Night guards · Lewes, DE
Occlusal guards, a shell for your teeth.
Many people grind or clench their teeth in their sleep without knowing it. A custom night guard is an easy, non-invasive way to stop the wear and damage it causes.
Custom-made in our office ·Get directions
You may grind your teeth if you
Notice any of these, especially in the morning.
- Wake up with jaw pain
- Get morning headaches
- Have earaches with no infection
- Catch yourself clenching
- See flat or worn-down teeth
- Have new tooth sensitivity
Not sure? We can spot signs of grinding at your next checkup.
Choosing a night guard
Not every guard is made equal.
A good night guard should be tear-resistant, comfortable, well fitted, easy to clean and shouldn’t get in the way of breathing.
- Store-bought
Pre-made
Sold in stores in standard sizes. Inexpensive, but bulky, loose and rarely comfortable enough to wear all night.
- Store-bought
Boil-and-bite
Softened in hot water and bitten into for a rough fit. Better than pre-made, but thick and quick to wear through.
- Our office
Custom-made
Made from impressions of your teeth in soft material that fits your top or bottom arch exactly and keeps teeth from touching.
Occlusal disease
Worn teeth aren’t just “getting older.”
Occlusal disease comes from a misaligned bite between your upper and lower teeth. Many people dismiss the wear as natural aging, but it can be treated before it damages your teeth, gums, bone and jaw.
Left untreated, grinding can lead to broken or cracked teeth, damaged restorations or even tooth loss.
- Enamel wear
- Tooth cracking or breakage
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Loss of bone support
- Muscle pain
- TMJ symptoms
- Damaged fillings or crowns
Getting your guard
Fitted once, protecting every night.
A custom night guard takes just a couple of short visits.
What causes grinding?
Stress, sleep problems, an abnormal bite and crooked or missing teeth may all contribute.
Checking your bite
We look for signs of grinding and occlusal disease, like worn enamel, cracks and gum recession.
Impressions of your teeth
We take impressions so your guard is made to fit your teeth exactly.
Fitting your guard
We make sure it fits snugly, feels comfortable and lets you breathe easily, then show you how to care for it.
Related care
Care for your bite and jaw.
TMJ / TMD treatment
Relief for jaw pain, clicking and headaches.
Mouthguards
Custom sports guards for athletes of all ages.
Dental crowns
Restore teeth that have cracked from grinding.
Prosthodontics
Full treatment for advanced occlusal disease.
Sleep apnea therapy
Oral appliances for better breathing at night.
Common questions
Occlusal guards FAQ
Have another question about night guards? Call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- What is bruxism?
- Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, often while you sleep. Many people don’t know they do it until they notice jaw pain, headaches or worn teeth.
- What causes teeth grinding?
- The exact causes aren’t fully known, but stress at home, school or work, sleep problems, an abnormal bite and crooked or missing teeth may all play a role.
- What is occlusal disease?
- It’s caused by a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth. If untreated, it can damage your teeth, gums, supporting bone, jaw joints and chewing muscles.
- How does a night guard help?
- It fits over your top or bottom teeth and keeps them from touching the opposing teeth, preventing the wear and damage grinding causes over time.
- Why choose a custom guard over a store-bought one?
- A custom guard is made just for your teeth, so it’s more comfortable, more durable, easier to keep clean and won’t interfere with your breathing.
- Is a night guard the same as a sports mouthguard?
- No. Night guards are made for grinding during sleep. Sports mouthguards are thicker and designed to absorb impact during play.
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Kind words from our patients
I know most people hate the dentist but I love it! And it especially helps having such a great dental team that I know I can trust. I love leaving with my teeth feeling clean and well cared for. Dr. Bryan and his assistants (both Jess and Aliya) are so kind and caring.
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My experience with Dr. Labin has been nothing but positive! I have been going to him for years and he is very gentle, making sure his patients are comfortable before he starts any procedure. The staff, from the office staff to the dental hygienists, are all professional and go above and beyond.
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Waking up with a sore jaw?
Call our team at Carpenter’s Crossing in Lewes. We’ll check for grinding and fit you for a custom guard.
Visit us
We look forward to meeting you.
Always accepting new patients from Lewes and the surrounding communities. We’ll work with you to schedule appointments that fit your life.
Dental emergency?
Don’t wait for it to get better on its own. Call us right away and we’ll fit you in.
- Address
- 34359 Carpenter’s Way
Lewes, DE 19958 - Office hours
Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed