Custom nightguards in North Raleigh
Protect teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching
A custom nightguard is made to fit your teeth and create a protective barrier during sleep. It may be recommended when grinding or clenching contributes to enamel wear, fractures, muscle fatigue, jaw discomfort, or repeated damage to dental work.
Schedule a Nightguard Evaluation
What Is a Custom Nightguard?
A nightguard is a removable oral appliance worn during sleep. Unlike an over-the-counter guard, a custom appliance is made from an impression or digital record of your teeth and designed around your bite.
A nightguard does not eliminate every cause of grinding, clenching, headaches, or jaw pain. The evaluation matters because tooth wear and discomfort can have several causes, and some symptoms require a different form of care.
Why This Service Matters
Preventive care is most useful when it addresses a specific risk, finding, or daily need.
Limit Tooth Wear
The appliance creates a protective surface between upper and lower teeth during grinding or clenching.
Protect Dental Work
A nightguard may help reduce repeated stress on fillings, crowns, veneers, and natural tooth structure.
Improve Awareness
An evaluation can connect wear patterns and symptoms with practical habits, monitoring, and coordinated care when needed.
How We Provide This Service
We explain each step and adapt the visit to the person receiving care.
1) Evaluate Teeth, Muscles, and Bite
Dr. Scanlan reviews wear, fractures, tenderness, existing dental work, and the way your teeth come together.
2) Take a Physical Impression
A physical impression records the shape of your teeth so the custom nightguard can be made for your mouth.
3) Fabricate the Guard
A dental laboratory or appliance system produces the nightguard according to the prescribed design.
4) Fit and Review Care
We check comfort and retention, then explain wear, cleaning, storage, and follow-up.
What to Expect as You Adjust
A new nightguard can feel noticeable during the first several nights. Consistent wear usually makes adaptation easier. The appliance should remain secure without causing sharp pressure or changing your bite after removal.
Bring the guard to future dental visits so we can inspect its fit and wear. Contact us sooner if it cracks, becomes loose, causes pain, or no longer seats completely.
Protecting the Result
The best next steps are practical, specific, and sustainable.
Clean It Daily
Rinse after use and clean it with the method recommended for the appliance material.
Store It Dry and Protected
Use a ventilated case and keep the guard away from heat, pets, and accidental damage.
Bring It to Checkups
Changes in teeth, restorations, and the appliance itself can affect fit over time.
Related Care
Use these pages to understand the services and guidance that connect with this visit.
Comprehensive Dental Exams
Explore Comprehensive Dental Exams →Dental Crowns
Explore Dental Crowns →Preventive Dentistry
Explore Preventive Dentistry →Frequently Asked Questions
Open any question for a direct answer about custom nightguards.
How do I know whether I grind my teeth?
Wear, small fractures, morning muscle fatigue, jaw tenderness, and damage to dental work can be clues, although an evaluation is needed to interpret them.
Will a nightguard stop grinding?
Its main purpose is to protect the teeth and distribute forces. It may not eliminate the underlying habit. Our guide to sore teeth without a cavity explains why discomfort still deserves an evaluation.
Why choose a custom nightguard?
A custom appliance is designed from your teeth and bite, which generally improves fit, retention, comfort, and durability. See how fit and bite adjustments differ in our comparison of custom nightguards and store-bought guards.
Can a nightguard help jaw pain?
It may help selected patients, but jaw pain has multiple causes. Dr. Scanlan evaluates your symptoms before recommending an appliance.
How long does a nightguard last?
Lifespan depends on grinding force, material, care, fit, and changes in your teeth. Heavy wear may require earlier replacement.
How should I clean my nightguard?
Rinse it after use and follow the cleaning instructions provided. Avoid hot water, which can distort some materials.
Can I wear it if I have crowns or implants?
Often, yes. The design must account for existing dental work and should be checked for a stable fit.
What if my guard feels tight?
Mild initial awareness can be normal, but sharp pressure, pain, incomplete seating, or a persistent bite change should be evaluated.
Should I bring the guard to dental visits?
Yes. We can inspect the appliance, monitor wear, and confirm that it still fits correctly.
Can I use a sports mouthguard at night?
Sports guards and nightguards are designed for different forces and purposes. Use the appliance prescribed for the intended activity.
A Clearer Preventive Plan
A nightguard should be recommended only after the wear pattern, symptoms, and bite have been evaluated. We will explain what the appliance can protect and what it cannot resolve by itself.
Schedule a Nightguard EvaluationLet’s Plan Your Visit
Tell us a little about the visit you need. Our care team will answer your questions and help you schedule with Dr. Scanlan. If a tooth is hurting or your concern is urgent, please call the office.