Custom Night Guards in Alpharetta, GA
Waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache is often your body's way of telling you something happened overnight. Custom night guards in Alpharetta, GA, from Smiles on Main are built from an impression of your own teeth, giving you a precise fit that can help protect your smile from grinding-related wear. For some patients, a properly fitted guard may also help ease jaw tension after an evaluation with Dr. Gessling.
Signs of Teeth Grinding
Custom night guards in Alpharetta, GA are designed for patients dealing with bruxism, the medical term for grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep. Common signs include waking up with jaw soreness or a headache near the temples, noticing teeth that look worn, flattened, or chipped, or hearing from a partner that you grind at night. Some patients also notice increased tooth sensitivity or popping in the jaw joint.
Because grinding often happens unconsciously during sleep, many patients do not realize they have the habit until Dr. Gessling points out wear patterns during an exam.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Night Guard
Anyone with visible signs of tooth wear, recurring jaw pain, or diagnosed bruxism is typically a good candidate for a custom night guard. Patients with jaw joint pain or TMJ-related discomfort may also find relief, since a properly fitted guard can reduce the pressure placed on the jaw during clenching.
Patients with certain untreated dental issues, like active decay or gum disease, may need those addressed first so the guard fits properly once it is made.
Custom Fit for Your Bite
Night guards vary in material and thickness depending on the severity of grinding and how a patient's bite is affected. Dr. Gessling will evaluate your bite and grinding pattern and recommend the right option for your needs, so the guard you receive is built for your specific situation rather than a one-size-fits-all product.
The Custom Fitting Process
Getting a custom night guard starts with an impression or scan of your teeth, which is used to fabricate a guard that matches the exact shape of your bite. Once your guard is ready, we check the fit at a follow-up visit and make any adjustments needed for comfort. Because it is built specifically for your mouth, a custom guard tends to be thinner and easier to wear consistently than an over-the-counter option.
Cost and Insurance Factors
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for custom night guards, particularly when grinding or TMJ symptoms are documented. Smiles on Main is in-network with most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and MetLife, and our team will check your benefits before fabrication begins. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for any portion not covered by insurance.
Alternatives to a Custom Night Guard
Over-the-counter guards from a pharmacy are a lower-cost option, but they are generally bulkier and less precise than a custom guard fitted to your exact bite. Some patients also explore stress management or physical therapy for jaw tension alongside a night guard, particularly when clenching is tied to daytime stress rather than sleep alone. Dr. Gessling can talk through which combination makes sense for your specific symptoms.
Why Alpharetta Patients Choose Smiles on Main
Dr. Gessling evaluates your bite and wear patterns carefully before recommending a night guard, drawing on 22 years of clinical experience to identify the right type and thickness for your needs. Our office at 342 N Main St #110 in Alpharetta serves patients across Roswell, Milton, Cumming, and Johns Creek, with walk-in visits available Monday through Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards
Common signs include jaw soreness or headaches in the morning, teeth that look worn or chipped, and a partner noticing grinding sounds at night. Dr. Gessling can also spot wear patterns during a routine exam.
A well-cared-for custom night guard typically lasts several years, depending on the severity of your grinding. We check its condition at your regular visits and let you know when replacement is a good idea.
Night guards vary in material and thickness based on the severity of grinding and your bite. Dr. Gessling evaluates your specific situation and recommends the option that fits your needs.
A properly fitted night guard can reduce pressure on the jaw joint during clenching, which may ease some TMJ-related discomfort for certain patients. A full evaluation helps determine if this is the right approach for you.
Many dental plans offer some coverage for night guards, especially with documented grinding or TMJ symptoms. Our team will verify your specific benefits before we begin.
Most patients need a few nights to adjust to wearing any night guard. Because a custom guard is molded to your exact bite, patients typically find it more comfortable and easier to get used to than an over-the-counter version.
Stop Grinding, Start Protecting Your Smile
Notice signs of grinding? Let's take a look together. Call 678-762-1613 or request an appointment online, and we will get you started on a night guard built for your bite.