Protect Your Smile with Dental Nightguards at Camelot Dental

Keeping your teeth healthy and protected is a big part of maintaining long-term comfort, function, and overall dental health. At Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, many patients come to us unaware that nighttime grinding or clenching is affecting their teeth, jaw muscles, and even their sleep. A properly fitted night guard can be one of the most effective solutions for these concerns, especially when it’s custom-made by experienced dentists.

Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, and Dr. Maria Zulliger use advanced techniques to ensure patients receive a nightguard that fits comfortably and protects the teeth from excessive force. Whether you’re already noticing jaw pain or just exploring preventive options, our team is here to help you understand your choices and protect your smile.

Why Nightguards Matter for Your Jaw and Teeth

Grinding and clenching—also known as bruxism—often happens during sleep, so many people don’t realize they’re placing intense pressure on the upper and lower teeth. This habit can strain the temporomandibular joint, wear down enamel, aggravate tooth sensitivity, and damage existing dental work such as crowns, fillings, or dental implants. Patients sometimes notice jaw tension in the morning, headaches, or discomfort when chewing, but others experience only subtle bruxism symptoms until more serious concerns appear.

A dental night guard acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. By absorbing the biting force, it reduces the impact on your enamel, jaw joints, and restorations. For many patients in Columbus, a custom night guard is the best way to prevent long-term complications, support overall oral health, and protect both natural teeth and dental restorations from further wear.

Custom Nightguards vs. Store-Bought Options

It’s common to see over-the-counter night guards available in stores, and some patients wonder whether they offer the same benefits as a custom option. The most significant advantage of a professionally made dental guard is its precision and comfort. At Camelot Dental Group, your nightguard is designed from impressions of your teeth and crafted by a professional dental lab that understands how to create a proper fit tailored to your specific needs.

Store-bought versions, even boil-and-bite types, often fail to stay in place, may irritate the gums, and rarely align well with the bite. Because they are not designed to distribute pressure evenly across the jaw, they may not protect the temporomandibular joint effectively and can sometimes worsen jaw pain. A custom night guard, especially one with a soft inner layer and a hard outer layer, reduces tension on the jaw muscles and minimizes the risk of further problems such as TMJ disorder or tooth sensitivity. Our dentists often recommend custom options for patients with moderate to severe symptoms, as the fit is essential for long-term use and comfort.

How a Custom Nightguard Protects Your Smile

A properly fitted night guard from our Columbus dental office provides several layers of protection. The material is durable yet shock-absorbent, preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact that can wear down enamel over time. This is especially important for patients who already have sensitive teeth or have invested in extensive dental work.

Nightguards help reduce strain on:

Jaw joints: Cushioning protects the temporomandibular joint from ongoing stress.
Jaw muscles: A stable bite position limits overuse and tension buildup.
Tooth enamel: Prevents cracking, flattening, and erosion of the chewing surface.
Dental restorations: Shields crowns, fillings, and implants from excessive force.

For many patients, relief from jaw tension and headaches is noticeable within days. Those with TMJ disorder symptoms often find that a dental night guard is an effective solution that reduces flare-ups and improves comfort throughout the day. Dr. Paul King frequently identifies early signs of nighttime grinding during routine exams, allowing patients to treat the issue before it leads to more advanced concerns.

Understanding TMJ Disorders and Night-Time Grinding

The temporomandibular joint plays a significant role in jaw movement, and any imbalance or stress can cause discomfort that radiates throughout the face. For some patients, clenching during sleep is both a cause and a symptom of TMJ disorder. The muscles surrounding the joint tighten, leading to inflammation, jaw pain, and soreness that can extend toward the ears or neck.

A custom mouth guard helps by promoting a more relaxed jaw position. Because the device prevents the upper and lower teeth from locking together, it decreases muscle strain and reduces grinding intensity. While a mouth guard cannot correct all forms of temporomandibular joint disorder, it is often one of the best choices for managing symptoms and protecting the teeth.

