We accept all insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, Call to ask about your no-cost appointment
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We accept all insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, Call to ask about your no-cost appointment
We Speak:
Protect your smile comfortably with custom Night Guards in Chicago, IL—an effective, discreet solution designed to prevent grinding, reduce jaw discomfort, and support healthier, stress-free sleep with no disruption to your daily routine.
Waking up with jaw pain or unexplained headaches can signal a common condition called bruxism, where you grind your teeth during sleep. Night guards offer a protective solution to prevent tooth damage and relieve discomfort caused by this unconscious habit. These custom-fitted dental appliances create a cushioning barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping you protect your smile while you rest.
At Sonrisa Family Dental, our team provides custom night guards designed to fit comfortably and address the effects of teeth grinding. We understand the importance of accessible dental care for Chicago families and accept most insurance plans to ensure preventive treatments are available to everyone in our community.
Bruxism can develop from several factors that affect how your jaw functions during sleep. Stress and anxiety rank among the most common triggers, causing your muscles to tense and your teeth to grind unconsciously throughout the night.
Other contributing factors include:
Understanding these causes helps our dental team recommend the most effective treatment approach for your situation.
Custom night guards function as protective barriers that absorb the force of grinding and clenching. When you wear a properly fitted guard, it keeps your upper and lower teeth separated by a small distance, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact that causes wear and damage. This separation also reduces strain on your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint.
According to the American Dental Association, night guards help safeguard teeth from chipped or cracked surfaces, worn enamel, and loose teeth that can result from chronic grinding. Beyond tooth protection, these guards may reduce morning headaches, jaw soreness, and facial muscle tension. Many patients report improved sleep quality once they adapt to consistently wearing their night guard.
Dentists typically offer three main types of night guards based on the severity of your bruxism. Materials include:
Your dentist will recommend the appropriate material based on your grinding patterns and the extent of existing tooth wear.
Store-bought night guards may seem convenient, but custom-fitted guards from your dentist provide superior protection and comfort. A custom guard requires your dentist to take precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring the appliance fits your unique bite pattern. This personalized fit distributes pressure evenly and stays securely in place throughout the night.
Over-the-counter guards often slip during sleep, create uncomfortable pressure points, or fail to adequately protect all your teeth. Some boil-and-bite options allow minor customization, but they cannot match the precision of professionally made guards. Insurance plans frequently cover custom night guards, making them more affordable than many patients expect.
Creating your custom night guard begins with a thorough dental examination to assess your teeth grinding patterns and any existing damage. Your dentist takes detailed impressions of your upper and lower teeth using dental putty or digital scanning technology. These impressions capture every contour of your teeth and bite alignment.
A dental laboratory uses your impressions to fabricate a guard explicitly tailored to your mouth. The process typically takes one to two weeks. During a follow-up appointment, your dentist checks the fit, makes any necessary adjustments, and provides instructions for proper wear and care.
Night guards serve multiple purposes beyond preventing tooth grinding damage. Many patients with temporomandibular joint disorders find relief from jaw pain and clicking sounds when wearing properly fitted guards. The appliance helps position your jaw in a more relaxed alignment, reducing strain on the TMJ.
Some night guards may assist with certain types of sleep-disordered breathing by keeping your airway more open during sleep. If you have existing dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants, a night guard provides essential protection for these restorations. Children who grind their teeth may benefit from guards, though many outgrow the habit naturally as their jaws develop.
At Sonrisa Family Dental, our dedicated team of dental professionals is committed to providing exceptional care for every member of your family. Founded by Dr. Jason Korkus, DDS, our practice brings together experienced dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and caring support staff who share a passion for creating healthy, beautiful smiles.
Our bilingual team members fluently serve Chicago’s diverse communities in both English and Spanish, ensuring every patient feels comfortable and understood. With specialists in general dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery across our multiple locations, we provide comprehensive dental care under one trusted practice family.
We believe in building lasting relationships with our patients, taking time to understand your unique needs and goals. Our team regularly participates in continuing education to stay current with the latest dental techniques and technologies, ensuring you receive the most advanced care available.
Proper maintenance extends your night guard’s lifespan and keeps it hygienic for nightly use. Rinse your guard with warm water immediately after removing it each morning to wash away debris and saliva. Brush the guard gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste.
Store your clean guard in a ventilated case that allows air circulation and prevents bacterial growth. Never leave your guard in hot water, direct sunlight, or your car, as heat can warp the material. Bring your night guard to regular dental checkups so your dentist can inspect it for signs of wear or damage and determine when replacement becomes necessary.
Night guards provide essential protection against the damaging effects of teeth grinding, helping you preserve your natural teeth and wake up without jaw pain or headaches. Custom-fitted guards offer the best combination of comfort, durability, and adequate protection for your specific needs. Our Chicago dental practice serves diverse communities with bilingual staff members who can answer your questions in both English and Spanish.
Our team at Sonrisa Family Dental creates comfortable, protective night guards for patients throughout Chicago. We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, County Care, Meridian Illinois Medicaid, and many others. Schedule your consultation today by completing a contact form to discuss how a custom night guard can protect your teeth and improve your sleep quality.
