Dental nightguards are custom-made oral appliances designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by nighttime grinding (bruxism), clenching, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Unlike over-the-counter options, professional nightguards are precisely crafted from durable materials to fit your unique dental anatomy, providing superior protection and comfort while addressing your specific oral health needs.
At Alta Dental Group, our custom nightguards are fabricated using advanced digital technology and premium materials to ensure optimal fit, function, and longevity. We begin with detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth, allowing for the creation of an appliance that distributes pressure evenly, stays securely in place throughout the night, and provides the appropriate thickness and coverage for your particular condition.
These specialized guards serve multiple purposes—they protect tooth enamel from wear, reduce pressure on jaw joints, help relax tense muscles, and create a physical barrier between upper and lower teeth to prevent damage. For many patients, a properly designed nightguard not only protects dental structures but also reduces headaches, facial pain, and other symptoms associated with nighttime grinding and clenching.
At Alta Dental Group, our custom nightguard services are provided by our experienced restorative dentists with specialized knowledge in occlusion (bite relationships) and temporomandibular disorders. Dr. Rashad Altawaty brings comprehensive expertise in diagnosing the underlying causes of bruxism and TMJ issues, allowing for creation of nightguards that address not just symptoms but contributing factors. His detailed understanding of jaw mechanics and dental materials ensures appliances that provide optimal protection and therapeutic benefits.
Dr. Omar Bajwa complements this expertise with his focus on creating comfortable, minimally invasive solutions for patients suffering from grinding, clenching, and jaw pain. Together, they evaluate each case to determine the most appropriate nightguard design based on your specific symptoms, oral habits, and anatomical considerations.
Our nightguard fabrication process benefits from our in-house dental laboratory capabilities, allowing for exceptional quality control throughout the process. This integrated approach ensures your appliance meets our exacting standards for fit, comfort, and durability without the communication challenges often experienced when outsourcing to external labs.
Our team’s commitment to ongoing education in the rapidly evolving field of dental sleep medicine and TMJ disorders means your treatment incorporates the latest advancements in nightguard design and materials. From initial evaluation through delivery and follow-up adjustments, our specialists provide comprehensive care focused on both protection and symptom relief.
Your custom nightguard journey at Alta Dental Group begins with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation. During this initial visit, our team examines your teeth for signs of wear or damage, evaluates your jaw joint function, and discusses any symptoms you may be experiencing such as headaches, jaw pain, or disrupted sleep. We may take diagnostic images to assess your jaw joint and supporting structures if TMJ issues are suspected. This thorough assessment allows us to identify the specific type of grinding or clenching pattern you exhibit and determine the most appropriate nightguard design for your unique situation.
The fabrication process starts with creating precise records of your teeth and bite relationship. Depending on your specific needs, we may utilize digital scanning technology or traditional impressions to capture the exact contours of your dental arches. For patients with TMJ disorders requiring a repositioning appliance, additional measurements of your optimal jaw position may be recorded. These detailed records ensure your completed nightguard will fit perfectly and address your specific needs.
Your custom nightguard is then fabricated using premium materials selected specifically for your situation. For standard bruxism protection, we typically use durable acrylic or laminate materials that provide excellent durability while remaining comfortable. For TMJ splints, specialized materials and designs create the therapeutic positioning necessary for joint relief. Sports guards utilize impact-resistant materials with appropriate thickness for your specific activity’s risk level. Our in-house capabilities and partnership with premier dental laboratories ensure exceptional quality control throughout the fabrication process.
The delivery appointment involves ensuring your nightguard fits perfectly and functions as designed. We carefully check the fit against your teeth, verify comfort along the gum tissues, and make any necessary adjustments to the occlusal (biting) surface. For TMJ appliances, we verify the therapeutic jaw position is achieved correctly. Detailed instructions for care, cleaning, and proper use are provided, and we answer any questions you may have about incorporating the nightguard into your nightly routine.
Follow-up care includes a check appointment a few weeks after delivery to verify comfort, assess any changes in symptoms, and make minor adjustments if needed. For patients with significant TMJ issues, a series of adjustment appointments may be scheduled to gradually optimize the therapeutic effects of your appliance. We recommend annual evaluations of your nightguard to check for wear and ensure it continues to fit properly as your dental condition naturally changes over time.
Teeth grinding and clenching can cause significant damage to your smile and create uncomfortable symptoms that affect your quality of life. At Alta Dental Group in Irvine, our custom nightguard solutions provide exceptional protection with the comfort and precision that only professionally-designed appliances can offer.
Our comprehensive approach—from detailed diagnosis through expert fabrication and careful follow-up—ensures your nightguard addresses your specific needs while providing maximum comfort for consistent use. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism, seeking relief from TMJ pain, or protecting your smile during athletic activities, our specialized guards offer superior results compared to one-size-fits-all alternatives.
Don’t wait until permanent damage has occurred to your teeth and jaw joints. Contact Alta Dental Group today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your smile and relieving the symptoms associated with teeth grinding and clenching.
Address
2500 Alton Parkway Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92606, US
Business Hours
Monday - Sunday Appointments only
Please call our office (1-619-216-2807) or email us for appointments (CV@altadentalgroup.com) with your contact info: name, phone, email
