Preventive care | Lake Forest, IL

Night Guards in Lake Forest, IL

A night guard can help keep teeth from pressing together during sleep and limit wear related to grinding or clenching, also called bruxism. At Ross & Durrett Family Dental, our doctors evaluate your symptoms, teeth, jaw, and existing dental work before recommending whether an appliance may help.

Lake Forest, Illinois Welcoming patients from across the North Shore

Call (847) 234-8608 Visit our practice

01 / Night Guards

Protect your smile from nighttime wear

Bruxism can happen during sleep without you realizing it. Morning jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, headaches, tired jaw muscles, or a partner's report of grinding can all be reasons to schedule an evaluation. An exam may also reveal flattened, chipped, cracked, loose, or worn teeth and restorations.

A custom night guard protects your teeth from grinding while our doctors look at what's causing it.

Morning jaw fatigue, facial pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity.
Visible wear, chips, cracks, or stress on teeth or restorations.
A concern about clenching that you or a sleep partner has noticed.

02 / Night Guards

What to expect at your evaluation

Our doctors will discuss when your symptoms occur, review relevant health information and medications, examine your teeth and existing dental work, and check for jaw tenderness. If a night guard fits your needs, the recommended design and wearing schedule will reflect your bite, restorations, symptoms, and goals.

We can discuss a custom appliance made from dental records or impressions as well as store-bought options. Custom appliances may fit more comfortably, while lower-cost options can be less precise. Whichever option is appropriate, bring it to follow-up visits so the fit and wear can be checked; clean it as directed, keep it away from heat, and store it in a ventilated case.

A new appliance may take time to feel familiar.
Alternatives can include observation for mild cases, behavior or jaw-position changes, stress management, or care for worn or damaged teeth.
A night guard is different from a sleep appliance intended to reposition the jaw for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.

03 / Night Guards

Find the right next step in Lake Forest

Active jaw pain, a suspected sleep-related breathing problem, loud snoring, gasping, or daytime sleepiness may need additional dental or medical evaluation first. Stop using an appliance and contact us if it causes new or worsening tooth, gum, or jaw soreness, changes your bite, does not stay seated, or becomes cracked or damaged.

Since 1968, Ross & Durrett Family Dental has helped patients in Lake Forest and the surrounding North Shore community make informed decisions about their oral health. Call (847) 234-8608 to discuss grinding, clenching, morning jaw fatigue, or a guard that no longer feels right and schedule an individualized assessment.

Questions, answered clearly

Good questions are welcome.

Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?

Not necessarily. A night guard separates the teeth and may help limit tooth damage or reduce muscle activity. Our doctors can discuss whether observation, behavior or stress-management strategies, treatment of tooth damage, or another evaluation is appropriate.

Can I use a night guard if I have jaw pain or snore?

Ask our doctors before starting one. Jaw pain can call for an examination, and a night guard is not the same as an oral appliance evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or unusual daytime sleepiness may call for medical or sleep-related evaluation before using a night guard.

Keep exploring

Here when you need us

A conversation is a good place to begin.

We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what comes next. Care should feel personal from the first call.

Ask about treatment-specific estimates and payment options after your individual evaluation.

Call (847) 234-8608