Nightguards (also called bite splints) are dental appliances made of hard plastic that are worn over the teeth to protect them from damage due to clenching or grinding – a condition known as Bruxism.

Bruxism is commonly associated with stress, but can be related to sleep breathing disorders, and poor bite or jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ/TMD). Because it usually occurs during sleep, bruxism can go unnoticed for years.

Extensive grinding can cause severe wear of tooth enamel, making the teeth appear shorter and flattened. Left untreated, bruxism can eventually result in serious damage to the teeth that may require extensive restorative procedures to repair.

Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ), or “jaw joints,” are the hinged joints on either side of the jaw that are responsible for opening and closing the mouth.

Nightguards are often recommended as part of treatment of dysfunctional jaw joint movement, or TMJ/TMD.

Do you grind and clench your teeth? Please Contact Us and find out if you might be a candidate for a nightguard.