Mouth Guard Tumwater, WA

If you’re grinding your teeth at night, snoring loudly, or often waking up feeling tired, a custom nighttime mouthguard might be the solution you need. These symptoms can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall health, but there’s good news, relief may be simpler than you think. Our experienced team at Deschutes River Dentistry specializes in creating custom nighttime mouthguards that can help address these concerns and restore your peaceful sleep.

What Are Nighttime Mouthguards For?

Nighttime mouthguards are versatile oral appliances designed to treat several sleep-related conditions. While they may look similar to sports mouthguards, they’re specifically crafted with different materials and designs to address your unique nighttime needs. When you visit our practice, our professionals will carefully assess your situation and diagnose any conditions that could benefit from mouthguard therapy. If we determine that you’re a good candidate and you choose to move forward, we’ll take precise impressions of your mouth to create a perfectly fitted custom guard.

One of the most common conditions we treat is bruxism, or involuntary teeth grinding during sleep. This habit can stem from stress, anxiety, or other underlying factors, and it creates a harmful shearing effect on your teeth. Over time, teeth clenching and grinding wears away your protective tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage. For bruxism patients, we typically create mouthguards with a firm exterior and cushioned interior to absorb the grinding forces while protecting your teeth.

Another condition that responds well to nighttime mouthguard therapy is mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when the muscles supporting your airway relax too much during sleep, causing partial or complete blockages that interrupt your breathing. Our specially designed mouthguards for OSA work by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue, helping to keep your airway open throughout the night.

We also successfully treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) with custom mouthguards. TMD causes pain and stiffness in your jaw joint, which can be quite uncomfortable and disruptive. While TMD has various causes, a properly fitted mouthguard can provide significant relief for milder cases by optimizing your jaw position and preventing your teeth from clenching together, which reduces strain on the joint.

How Long Do They Last?

The durability of your nighttime mouthguard depends largely on the condition being treated and the severity of your symptoms. If you’re using a mouthguard for sleep apnea, you can expect it to last several years with proper care and maintenance. These appliances don’t experience the same intense wear that sports mouthguards endure.

However, if you’re someone who grinds their teeth excessively, your mouthguard will face more demanding conditions. In these cases, you might need a replacement in as little as six months to a year. This happens because even the most durable mouthguard materials will gradually thin out under constant grinding pressure. It’s important to replace your mouthguard when this occurs to ensure continued protection for your teeth.

If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions, or suspect you might be experiencing symptoms, a custom nighttime mouthguard could significantly improve your quality of life. Our knowledgeable team at Deschutes River Dentistry is here to evaluate your specific needs and determine whether mouthguard therapy is right for you. To schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better sleep, please call our office at 360-786-9354 today.