- What Are Night & Day Guards?
- How Do Custom Night & Day Guards Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Night & Day Guards?
- Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions About Night & Day Guards
- Protect Your Teeth from the Effects of Grinding
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Are Night & Day Guards?
Bruxism is the medical term for involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during the day or night, a condition that many people experience without even realizing it. Even if you don't notice you're doing it, bruxism can lead to worn enamel, tooth damage, jaw soreness, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms over time. If you've been diagnosed with bruxism or have noticed any of these symptoms, Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers night guards and day guards to help protect your teeth from excessive grinding. Unlike store-bought guards, our night and day guards are custom-designed to fit your mouth comfortably and made from high-quality materials to provide maximum protection. With regular care and routine exams at our Warwick, RI family dental practice, you can significantly lower your risk of long-term complications from bruxism. Learn more about our custom night and day guards by scheduling a consultation and exam with our providers.
How Do Custom Night & Day Guards Work?
Before recommending a night or day guard, our providers at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will examine your teeth and evaluate your bite, signs of tooth wear, and any symptoms associated with grinding or clenching. We'll also talk with you about when you notice these habits and any concerns you have about your teeth or jaw.
If a custom guard is appropriate, we'll take detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth. These measurements will be sent to a dental lab and used to create a guard that fits your mouth and provides the coverage and protection your teeth need. Once your night or day guard is ready, we'll have you try it on, check how it fits, and make any necessary adjustments so it feels comfortable and doesn't interfere with your normal bite. We'll also explain when to wear the guard, how to clean it, and how to store it so that it lasts a long time.
What Are the Benefits of Night & Day Guards?
Night and day guards can make a meaningful difference for Warwick, RI individuals suffering from tension, sensitivity, or tooth damage as a result of frequent grinding or clenching. The benefits of our custom-crafted night and day guards include:
- Protecting teeth from excessive wear caused by grinding and clenching
- Reducing direct contact between the upper and lower teeth
- Supporting a more comfortable, relaxed jaw
- Preserving natural tooth structure by limiting the effects of repeated grinding
- Helping manage symptoms associated with nighttime or daytime bruxism
Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Reviews
Dr. Pavlotski has been my families dentist over 25 years. She is very efficient and I have never had a bad experience what so ever!
New Dentist and the best I've had - Dr. Pavlotsky, the dental hygienist & receptionist were all incredibly kind & professional. They made me feel at ease & I can actually say I had a very pleasant & even enjoyable experience. As a woman recovering from a long term eating disorder, I've always had fear &anxiety to the point of tears when visiting dentist, but all of that washed away the moment I met Dr. Pavlotsky. She was kind, patient, understanding, and gave me advice as well as words of comfort. She asked all the right questions & let me voice my concerns & share my story. I felt at ease & at peace for the 1st time in my adult life, at 38 yrs old, sitting in a dentist chair! I am very happy to be a new patient and I look forward to remaining a patient there. Absolutely the best dentist practice I've been to. 5 starts and more!!
Always available, alway attentive, always helpful, great work, love them
Excellent Dentist, restored my earlier damaged crown beautifully. Also a lovely lady with an amazing comedic style…She could moonlight as a stand up comedian…
Dr. Pavlotsky and her staff are wonderful! Thank you for taking care of my filling.
12
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions About Night & Day Guards
What's the difference between a night guard and a day guard?
A night guard is designed to protect your teeth while you sleep, when grinding or clenching may happen without your awareness. A day guard may be recommended when you tend to clench or grind your teeth while you're awake, often during periods of concentration, stress, or other activities. Our team at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will recommend the type of guard that can best fit your needs.
How do I clean my night/day guard?
After removing your guard, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Our team may also recommend a mild soap or cleaning product specifically designed for dental appliances. Allow the guard to dry completely before placing it in its ventilated case. Keeping your night or day guard clean and dry can help prevent unpleasant odors and buildup.
Does dental insurance cover night/day guards?
Coverage varies depending on your dental insurance plan and the reason the guard is being recommended. Our team can help you understand the expected cost of your guard and provide information you can use when checking your benefits. Insurance policies can differ, which is why it's important to confirm your specific coverage with your provider before treatment.
How often should I replace my night/day guard?
How long your guard lasts will depend on how often you wear it, how heavily you grind or clench, and how well you care for it. Over time, you may notice thinning, cracks, holes, changes in the fit, or other signs of wear. We'll check your guard during dental visits when appropriate and let you know if it is becoming worn or no longer providing the protection you need.
What causes bruxism?
Bruxism can happen during sleep or while you're awake, and there isn't always a single cause. Stress and anxiety can contribute to awake bruxism, while sleep-related bruxism can be associated with factors such as sleep disorders, certain medications, and other health or lifestyle factors. If we notice evidence of bruxism during your dental exam, we'll talk with you about what may be contributing to it and discuss ways to protect your teeth.
Protect Your Teeth from the Effects of Grinding
Constant grinding and clenching can put more pressure on your teeth than they were meant to withstand. A custom night or day guard from Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can give you a practical way to protect your smile and reduce the effects of these habits, whether they happen while you're sleeping or during the day. Contact our Warwick, RI practice to learn more about night and day guards and find out how our team can help protect your smile.