Night Guards Brownsville, TX
Night guards prevent your teeth from clenching and grinding in your sleep. This condition is known as sleep bruxism, and it affects millions of people every day. It can also help protect against temporomandibular joint disorders. Night guards can help prevent irreversible tooth damage.
Night guards are available at Valley Dental in Brownsville and the surrounding area. Protect your teeth even in your sleep. Call us today at (956) 525-4391 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Night Guards vs. Mouth Guards
Though night guards and mouth guards both serve similar purposes, each still have several distinct purposes and reasons for use. Mouth guards protect the teeth during physical activity (e.g., sports), usually during the day. As such, they are usually recommended for athletes and otherwise active patients.
In contrast, night guards protect the teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep. This condition is also known as sleep bruxism, and can cause severe damage to the teeth. If left untreated, it can even lead to loss of tooth structure, gum recession, and facial changes. Fortunately, night guards can help.
It is essential for patients to wear both forms of this appliance regularly and as directed. Otherwise, they run the risk of unnecessary orofacial trauma and damage to the teeth. Most patients with night guards must wear them nightly. Patients with braces may also benefit from mouth guards for sports or night guards during sleep.
“…night guards are designed to protect the teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep.”
Night Guards as a Dental Treatment
Bruxism
Bruxism is a common condition that affects up to 10% of Americans. People with bruxism unconsciously grind their teeth or clench their jaw. Often, this tooth-grinding occurs during the night. As a result, many people with bruxism are unaware that they have the condition.
Over time, bruxism can lead to serious dental problems. Night guards help protect the teeth by easing pressure in the jaw. These devices also guard the teeth against chips and uneven wear patterns that often result from jaw clenching.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull. Nighttime grinding or clenching often lead to TMJ disorders, including stubborn headaches and neck pain. Night guards are a simple method for preventing or treating TMJ problems.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea develops when patients stop breathing for brief periods during the night. Airflow may become blocked due to the placement of the jaw and tongue. Night guards can align the jaw, relieving some sleep apnea symptoms and preventing life-threatening health complications.
“Night guards help protect your teeth by easing pressure in the jaw.”
Benefits of Night Guards
Night guards prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact with each other, thus ensuring that no unnecessary tooth damage can take place. As such, patients no longer have to worry about contributing to enamel erosion or gum recession in their sleep — the former of which leads to permanent damage.
Night guards also reduce jaw tension, pain, and headaches. Jaw joints that are incorrectly aligned can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMJ disorder. Night guards help the jaw relax and guide the joint into place. Headaches and pain are also side effects of clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth.
“Night guards help the jaw relax and guide the joint into place.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Night Guards in Brownsville, TX
Types of Night Guards
Many patients are intimidated by the prospect of wearing a night guard because they mistakenly believe it will look clunky and unnatural. However, today's night guards consist of translucent acrylic, making them virtually invisible.
According to the American Sleep Association, there are three basic types of night guards: soft night guards, dual laminate night guards, and hard night guards. Soft night guards are the most frequently used type of night guard for mild or occasional bruxism. It offers the most comfortable fit, and it is the easiest to get used to.
Dual laminate night guards are designed for patients with moderate to severe bruxism. They offer the "best of both worlds" — soft on the inside and hard on the outside. As such, they can endure heavy clenching and grinding.
Finally, hard night guards are suitable for even the most severe cases of teeth grinding and TMJ disorder. These night guards prevent the teeth from shifting. All these night guards are best ordered directly through a dentist for the most accurate fit.
“…today’s night guards comprise translucent acrylic, making them virtually invisible.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What conditions do night guards treat?
Q. How do I take care of my night guard?
Q. What is the difference between mouth guards and night guards?
Q. What are the benefits of night guards?
Q. What are the different types of night guards?
People Also Ask
Q. Who is a good candidate for a mouth guard?
Q. What sorts of trauma can necessitate tooth extraction?
Q. What are some differences between dental providers?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Caring for Your Night Guard
Taking care of one's teeth allows the night guard to provide optimal protection. Patients should make sure to brush and floss before inserting the device. They should also take care to clean it before and after each use.
Begin by rinsing the night guard with clean water. Then brush the device using your toothbrush and toothpaste. Once the night guard is in place, patients should not consume anything except plain water. They should also try not to expose the night guard to heat, either. Hot water or direct sunlight can warp the material.
Contact our team if the device gets lost or becomes damaged. Using a damaged or poorly fitted device can risk your oral health. We can arrange for a replacement night guard.
“Patients should make sure to brush and floss before inserting the device.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to wear a night guard on both the upper and lower teeth?
A. No. Many patients choose to wear a night guard only on the upper teeth. Valley Dental can help you determine which is the best fit for you during a one-on-one consultation.
Q. How long will my night guard last?
A. The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Night guards can typically last anywhere from six months to a few years. Patients with minor teeth grinding can typically expect their night guards to last longer.
Q. Do I need to take impressions for both the upper and lower teeth?
A. Yes. This allows us to ensure the most comfortable fit for your night guard. To best protect your teeth, we must account for how they naturally come together.
Q. Do night guards cure bruxism?
A. No. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for bruxism. However, night guards can protect the teeth against its effects.
Q. How can I tell if I have bruxism?
A. It can be difficult to tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep, especially if you live alone. However, there are some telltale signs. These include waking up with headaches, dull tension headaches, chipped or loose teeth, increased tooth pain and sensitivity, and more. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, let your dentist know immediately.
Scan here to view this page, Night Guards, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Millions of Americans struggle with tooth grinding and clenching. These problems can lead to jaw pain, tooth misalignment, and restless slumber. A customized night guard protects your teeth and helps you enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Do not let conditions like bruxism destroy your oral health. Let Valley Dental in Brownsville help you choose a night guard. Call us at 956-525-4391 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Valley Dental was established in 2004.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cameron County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Brownsville, Cameron Park, Villa Poncho, San Pedro, and Reid Hope King
- National Provider Identifier Database (1407085020). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Valley Dental on mobile
Back to top of Night Guards
Related Posts
5 Reasons To Choose A Pediatric Dentist For Your Child’s Dental Care
Children's oral health lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Pediatric dentists can promote proper oral and speech development by identifying and treating dental issues early on. Since these dental providers complete the training necessary to deliver tailored care for the needs of young patients, they are typically the best choice for children's…
Welcome To Valley Dental
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Brownsville, TX area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Childrens Dentist, Pediatric Dentist, Nitrous Oxide, Dental Fillings, Gum Disease Treatment, Dental Sealant and Kids Orthodontics.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Valley Dental on mobile