Nightguards

Holmes Dental is your trusted provider of nightguards in Fort Collins, CO. We understand the impact that teeth grinding and clenching can have on your oral health and overall well-being. Our experienced team is committed to helping you achieve restful nights and maintaining healthy smiles with our high-quality nightguards.

Understanding Nightguards

Nightguards play a crucial role in addressing teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. These custom dental appliances are designed to be worn during sleep to protect your teeth and alleviate the symptoms associated with bruxism. Teeth grinding and clenching can occur due to various factors, such as stress, anxiety, and malocclusion. Nightguards act as a cushioning barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. This helps reduce the risk of enamel damage, tooth fractures, and related dental issues.

Benefits of Nightguards

Using nightguards offers several advantages that contribute to your oral health and well-being:

• Protection from teeth grinding and clenching: Nightguards provide a cushioning barrier that absorbs the forces generated during teeth grinding and clenching. By preventing direct contact between the upper and lower teeth, they significantly reduce the risk of enamel wear, chipping, and fractures.
• Pain relief and relaxation: Bruxism often leads to jaw pain, headaches, and facial muscle tension. Nightguards help alleviate these symptoms by redistributing the forces exerted on your jaw and providing a more relaxed jaw position. As a result, you can wake up feeling refreshed and free of discomfort.
• Preservation of dental work: If you have dental restorations like crowns or bridges, nightguards are essential for protecting these investments. They act as a barrier, reducing the force and impact of grinding and clenching on your dental work, ensuring their longevity.

Types of Nightguards

When it comes to nightguards, there are typically two options to choose from. 

• Standard nightguards: Standard nightguards are prefabricated and offer a basic level of protection. They are typically made of soft or semi-soft materials and come in various sizes to fit different mouth shapes. While these nightguards provide some level of comfort and protection, they may not offer the same level of precision and customization as custom-fitted nightguards.
• Custom-fitted nightguards: Custom-fitted nightguards are individually crafted to provide optimal fit and comfort. Our skilled dental team will take impressions of your teeth to create a mold that accurately reflects your dental anatomy. Using this mold, our technicians will fabricate a nightguard specifically tailored to your bite. Custom-fitted nightguards offer superior comfort, maximum protection, and ease of use.

The Nightguard Fitting Process

Obtaining a custom-fitted nightguard involves the following steps:

• Initial consultation: Schedule an appointment at Holmes Dental for a thorough evaluation of your teeth and bite. Our dental team will assess your needs and discuss the most suitable nightguard option for you.
• Impression taking: During the appointment, we will take impressions of your teeth using a safe and non-invasive process. These impressions will serve as the basis for creating a custom mold of your dental anatomy.
• Custom fabrication: Using the mold, our skilled technicians will fabricate a custom-fitted nightguard that provides a precise fit, optimal comfort, and maximum protection. We use high-quality materials to ensure durability and effectiveness.
• Fitting and adjustments: During a follow-up appointment, we will ensure that the nightguard fits properly and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and effectiveness. Our goal is to provide you with a nightguard that feels comfortable and functions effectively.

Caring for Nightguards

Proper care and maintenance of your nightguard are crucial for its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Cleaning: After each use, rinse your nightguard with water to remove saliva and debris. Regularly clean it with mild soap and a soft toothbrush to remove any bacteria buildup. Avoid using hot water, as it can distort the nightguard’s shape.
• Storage: When not in use, store your nightguard in a protective case to prevent damage or contamination. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Regular inspection: Inspect your nightguard regularly for signs of wear, such as cracks or deterioration. If you notice any damage or significant wear, contact Holmes Dental for a replacement.

Schedule an Appointment

At Holmes Dental, we prioritize your oral health and overall well-being. Our nightguards offer effective protection against teeth grinding and clenching, ensuring restful nights and maintaining healthy smiles. With our expertise and commitment to personalized care, we will provide you with a nightguard that fits perfectly and meets your specific needs. Don’t let teeth grinding and clenching compromise your dental health and quality of sleep. Call (970) 221-2499 to schedule your appointment now!