What to Expect When Getting a Custom Nightguard

At Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, the process is designed to be simple, stress-free, and tailored to your comfort. During your visit, one of our dentists will examine your teeth, jaw movements, and bite to determine the type of guard that best suits your needs. If a nightguard is recommended, impressions of your teeth are made so a professional dental lab can create a precise, comfortable fit.

The fit matters more than many people realize. A nightguard that is too loose, too bulky, or poorly aligned can irritate or even alter how you bite. A custom version sits securely, covering either the upper or lower teeth, depending on your needs. The material typically features a soft inner layer for comfort and a hard outer layer for durability. Patients appreciate that their custom night guard stays in place throughout the night and does not interfere with breathing or speaking.

How to Care for Your Dental Night Guard

Once you receive your new dental guard, proper care is essential. Nightguards that are not cleaned well can accumulate plaque and bacteria, which may lead to odors, irritation, or even wear on the material. A well-maintained nightguard lasts longer and continues to provide the protection your teeth and jaw joints need.

To keep your device in great condition:

Rinse with warm water (never hot water) after each use.
Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the surface.
Store it in a ventilated case to prevent moisture buildup.
Avoid leaving it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
Bring your guard to regular checkups so we can ensure it still fits properly.

A properly cared-for nightguard may last several years, though replacement frequency depends on the intensity of grinding, the age of the material, and changes in your dental health. We typically evaluate a patient’s guard during routine visits to check for wear and offer recommendations when replacement is needed.

When to Replace a Nightguard

Even high-quality nightguards eventually wear down. Grinding can flatten the material over time, making the guard less effective at protecting the teeth and jaw. If you notice small cracks, warping, or surface thinning, it may be time to replace it. Patients who grind heavily may need a new appliance sooner than those with milder bruxism symptoms.

Columbus patients often ask how long a dental night guard should last. In general, most custom nightguards are durable enough to function for years with proper care. Still, we will let you know when wear patterns suggest it’s time for an update. Replacing your guard at the right time ensures consistent protection against excessive force and maintains overall dental health.

Are Nightguards Safe for Dental Work and Implants

Patients with extensive dental restorations sometimes worry that a nightguard may interfere with dental implants or existing crowns. In reality, a custom mouth guard provides a cushion that protects these restorations from unnecessary stress. Since implants cannot absorb shock the way natural teeth can, they must be safeguarded from grinding pressure. Our dentists design nightguards that accommodate all shapes and positions of your natural and restored teeth, ensuring a stable fit that doesn’t put strain on any part of the mouth.

Nightguards are also safe for patients with braces once treatment is complete, and for those who have had recent restorative dentistry, including fillings, veneers, or crowns. The main goal is to protect the entire smile, not just the chewing surfaces.

Why a Custom Nightguard is the Best Choice

Custom nightguards are the best way to protect the teeth from nighttime clenching and grinding. While over-the-counter versions may seem convenient, they rarely address the root cause of tension or offer the long-term comfort needed for nightly use. Only a custom device provides the proper fit, comfort, and durability that come from impressions taken by our team and fabrication handled by a professional dental lab.

Patients in Columbus choose Camelot Dental Group because of the personalized attention from Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, and Dr. Maria Zulliger. Each nightguard is designed with the patient’s bite, jaw alignment, and specific symptoms in mind. Whether you’re dealing with TMJ disorder, jaw pain, or worn enamel, a custom-made guard is an excellent way to protect your smile over time.

Protect Your Smile with a Custom Nightguard

A nightguard is one of the simplest, most effective tools for preserving your oral health. Whether you’re experiencing jaw tension, sensitive teeth, or early signs of wear, the team at Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, is here to help you keep your smile strong.

With customized solutions crafted through precise impressions and professional lab work, you can rest easier knowing your teeth, jaw joints, and dental restorations are protected. We are committed to delivering the best care and guiding you through the options that fit your needs.
If you’re ready to protect your smile with a properly fitted nightguard, call us today at 614-654-5112 to schedule your appointment!