Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw, dull headache, or teeth that feel tender or worn down? You might be grinding your teeth in your sleep—and your smile could be paying the price.
At Riverside Dental Center, we help patients just like you protect their teeth from nighttime grinding with custom-fit nightguards in Riverside. If you're waking up with discomfort or have signs of tooth wear, a simple solution could make a big difference in your oral health and quality of sleep.
In this article, we’ll explore what nightguards are, why they're often needed, and how a custom nightguard from your trusted Riverside dentist can help you avoid costly dental damage down the road.
What Is a Nightguard?
A nightguard is a slim, comfortable mouthpiece that you wear while sleeping. It fits snugly over your teeth and acts as a protective barrier, preventing the upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other.
Nightguards—also called bite guards or occlusal splints—are especially helpful for people who suffer from bruxism, which is the medical term for chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep.
At Riverside Dental Center, we offer custom nightguards that are designed specifically for your bite. Unlike store-bought versions, our nightguards are crafted from high-quality materials and shaped using digital impressions of your teeth for maximum comfort and protection.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
There are many reasons someone might develop bruxism, including:
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Bite alignment issues
- Missing or crooked teeth
- Certain medications or stimulants like caffeine
Many people aren’t even aware they’re grinding their teeth—until symptoms start to appear or their dentist spots the telltale signs of wear.
Common Signs You Might Need a Nightguard
If you live in Riverside and are wondering whether you could benefit from a nightguard, here are some signs to look out for:
- Morning headaches or migraines
- Jaw pain, stiffness, or popping (TMJ symptoms)
- Worn-down or chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity with no clear cause
- Restless sleep or fatigue
- Soreness in the face or neck upon waking
If any of these sound familiar, a nightguard from our Riverside dental office might be exactly what you need.
How a Nightguard Helps Protect Your Smile
Here’s what a professionally made nightguard can do for you:
1. Prevent Tooth Damage
Grinding your teeth can gradually wear down the enamel and lead to chips, cracks, and even broken restorations. A nightguard absorbs this pressure and shields your teeth.
2. Relieve TMJ Pain
Nightguards reduce tension in the jaw and help align the bite correctly, offering relief from TMJ-related discomfort and inflammation.
3. Protect Your Dental Work
If you’ve invested in crowns, veneers, implants, or bridges, a nightguard helps protect that investment by preventing pressure-related damage.
4. Improve Sleep Quality
By reducing jaw tension and eliminating subconscious grinding, many patients find they sleep more soundly and wake up more refreshed.
Custom Nightguards vs. Store-Bought: Why It Matters
You may have seen generic nightguards in drugstores, but there’s a big difference between over-the-counter versions and the custom nightguards we provide here at Riverside Dental Center:
- Custom Fit: Designed from digital impressions of your unique bite
- Superior Comfort: Less bulky, easier to wear, and more durable
- Long-Lasting Materials: Our nightguards are built to last and withstand grinding forces
- Better Protection: Custom nightguards cover the right teeth in the right way for effective defense
Most people find that generic nightguards are uncomfortable or fall out during sleep. A professionally made, nightguard ensures optimal comfort and effectiveness.
What to Expect When You Get a Nightguard in Riverside
At Riverside Dental Center, getting your nightguard is easy and stress-free. Here’s how it works:
- Comprehensive Consultation
Dr. Shinali Patel will evaluate your bite, examine your teeth, and discuss any symptoms of grinding or clenching you may be experiencing. - Digital Impressions
We’ll take precise 3D scans of your teeth to create a perfectly fitted nightguard. No goopy trays needed! - Custom Fabrication
Your guard is crafted at a professional dental lab using high-quality materials tailored to your bite. - Fitting and Adjustments
Once your nightguard is ready, we’ll ensure it fits comfortably and securely, and we’ll show you how to care for it properly.
Why Riverside Residents Trust Us for Nightguards
At Riverside Dental Center, we’ve helped hundreds of local patients protect their teeth and sleep better with custom nightguards. Dr. Shinali Patel and our friendly team take a personalized approach, combining modern technology with compassionate care.
Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, worn teeth, or just suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night, we’re here to help you find relief.
Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep—Call Today
Grinding your teeth may be a nighttime habit, but it can lead to long-term consequences. If you’re searching for nightguards in Riverside, you’re in the right place.
📞 Call Riverside Dental Center today at (951) 353-8454 to schedule a consultation for a custom nightguard. Your future smile will thank you.
