Night Guards Specialist
Diane E. Casey, DDS
General Dentist & Family Dentist located in Sunnyvale, CA
Whether you’re a teeth grinder or have a child who plays contact sports, mouth guards protect against tooth damage. At her practice in Sunnyvale, California, Diane E. Casey, DDS, creates custom-made night guards and athletic mouth guards for people of all ages. Mouth guards provide a barrier between the teeth in your upper and lower jaw. They help protect against damage from bruxism, snoring, and more. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Casey, call the practice or use the online booking tool now.
Night Guards Q&A
What are night guards?
Night guards are oral appliances that you wear during sleep to protect your teeth against damage. They can also shift your jaw to prevent snoring and other sleep-related disturbances.
These custom-made devices fit over the teeth in your upper or lower arch. They act as a barrier to prevent your teeth from grinding.
As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Casey also offers snoring guards for people with sleep apnea and other sleep conditions.
In addition to night guards, Dr. Casey can make custom athletic guards, which provide protection from tooth damage during sports and exercise.
What can night guards treat?
Dr. Casey recommends custom night guards to treat a broad range of conditions, including:
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, occurs when the teeth in your upper and lower jaw rub together. For many people, it is an unconscious act. Grinding happens most often at night, when you can’t control the condition. Without treatment, bruxism can lead to tooth erosion, sensitivity, cracks and chips, and chronic pain.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes pauses in breath during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the muscles in the back of the throat don’t function properly. That causes the tissue in the back of your throat to collapse and block your airway.
Loud snoring is one of the first and most common signs of sleep apnea. Fortunately, a custom-made night guard can carefully pull the jaw forward to open your airway and reduce snoring.
What are the benefits of night guards?
A custom-made night guard conforms to the shape of your teeth for a comfortable fit. These specialty appliances have many benefits, including:
- Improved protection
- Reduced jaw pain
- Fewer headaches
- Minimized tooth erosion
- Enhanced airflow
- Reduced snoring
Custom-made night guards can even save you money in the future. By protecting your teeth now, you’re reducing your chances of needing restorative treatments, such as dental crowns, veneers, or implants, later in life.
To learn more about custom-made night guards and athletic mouth guards, call Diane E. Casey, DDS, or schedule an appointment online now.