Orthodontic Dental Services by Reedley Family Dental Office

Night Guards in Reedley, CA

Do you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or worn-down teeth? You may be clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep without realizing it.

A night guard is a custom oral appliance designed to help protect your teeth from the effects of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. At Reedley Family Dental, we can evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw, and symptoms to determine whether a night guard may be appropriate for you.

If you are looking for night guards in Reedley, CA, schedule a dental evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn over the teeth, typically while sleeping.

Night guards can help create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep.

Depending on the appliance and your individual needs, a night guard may help reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact and protect the teeth from excessive wear.

A night guard does not necessarily eliminate the underlying reason a person clenches or grinds. Instead, it is generally used as part of a treatment approach designed to protect the teeth and manage related symptoms.

What Is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, occurs when a person clenches or grinds their teeth.

It can happen while awake or during sleep. Sleep-related teeth grinding can be particularly difficult to recognize because you may not be aware that you are doing it.

Over time, repeated grinding and clenching can contribute to:

Tooth wear
Chipped or fractured teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Jaw muscle soreness
Morning jaw discomfort
Headaches
Damage to dental restorations
Increased stress on the teeth

Not everyone who experiences these symptoms has bruxism, so a dental examination is important when symptoms persist.

Signs You May Need a Night Guard

You may want to discuss a night guard with your dentist if you notice:

Waking up with sore or tired jaw muscles
Morning headaches
Tooth sensitivity without another obvious cause
Flattened or worn tooth surfaces
Chipped teeth
Cracked or damaged teeth
Frequent clenching
Jaw discomfort
Damage or unusual wear to crowns, fillings, or other restorations
A partner noticing grinding sounds while you sleep

Your dentist can examine your teeth and bite for signs of excessive wear and determine whether a night guard may be appropriate.

How Does a Night Guard Protect Your Teeth?

When you grind or clench your teeth, the upper and lower teeth can come into repeated contact.

A night guard places a protective appliance between the teeth.

This can help reduce direct tooth-to-tooth contact and may protect the enamel and dental restorations from excessive mechanical forces.

The exact effect depends on the cause and severity of your grinding or clenching and on the type of appliance used.

A night guard is therefore best viewed as one part of a broader dental treatment plan when bruxism or related problems are present.

Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought Guards

There are many over-the-counter mouth guards available in stores and online.

However, a generic appliance may not provide the same level of fit and customization as a professionally designed dental appliance.

Custom Night Guards

A custom night guard is designed based on your teeth and bite.

Potential advantages include:

Personalized fit
Better adaptation to your individual mouth
Consideration of your bite
Professional evaluation before treatment
Follow-up care when adjustments are needed

Store-Bought Mouth Guards

Over-the-counter products are available in different designs and price ranges.

However, they may not fit your teeth as precisely as a professionally made appliance.

Some patients may also find generic guards bulky or uncomfortable.

If you have significant tooth wear, dental restorations, jaw symptoms, or other oral health concerns, it is especially important to have your needs evaluated before choosing an appliance.

How Are Custom Night Guards Made?

The process depends on the type of appliance recommended for you.

1. Dental Examination

Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite, jaw, and existing dental restorations.

The examination can help identify signs of grinding, clenching, tooth wear, cracks, or other conditions that may need treatment.

2. Discussing Your Symptoms

Tell your dentist about symptoms such as:

Morning jaw pain
Headaches
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth grinding
Clenching
Broken teeth
Chipped teeth
Difficulty sleeping

This information helps your dental team understand your concerns and determine whether a night guard may be appropriate.

3. Dental Impressions or Digital Scanning

Depending on the appliance and technology used, measurements, impressions, or digital scans may be taken to create a night guard that fits your teeth.

4. Appliance Fabrication

The night guard is created based on your individual dental anatomy and treatment needs.

5. Fitting and Follow-Up

Your dentist will evaluate the fit and explain how to wear and care for the appliance.

If the night guard feels uncomfortable or does not fit correctly, contact the dental office rather than continuing to wear an appliance that causes problems.

Who Can Benefit From a Night Guard?

Night guards may be appropriate for patients who experience signs of nighttime grinding or clenching.

They may be particularly useful when there is evidence of:

Excessive tooth wear
Repeated tooth damage
Cracked or chipped teeth
Dental restoration wear
Jaw muscle discomfort
Sleep-related clenching or grinding

However, not every patient with jaw pain or headaches needs a night guard.

A proper evaluation is important because symptoms can have many possible causes.

Can a Night Guard Stop Teeth Grinding?

A night guard primarily helps protect the teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching.

It does not necessarily stop the behavior itself.

