. Dr. Wilson will check your guard at each visit and recommend a replacement when it begins to show significant wear.
Stop Grinding Damage Before It Starts
Custom bite guards protect your teeth and relieve jaw tension. Request your appointment today.