Nightguards – Bothell, WA

Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

older woman smiling after getting nightguard in Bothell

Millions of adults suffer from nighttime teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism. While it may sound trivial, untreated bruxism could lead to serious health issues like jaw pain, chronic headaches, and damage to your smile. Here at Annigan Dental, we strive to protect your teeth whenever we can, which is why we offer custom-made nightguards to treat bruxism. To learn more about how you could benefit from wearing a personalized nightguard in Bothell, contact us today!

What Is Bruxism?

clear nightguard next to its blue case Bruxism is characterized by teeth grinding and/or jaw clenching. While most cases occur at night, it can also happen while you’re wide awake during the day. Nighttime grinding can be dangerous because, unless your bed partner notices that it’s happening, you may not even be aware that it’s going on. Your teeth could eventually become worn-down or even fractured if bruxism isn’t treated in a timely manner.

Common symptoms of bruxism include:

Chipped or cracked enamel
Flattened teeth
Dental sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
Tight or sore jaw muscles
Pain in your face, jaw, head, or neck
Headache that begins in the temples
Disrupted sleep

How We Treat Bruxism with Nightguards

older man sleeping peacefully If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment with Dr. Henry Hsue, your dentist in Bothell, right away. After examining your mouth, he will take impressions of your teeth and send the data off to a partnered dental lab. You’ll return to our office once the nightguard is ready, usually in just two or three weeks.

Your nightguard will be made out of a thin, clear plastic that is comfortable yet durable. Our team will ensure the nightguard fits as it should before sending you home to enjoy safe and restful sleep again.

Benefits of Using a Custom-Made Nightguard

woman smiling and giving thumbs up in dental chair When deciding how to treat your bruxism, it’s worth mentioning that not all nightguards are created equal. Over-the-counter options may seem like they can do the trick for cheap, but that’s not the case. Personalized nightguards made in our office are designed from impressions of your smile, so they can more effectively protect your smile from the force and pressure of teeth grinding. Additionally, store-bought solutions typically last a few months at most. By contrast, ours can last for several years if properly cared for.

Of course, the more significant benefit of using a nightguard is that you’ll be safeguarding your smile for quite some time. Bruxism places unnecessary stress on your teeth, jaw, and other facial structures. With our professional, long-lasting treatment, you can rest easy and smile confidently for years to come.