If you continue to grind or clench while wearing a night guard, the appliance can serve as a protective barrier between the teeth.

Your dentist can also evaluate whether other factors may be contributing to your symptoms and determine whether additional treatment or evaluation is appropriate.

Night Guards for Jaw Pain

Teeth grinding and clenching can place stress on the muscles and structures involved in chewing.

Some patients experience jaw soreness or fatigue, particularly in the morning.

A night guard may be considered when there is evidence that clenching or grinding is contributing to the symptoms.

However, jaw pain can have many causes. It may be related to dental problems, muscle tension, the temporomandibular joint, trauma, or other conditions.

For this reason, persistent jaw pain should be evaluated rather than automatically treated with a night guard.

Night Guards and Tooth Sensitivity

Grinding can contribute to tooth wear, which may increase sensitivity in some patients.

However, sensitivity can also result from cavities, gum recession, enamel erosion, cracked teeth, worn fillings, or other dental conditions.

If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist should first determine the underlying cause.

A night guard may be recommended when grinding or clenching is contributing to the problem.

Night Guards and Dental Crowns

Patients with crowns may be concerned about protecting their restorations from nighttime grinding.

Excessive clenching and grinding can place mechanical stress on teeth and dental restorations.

If you have crowns and signs of bruxism, your dentist can evaluate your bite and determine whether a night guard may help protect your restoration.

Learn more about dental crowns in Reedley, CA.

Night Guards and Dental Fillings

Nighttime grinding can also place stress on fillings.

If you repeatedly experience chipped or damaged fillings, your dentist can examine the affected teeth and determine whether clenching or grinding may be contributing to the problem.

Our bonding and white fillings page provides more information about tooth-colored restorative treatment.

Night Guards and Cracked Teeth

Grinding and clenching can contribute to mechanical stress on teeth.

If you notice a cracked, chipped, or painful tooth, do not assume that a night guard alone will solve the problem.

The tooth should be evaluated first to determine the extent of the damage and whether restorative treatment is necessary.

Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment may involve a filling, crown, root canal therapy, or another approach.

Learn more about root canal treatment when a damaged tooth has involvement of the dental pulp.

Night Guards and Occlusal Adjustment

In some cases, your dentist may identify an uneven bite or another occlusal issue that needs to be evaluated separately.

An occlusal adjustment may be considered in appropriate situations.

However, occlusal adjustment and night guard therapy are not interchangeable treatments.

Your dentist can determine which approach, if any, is appropriate based on your bite and symptoms.

How Do I Care for My Night Guard?

Proper care can help keep your appliance clean and in good condition.

Follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist, but general care may include:

Rinse the appliance after removing it
Clean it according to your dentist’s instructions
Store it in its protective case
Allow it to dry appropriately before storage
Keep it away from pets
Avoid exposing it to excessive heat
Bring it to dental appointments when requested

Do not use cleaning products that could damage the material unless they have been recommended for your specific appliance.

How Often Should a Night Guard Be Replaced?

There is no single replacement schedule that applies to every patient.

The lifespan of a night guard depends on factors such as:

How frequently it is worn
The severity of grinding
The amount of force generated during clenching
Appliance material
Cleaning and storage
Changes in your teeth or bite

If the appliance becomes damaged, develops cracks, changes shape, or no longer fits correctly, contact your dentist for an evaluation.

What If My Night Guard Feels Uncomfortable?

A new appliance may feel unfamiliar at first.

However, significant pain, persistent irritation, difficulty closing your mouth normally, or an appliance that does not fit correctly should be evaluated.

Do not attempt to significantly reshape or modify a custom night guard yourself.

Contact your dental office so the appliance can be evaluated and adjusted when appropriate.

Can Children or Teenagers Use Night Guards?

Some children and teenagers may grind their teeth, but treatment decisions are different for growing patients.

Because children’s teeth, jaws, and bite are developing, a dental evaluation should be performed before deciding whether a night guard is appropriate.

Parents should discuss signs such as:

Grinding noises during sleep
Tooth wear
Jaw discomfort
Morning headaches
Tooth sensitivity

Your dentist can determine whether monitoring, a dental appliance, or another approach is appropriate.

Night Guards and Sleep

Night guards are commonly associated with nighttime teeth grinding.

However, sleep-related symptoms can have causes other than bruxism.

If you experience significant sleep problems, loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, discuss these concerns with an appropriate healthcare professional.

A dental night guard should not be considered a substitute for evaluation of a possible sleep disorder.

Why Choose Reedley Family Dental for Night Guards?

A night guard should be selected based on your individual teeth, bite, symptoms, and oral health.

