Dan Holmes, DDS
Nicole Holmes, DDS
Our Team
Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or sensitive teeth without knowing why? You’re not alone. These are common symptoms of teeth grinding, or bruxism, a condition many people don’t even realize they have. Left untreated, bruxism can wear down your tooth enamel, stress your jaw joints, and even lead to cracked or broken teeth.
At Holmes Dental, we help patients protect their smiles with custom night guards. A comfortable, effective solution designed specifically for your mouth. These guards are precision-made to cushion your bite, reduce tension, and safeguard your dental health long-term.
Let’s take a closer look at why custom night guards matter, how they’re made, and what you can expect from wearing one.
What Are Custom Night Guards?
Custom night guards are durable, lightweight oral appliances that you wear while sleeping. Unlike store-bought versions, these guards are made specifically for your mouth using dental impressions taken in our office. That ensures a snug fit, maximum comfort, and optimal protection against grinding and clenching.
Whether you’re dealing with bruxism symptoms like a sore jaw, chipped teeth, or poor sleep, a custom-fit night guard offers a simple, non-invasive way to preserve your overall health and smile.
Why Teeth Grinding and Clenching Cause Problems
Grinding (bruxism) and clenching your nighttime teeth are more than just a nuisance—they can have serious consequences if left untreated. Many patients aren’t aware of the issue until they experience:
- Flattened or fractured teeth
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Disrupted sleep
The pressure from grinding—especially over time—can damage even healthy teeth and strain your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), leading to discomfort, inflammation, and bite issues.
How Custom Night Guards Help
A well-made dental night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This cushion absorbs the force of clenching and grinding, relieving pressure on your jaw muscles and joints.
Here’s how a custom night guard supports your long-term dental health:
1. Prevents Tooth Wear and Fracture
Even minor, repeated grinding can weaken enamel and cause severe teeth damage over time. A night guard helps protect your teeth from excessive force and premature wear.
2. Relieves Jaw Tension and Pain
By stabilizing your bite and limiting muscle activity, custom guards help reduce jaw pain, tension, and the frequency of TMJ-related headaches.
3. Improves Sleep Quality
Patients often find they sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed once they start wearing their perfect night guard consistently.
4. Preserves Your Bite and Smile
A good impression ensures the night guard maintains the alignment of your bite, avoiding complications from a shifting or abnormal bite.
Why Custom Guards Are Better Than Store-Bought
While generic mouth guards from the drugstore may be easy to access, they rarely offer the comfortable fit, precision, and durability needed for consistent use.
We create your night guard in a professional dental lab using a mold of your teeth to ensure a precise fit. We even offer free adjustments to fine-tune the guard for comfort. It’s a personalized approach designed for protection, not just convenience.
Our night guards are also crafted using high-quality materials that last, whether you choose a soft night guard, a hybrid night guard, or a more durable pro teeth guard. You’ll receive a protective travel case to store your appliance safely, and we’ll walk you through cleaning and care tips to keep it in excellent condition.
The Process: What to Expect at Holmes Dental
Getting a custom night guard is a simple, stress-free process
Step 1: Consultation
We’ll start by asking about your symptoms and evaluating any signs of bruxism. Whether this is your first time addressing the issue or you’ve tried other solutions, we’ll help you understand your options.
Step 2: Dental Impressions
Using advanced technology, we’ll take an accurate impression of your teeth to send to a trusted dental lab. That ensures your guard is built to your exact bite and jaw shape.
Step 3: Fitting and Adjustments
Once your custom night guard is ready (typically in a few business days), we’ll check the fit, make any needed tweaks, and send you home with your perfect fit appliance. If anything feels off later, we’ll be happy to make free adjustments.
Investing in Long-Term Protection
Choosing a custom night guard is about more than protecting your teeth, it’s about protecting your comfort, confidence, and health for the long run. Just like regular dental hygiene exams, this simple step can prevent more extensive (and expensive) treatments down the road.
And because we know every patient’s needs are unique, we’ll help you choose the best mouthguard for your level of grinding, jaw alignment, and bite pattern. Our team has years of experience helping patients in Fort Collins manage bruxism symptoms with the right tools and care.
A Comfortable, Personalized Approach to Nighttime Protection
At Holmes Dental, we combine compassionate care with modern tools to make sure you feel informed and supported. We understand that dealing with grinding or TMJ issues can be frustrating, but you don’t have to live with pain or worry about damaging your smile.
With a custom night guard, you can enjoy the comfort of home, uninterrupted sleep, and the confidence that your smile is protected.
Let’s Find Your Best Fit
If you’re dealing with jaw pain, chipped enamel, or other symptoms of teeth grinding, we’re here to help. Reach out to our Fort Collins dental office to schedule a consultation today.
Contact Holmes Dental to learn more about how a custom night guard can protect your smile and relieve your discomfort. Let’s find the best fit for you!
