Night Guards in Portland, ME
Custom-fitted protection against grinding, clenching, and the damage they cause
Stop Grinding Damage Before It Starts
Bruxism — the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep — can silently wear down enamel, fracture restorations, and contribute to chronic jaw soreness. Many patients do not realize they grind until a dentist identifies the telltale wear patterns or a partner reports the sound.
At Prosthodontics Associates, P.A. in Portland, we fabricate custom night guards from a precise impression or digital scan of your bite. Unlike store-bought boil-and-bite trays, a custom guard is designed to fit your unique dental anatomy. It distributes bite forces evenly, sits comfortably against your teeth, and stays in place throughout the night.
Because our practice includes prosthodontists who specialize in occlusion — how the upper and lower teeth come together — your night guard accounts for more than just tooth coverage. The team evaluates your bite relationship and jaw function to select the right material, thickness, and design for your needs.
- Fabricated from a precise mold or digital scan of your bite
- Thinner and more comfortable than store-bought alternatives
- Designed to protect natural teeth, crowns, veneers, and implants
- Bite evaluation by prosthodontists trained in occlusion
Getting Your Custom Night Guard
Fitted and delivered in just two short visits
Evaluation and Impressions
The dental team examines your teeth for signs of grinding, evaluates your bite, and takes a precise impression or digital scan used to fabricate your guard.
Custom Fabrication
Your night guard is made from the impression using professional-grade materials selected for durability and comfort. Material choice and thickness are based on the severity of your grinding.
Fitting and Adjustment
At your follow-up visit, the guard is tried in and adjusted for a snug, comfortable fit. The team reviews wear and care instructions so your guard lasts as long as possible.
Custom Night Guard vs. Store-Bought: Key Differences
Precise Fit
A custom guard is molded to the exact contours of your teeth and bite, so it stays in place without shifting or feeling bulky.
Even Force Distribution
Professional design spreads bite pressure across the guard rather than concentrating it on individual teeth, helping prevent fractures.
Durable Materials
Lab-grade materials resist wear from heavy grinding far longer than the soft plastics used in over-the-counter trays.
Protects Dental Work
Crowns, implants, veneers, and bridges represent a significant investment. A custom guard helps extend the life of those restorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is a custom night guard different from one I can buy at the pharmacy?
- A custom night guard is fabricated from a precise mold or digital scan of your teeth, so it fits your bite exactly. Store-bought guards use a generic shape or a boil-and-bite material that may feel bulky, shift during sleep, or fail to distribute bite forces evenly. A custom device is typically thinner, more comfortable, and more effective at protecting teeth and restorations.
- How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
- Common signs include waking with a sore jaw or headache, noticing flattened or chipped tooth edges, increased tooth sensitivity, or a partner hearing grinding sounds. Your dentist may also spot wear patterns during a routine exam. Many people grind without realizing it, which is one reason regular dental checkups are valuable.
- How long does a custom night guard last?
- With proper care, a custom night guard often lasts several years. The lifespan depends on the severity of your grinding, the material used, and how well the guard is maintained. Our team will check the condition of your guard at regular visits and recommend replacement when wear affects its protective function.
- Will a night guard be comfortable enough to sleep in?
- Most patients adjust to a custom night guard within a few nights. Because it is made from your exact bite impression, it fits snugly without the bulk of over-the-counter alternatives. If anything feels off, our team can make adjustments to improve comfort.
- Do I still need a night guard if I have crowns or implants?
- A night guard can be especially important for patients with dental restorations. Grinding places significant force on crowns, veneers, implants, and bridges — and unmanaged clenching can contribute to restoration failure over time. A custom guard helps distribute those forces and extend the life of your dental work.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Contact Prosthodontics Associates, P.A. in Portland, ME to schedule a night guard consultation. Call 207-775-6348 or request your appointment online.