At Reedley Family Dental, we can evaluate your teeth and look for signs of grinding, clenching, tooth wear, cracks, or damage to dental restorations.

We can also determine whether a custom night guard is appropriate or whether another dental treatment should be considered first.

Our dental team can help you address:

Teeth grinding
Teeth clenching
Tooth wear
Tooth sensitivity
Chipped or damaged teeth
Jaw discomfort
Protection of dental restorations
Custom night guard fitting and follow-up

Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards in Reedley, CA

How much does a night guard cost in Reedley, CA?

The cost depends on the type of appliance recommended, the materials used, and your individual dental needs.

A dental examination is the best way to determine which type of night guard may be appropriate for you and provide an accurate treatment estimate.

Is a custom night guard better than an over-the-counter mouth guard?

A custom night guard is designed around your individual teeth and bite, which can provide a more personalized fit.

However, the appropriate appliance depends on your oral health and the reason the appliance is being recommended.

Can I wear a night guard if I have crowns?

Many patients with crowns can use a night guard, but your dentist should evaluate your teeth, restorations, and bite first.

This is especially important if you have significant grinding or a history of damaged dental restorations.

Can a night guard help with headaches?

Some headaches may be associated with nighttime clenching or grinding.

However, headaches have many possible causes. A dental evaluation can help determine whether there are signs that bruxism may be contributing to your symptoms.

Can a night guard help with jaw pain?

A night guard may be appropriate when teeth grinding or clenching is contributing to jaw muscle discomfort.

However, jaw pain can have multiple causes, so persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a dental professional.

How long does a custom night guard last?

There is no universal lifespan.

The appliance may need to be replaced when it becomes significantly worn, damaged, distorted, or no longer fits properly.

Should I wear my night guard every night?

If your dentist recommends nighttime use, follow the wearing schedule provided for your specific appliance.

If the appliance causes pain or significant discomfort, contact your dental office for an evaluation.

Can I eat while wearing a night guard?

Night guards are generally intended to be worn while sleeping rather than while eating.

Follow the specific instructions provided with your appliance.

Schedule a Night Guard Consultation in Reedley, CA

If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, wake up with jaw discomfort, or notice unusual tooth wear, Reedley Family Dental can evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether a custom night guard may be appropriate.

We can examine your teeth, bite, and existing dental restorations and help determine the most appropriate approach for protecting your oral health.

Reedley Family Dental
929 W Manning Ave.
Reedley, CA 93654
Phone: (559) 637-0123

If you are searching for a night guard dentist in Reedley, CA or custom night guards in Reedley, CA, contact Reedley Family Dental to schedule an evaluation.

Traditional Braces in Reedley, CA

Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion (teeth that are crowded or crooked). In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking.

If you are looking for traditional braces in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental can help you explore orthodontic treatment options for improving the alignment of your teeth and bite. Traditional braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled pressure that gradually moves teeth into more desirable positions. They may be considered for concerns such as crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth and certain bite problems.

Before beginning treatment, a dental evaluation can help determine your orthodontic needs and whether traditional braces are appropriate for your smile. Good oral hygiene is also important throughout orthodontic treatment because brackets and wires can make it more difficult to clean around the teeth. Regular dental hygiene and cleanings can help maintain healthy teeth and gums during treatment.

For patients who prefer a removable and less noticeable approach, Invisalign may be another orthodontic option to discuss. After orthodontic treatment, cosmetic services such as teeth whitening may also be considered to enhance the appearance of your smile.

If you have teeth that are damaged or weakened, dental crowns may provide a separate restorative option depending on your needs.

If you have an abnormal bite, our dentist at Reedley Family Dental may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including:

tooth decay
gum disease
tooth loss
affected speech and/or chewing
abnormal wear to tooth enamel
jaw problems

Invisalign in Reedley, CA

If you are looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign may be an option to consider. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners designed to gradually move the teeth according to an individualized treatment plan.

At Reedley Family Dental, we provide Invisalign consultations in Reedley, CA for patients interested in improving tooth alignment, spacing, crowding, and certain bite concerns without traditional metal brackets and wires.

Every smile is different. During a consultation, our dental team can evaluate your teeth, bite, gums, and overall oral health to determine whether clear aligner treatment may be appropriate for your needs.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom clear aligners to gradually move teeth into planned positions.

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable. This can make it easier for many patients to brush, floss, eat, and maintain their regular oral hygiene routine during treatment.

Each aligner is designed to be worn according to the treatment plan and changed as directed by your dental provider. The aligners apply controlled pressure to specific teeth to gradually guide them toward their planned positions.

The number of aligners and overall treatment time vary from patient to patient. Your dentist can provide a more individualized estimate after evaluating your smile.

Who May Be a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign may be considered for certain patients with orthodontic concerns such as:

Crowded teeth
Spacing between teeth
Crooked or rotated teeth
Certain bite problems
Mild to moderate alignment concerns
Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment

However, clear aligners are not appropriate for every orthodontic condition.

A dental examination is important before beginning treatment because your dentist needs to evaluate the position of your teeth, your bite, gum health, and other factors that may affect treatment.

If traditional braces may be more appropriate for your situation, our team can also discuss traditional braces as another orthodontic option.

Benefits of Invisalign

Clear and Discreet

One of the most noticeable features of Invisalign is the clear appearance of the aligners. Many patients appreciate having an orthodontic appliance that is less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Removable Aligners

Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing according to your treatment instructions.

This removable design can make daily oral hygiene more convenient for some patients.

Easier Oral Hygiene

Keeping teeth clean is important throughout orthodontic treatment. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can brush and clean between your teeth without having to work around permanent brackets and wires.

Regular dental hygiene care is also important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

No Traditional Brackets and Wires

Invisalign does not use the conventional brackets and archwires associated with traditional braces. This may be appealing to patients who prefer a more discreet approach to orthodontic treatment.

Designed Around Your Treatment Plan

Clear aligners are created as part of an individualized treatment plan. The exact movements, number of aligners, and treatment duration depend on your specific orthodontic needs.

Invisalign for Crowded Teeth

Crowding occurs when there is not enough space for teeth to align properly.

Depending on the severity and cause of the crowding, clear aligners may be one treatment option.

Crowded teeth can also make daily cleaning more difficult because certain areas may be harder to reach with a toothbrush or floss.

If you are concerned about crowded teeth, an examination can help determine whether Invisalign or another orthodontic approach is appropriate.

Invisalign for Gaps Between Teeth

Spaces between teeth can occur for a number of reasons, including tooth size, tooth position, and the relationship between the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Invisalign may be used in appropriate cases to gradually move teeth and reduce certain spaces.

A dental evaluation is important because some types of spacing may require additional treatment.

For example, patients with a prominent or restrictive frenulum may need an evaluation for a frenectomy before or as part of a broader treatment plan.

Invisalign and Bite Problems

Orthodontic treatment is not only about making teeth look straighter.

The position of the teeth can also affect how the upper and lower teeth come together. Depending on the type and severity of the bite problem, Invisalign or traditional orthodontic treatment may be considered.

During your consultation, your dentist can evaluate your bite and discuss which treatment options may be appropriate.

What Is the Invisalign Process?

Although treatment varies from patient to patient, Invisalign treatment generally involves several steps.

1. Consultation

The first step is a dental and orthodontic evaluation.

Your dentist will discuss your concerns and examine your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health.

2. Treatment Planning

If clear aligners are appropriate, your treatment will be planned around your individual orthodontic needs.

Digital imaging and other diagnostic information may be used when appropriate.

Reedley Family Dental provides digital X-rays that can help evaluate teeth, roots, bone, and other structures as part of a comprehensive dental examination.

3. Custom Clear Aligners

Your aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth according to the treatment plan.

Each stage of treatment is planned to produce specific tooth movements.

4. Wearing Your Aligners

Your dentist will provide instructions regarding how and when to wear your aligners and when they should be changed.

Following your treatment instructions is important for keeping treatment on track.

5. Progress Checks

Periodic dental visits allow your provider to monitor tooth movement and evaluate your oral health throughout treatment.

Treatment can be adjusted when necessary based on your progress and individual needs.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

There is no single treatment time that applies to every Invisalign patient.

The duration depends on factors such as:

The amount of tooth movement required
The complexity of your case
Your bite
How consistently you follow your aligner instructions
Your individual response to treatment
Whether additional treatment is necessary

Some cases may be relatively straightforward, while more complex cases can require a longer treatment period.

Rather than relying on a general timeline, your dentist can provide a more useful estimate after evaluating your teeth.

How Many Hours a Day Should Invisalign Aligners Be Worn?

Your dental provider will give you specific instructions for wearing your aligners.

Because Invisalign depends on consistent use to move teeth according to the treatment plan, following those instructions is an important part of treatment.

Patients should also remove their aligners when instructed, including when eating or performing oral hygiene.

Always follow the specific recommendations provided by your dental team rather than relying on a general schedule.

Eating and Drinking With Invisalign

One advantage of removable aligners is that they can be taken out when eating.

After eating, brushing and cleaning your teeth before replacing the aligners can help maintain good oral hygiene.

Water is generally the simplest choice while wearing aligners. Follow your provider’s instructions regarding beverages and aligner care.

Invisalign and Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is particularly important during orthodontic treatment.

Food particles and plaque can contribute to tooth decay, gum inflammation, and other oral health problems.

A good daily routine should include:

Brushing your teeth regularly
Cleaning between your teeth
Cleaning your aligners according to your provider’s instructions
Maintaining regular dental examinations
Scheduling professional cleanings as recommended

Our dental hygiene services can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums during and after orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Both Invisalign and traditional braces can be used to address certain orthodontic problems, but they work differently.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses removable clear aligners.

Potential advantages include:

Clear appearance
Removable design
Easier access to teeth for brushing and flossing
No traditional brackets and wires

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled forces to the teeth.

They may be appropriate for a broader range of orthodontic situations depending on the patient’s specific needs.

You can learn more about traditional braces in Reedley, CA before deciding which questions to discuss with your dental provider.

Neither treatment is automatically right for every patient. The appropriate option depends on your teeth, bite, oral health, treatment goals, and the complexity of the required tooth movements.

Invisalign and Teeth Whitening

Some patients who are interested in straightening their teeth are also interested in improving the color of their smile.

Orthodontic treatment and cosmetic whitening address different concerns.

Invisalign is designed to address tooth alignment, while professional teeth whitening focuses on certain types of tooth discoloration.

If you are considering both treatments, discuss the appropriate timing with your dental team.

Invisalign and Dental Crowns

Patients with existing dental restorations may still be interested in orthodontic treatment, but treatment planning can be different when crowns or other restorations are present.

If you have damaged or weakened teeth, your dentist may also discuss dental crowns as a restorative option.

Your provider can evaluate your existing restorations and determine how they may affect orthodontic treatment.

Can Invisalign Fix Every Orthodontic Problem?

No orthodontic treatment is appropriate for every patient or every type of tooth movement.

Invisalign can address many common alignment concerns, but some cases may require another orthodontic approach.

The best way to determine whether Invisalign may work for you is to have your teeth and bite evaluated by a dental professional.

If Invisalign is not appropriate for your specific situation, traditional braces or another treatment approach may be discussed.

Caring for Your Teeth After Invisalign

After orthodontic treatment, your teeth can continue to move over time.

Your dentist may recommend a retainer or another method of maintaining your results.

Continued oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are also important after orthodontic treatment.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums helps protect your smile long after your Invisalign treatment is completed.

Why Choose Reedley Family Dental for Invisalign?

At Reedley Family Dental, Invisalign is part of a broader range of dental services available for patients in Reedley, CA.

Our office provides orthodontic, preventive, restorative, cosmetic, implant, and periodontal services.

This allows our dental team to consider your overall oral health rather than looking only at tooth alignment.

Our office also provides diagnostic technology such as digital X-rays, which can be used when appropriate for evaluating teeth and supporting structures.

Reedley Family Dental welcomes new patients and provides dental care at:

929 W Manning Ave.
Reedley, CA 93654

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Is Invisalign painful?

Some patients experience temporary pressure, tightness, or mild discomfort when beginning a new aligner. This can occur as the aligners apply pressure to move the teeth.

If you experience significant or persistent pain, contact your dental provider.

Is Invisalign suitable for adults?

Adults may be candidates for Invisalign depending on their orthodontic needs and oral health.

Age alone does not determine whether clear aligners are appropriate. A dental examination is necessary to evaluate your individual situation.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Some teenagers may be candidates for clear aligner treatment. Suitability depends on their dental development, orthodontic needs, ability to follow treatment instructions, and other factors.

Can I eat while wearing Invisalign?

Aligners are generally removed when eating. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for wearing and caring for your aligners.

How often do I need to visit the dentist during Invisalign treatment?

Follow-up appointments are scheduled according to your treatment plan so your dental provider can monitor your progress and oral health.

The exact frequency varies between patients.

Is Invisalign better than braces?

Invisalign and traditional braces are different orthodontic treatments. Neither is universally better for every patient.

Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and bite and explain which options may be appropriate for your particular needs.

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Reedley, CA

If you are considering clear aligners and want to know whether Invisalign may be appropriate for your smile, Reedley Family Dental can evaluate your teeth and discuss your orthodontic options.

Whether you are concerned about crowded teeth, spacing, crooked teeth, or certain bite concerns, an individualized consultation can help you understand the next steps.

Reedley Family Dental
929 W Manning Ave.
Reedley, CA 93654

Phone: (559) 637-0123

Contact Reedley Family Dental to schedule an Invisalign consultation in Reedley, CA.