Stop Grinding Damage While You Sleep
Teeth grinding, called bruxism, often happens during sleep, so many people have no idea they do it. A partner may hear it. More often, Dr. Monika Kaceli spots the signs first at an exam: flattened edges, small chips, worn enamel or cracks in fillings.
Over months and years, that pressure can wear teeth down and damage crowns, veneers and other dental work. A night guard won't stop the habit. It takes the wear instead of your teeth.
Signs You May Be Grinding or Clenching
- Jaw soreness or tightness when you wake up
- Morning headaches, often around the temples
- Teeth that look shorter, flatter or chipped
- New sensitivity to hot or cold
- Cracked fillings or restorations
- A partner who hears grinding at night
If several of these sound familiar, mention them at your next dental exam in Norwood. Dr. Kaceli checks your bite and jaw at every exam and can tell you whether a guard would help.
What a Custom Night Guard Does
A night guard is a thin appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It keeps the teeth from grinding directly against each other.
For many patients, that brings a few benefits:
- Protects enamel from wear and chipping
- Protects crowns, bridges, veneers and fillings from excess force
- Can ease jaw pain and tension headaches related to clenching
If you have invested in crowns or veneers, Dr. Kaceli may recommend a guard to help them last.
How Your Night Guard Is Made
- EvaluationDr. Kaceli examines your teeth, bite and jaw joints and asks about symptoms like headaches or soreness.
- Impressions or digital scansWe record the exact shape of your teeth using traditional impressions or a digital scan.
- Lab fabricationYour records go to a dental lab, which makes a guard shaped to your teeth and bite.
- FittingAt your fitting, Dr. Kaceli checks that the guard seats properly and that your bite feels even. Small adjustments are made in the chair.
- Follow-upBring your guard to regular checkups so we can look for wear and make sure it still fits well.
Night Guard Care and Lifespan
A custom night guard usually lasts several years with good care. Heavy grinders may wear through one faster.
- Rinse it each morning and brush it gently
- Let it dry, then store it in its case
- Keep it away from heat and out of reach of pets
- Bring it to your cleaning visits so we can check it
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Norwood?
Dr. Kaceli considers protecting your natural teeth the most important part of her job, and a night guard is one of the simplest ways to do it. She looks at the bite as a whole, so the guard fits how your jaw actually moves.
Our Norwood office accepts most insurance and can estimate your cost before the guard is ordered. Appointments on the third Friday and third Saturday of each month make it easier to fit in the fitting visit.
