At Smyrna Dental Studio, we offer high-quality, custom-fit night guards and athletic sports guards designed to preserve your natural teeth and dental restorations. Whether you are suffering from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) or need superior protection on the playing field, our Smyrna, GA team provides comfortable, durable oral appliances tailored specifically to your unique bite.
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Professional Protection for Your Smile
Your teeth face threats beyond just cavities and gum disease. Physical trauma from sports and the intense pressure of grinding your teeth at night can lead to catastrophic dental damage. While over-the-counter "boil-and-bite" options exist, they often offer poor fit, limited protection, and discomfort. Professional, custom-fabricated guards are the gold standard for oral protection.
Custom Night Guards for Bruxism: Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, typically occurring during sleep. Over time, this massive force wears down enamel, cracks teeth, damages existing dental work (like veneers or crowns), and strains the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Our custom night guards are made from medical-grade materials that act as a protective barrier, absorbing the force of grinding and allowing your jaw muscles to relax, preventing morning headaches and jaw pain.
Custom Athletic Sports Guards: For athletes in Smyrna participating in contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, or martial arts, a custom sports guard is essential equipment. Unlike generic store-bought guards, our custom appliances stay securely in place during impact. They are designed not only to prevent chipped or knocked-out teeth but also to protect the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks and minimize the shock of blows to the chin.
Benefits of Choosing a Custom-Fit Guard
Investing in a professional oral appliance offers significant advantages over generic drugstore alternatives:
Superior Comfort & Fit: Because the guard is made from a precise mold of your teeth, it stays in place without slipping and is much less bulky, making it easier to breathe and sleep.
Prevention of Costly Damage: A guard is a small investment compared to the cost of repairing broken teeth, performing root canals, or replacing veneers damaged by grinding or trauma.
TMJ Pain Relief: By cushioning the bite, night guards reduce the strain on the jaw joint, alleviating chronic jaw pain, facial soreness, and tension headaches.
Long-Term Durability: Professional guards are crafted from high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand heavy chewing forces and impacts for years.
Improved Athletic Performance: Custom sports guards allow for better oxygen intake and clear communication with teammates, as you don’t have to clench to keep them in your mouth.
Our Process: Getting Your Custom Guard
We make the process of protecting your smile simple, quick, and non-invasive.
Consultation & Exam
We examine your teeth and discuss your symptoms (for grinding) or your athletic needs to determine the best type of material and design for your guard.
Digital Impressions
We take precise digital scans or physical impressions of your upper and lower teeth. This ensures an exact replica of your bite for the lab.
Custom Fabrication
Your impressions are sent to a specialized dental laboratory where technicians craft your guard to our exact specifications.
Fitting & Adjustment
Once your guard is ready, you will return to our Smyrna office. We check the fit to ensure it is comfortable and make any minor adjustments to your bite balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can’t I just use a store-bought night guard?
Store-bought guards are "one-size-fits-all" or "boil-and-bite." They are often bulky, uncomfortable, and can fall out during sleep. More importantly, a poorly fitted guard can actually shift your teeth or worsen TMJ issues by causing you to chew on the soft plastic unconsciously. Custom guards provide medical-grade protection and stability.
2. How do I know if I need a night guard?
Because bruxism happens during sleep, you might not know you do it. Common signs include waking up with a sore jaw or headache, increased tooth sensitivity, flattened or worn-down teeth, or a partner telling you that they hear you grinding at night.
3. Can I use my sports guard as a night guard?
No. Sports guards and night guards are designed for different purposes. Sports guards are thicker and softer to absorb sudden impact, while night guards are made of denser, thinner material designed to withstand long-term grinding pressure. Wearing a sports guard at night can be uncomfortable and may encourage chewing behavior due to the texture.
4. How long do custom guards last?
With proper care, a custom night guard can last several years, depending on the severity of your grinding. Sports guards should be checked annually, as wear and tear (or a child’s growing mouth) may require a replacement to ensure safety.
5. How do I clean my custom guard?
You should rinse your guard with cool water after every use and brush it gently with a toothbrush (without abrasive toothpaste). Store it in its ventilated case to keep it dry and clean. We will provide detailed care instructions during your fitting.
Protect Your Smile Today
Don't wait for a broken tooth or chronic jaw pain to disrupt your life. Whether you need protection on the field or a solution for teeth grinding, Smyrna Dental Studio is here to help.
Contact us today or book online to schedule your consultation for a custom night guard or sports guard in Smyrna, GA.