Night Guards & Sports Guards
Why Are Night Guards & Sports Guards So Important?
Night guards are essential for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep (bruxism), a common condition that affects up to 30% of adults. This unconscious habit places tremendous pressure on your teeth, restorations, and jaw joints, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, failed dental work, headaches, and TMJ disorders.
Our precisely fitted night guards create an optimal barrier that absorbs these forces, protecting your teeth and reducing muscle tension. Sports guards are crucial for anyone participating in contact sports or activities with fall risks. Even seemingly low-impact activities can result in dental trauma that may require extensive, expensive treatment or even lead to permanent tooth loss. Unlike bulky over-the-counter options, our custom-designed sports guards provide superior protection while allowing comfortable breathing and clear communication.
Dr. DJ Shin, our prosthodontist, applies his specialized knowledge of bite mechanics and dental materials to create guards that address your specific needs. Using digital scanning technology and premium materials, we design guards that fit perfectly, feel comfortable, and provide reliable, long-lasting protection.
This specialized approach not only safeguards your oral health but can enhance athletic performance through improved breathing and comfort.
Our guard fabrication process is led by prosthodontist Dr. DJ Shin, who brings specialized expertise in bite mechanics and TMJ disorders to create truly customized solutions.
Unlike general dentists who might use basic materials, we utilize digital scanning technology to eliminate uncomfortable impressions and ensure perfect fit.
Our advanced in-house fabrication capabilities allow us to select from multiple premium materials and thicknesses based on your specific needs whether you're a professional athlete requiring maximum protection or someone with sensitive teeth seeking nighttime comfort.
Each guard is precisely adjusted for your unique bite, addressing specific wear patterns or TMJ concerns that off-the-shelf products simply cannot.
We also provide ongoing assessment of your guard's effectiveness and condition, making adjustments as needed to ensure continuous protection of your dental health investment.
Benefits of Professional Night Guards & Sports Guards
- Prevents tooth damage and fractures
- Reduces jaw pain and headaches
- Protects dental restorations
- Ensures comfortable breathing during sports Improves sleep quality
What to Expect During Your Guard Fitting
Your Prostho Endo Experience: 5 Simple Steps
When you arrive at our office, you'll be greeted by our friendly front desk team with genuine smiles.
Instead of clipboard paperwork, we provide an iPad for quick, paperless registration that respects your time.
Our relaxing and welcoming environment is designed to put you at ease from the moment you step through our doors. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and refreshments make this first step pleasant and stress-free.
A dedicated dental assistant will personally escort you to your treatment room, introducing you to our office layout and amenities along the way.
Feel free to ask questions as we walk and talk! Once in your private treatment room, you'll settle into our ergonomic chair while watching a brief welcome video.
We'll ensure you're completely comfortable with pillows, blankets if needed, and entertainment options before proceeding.
Our team uses state-of-the-art technology to gather the information needed for your personalized care plan painlessly.
No more uncomfortable, gagging impression materials. Our digital scanners capture precise images quickly and comfortably.
When necessary, our low-radiation 3D imaging provides detailed views while prioritizing your safety.
Throughout this process, we'll explain each step so you know exactly what's happening.
Now it's time to meet with either Dr. Shin (Prosthodontist) or Dr. Kim (Endodontist), who will personally review your assessment results with you.
Using clear language you will understand with ease and not confusing dental jargon. They'll discuss your specific concerns and goals while answering all your questions.
You'll receive a detailed digital treatment plan with transparent pricing via email, so there are never any surprises.
Whether you need same-day treatment or a comprehensive multi-phase plan, everything will be explained thoroughly.
Experience dental care that truly prioritizes your comfort using the latest technology.
From digital smile design for aesthetic procedures to advanced root canal techniques that minimize discomfort, every aspect of your treatment is designed to be as pleasant as possible.
Before you leave, you'll receive clear post-procedure instructions and the option to schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.
You'll walk out not just with improved dental health, but with a newfound confidence in your smile.
Are you ready to experience dental care that transforms anxiety into confidence? Many patients tell us they wish they hadn't waited so long to visit us! Schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards & Sports Guards
Post-Op Instructions for Night Guards & Sports Guards
After receiving your custom Night Guards & Sports Guards:
- Fitting:
- Your appliance should fit snugly but not feel tight or painful.
- If it feels too tight, loose, or causes discomfort, please call us for an adjustment.
- Cleaning & Care:
- Rinse the guard with cool water before and after each use.
- Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste), mild soap, or non-alcohol mouth rinse.
- Store it in the provided case with ventilation.
- Do not expose it to heat. Avoid hot water, sunlight, or leaving it in a car.
- Wearing Instructions:
- Night guard: Wear nightly while sleeping.
- Sports guard: Wear during all practices and games.
- Consistency is key. Skipping use may reduce its protective benefits.
- Follow-up:
Soreness, shifting teeth, cracks in the appliance, or if it's no longer fitting properly.
Bring your appliance to dental checkups so we can assess wear and fit.
If your bite changes or you get new dental work, an adjustment or replacement may be necessary.
Signs to call us:
Soreness, shifting teeth, cracks in the appliance, or if it's no longer fitting properly.
You might need a night guard if you experience symptoms of teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, which often occurs during sleep.
Common signs include worn or flattened tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, chipped or cracked teeth, tired or tight jaw muscles upon waking, jaw pain or headaches (especially in the morning), disrupted sleep, and teeth indentations on your tongue or inner cheek. Your partner might also report hearing grinding sounds during the night.
During your examination, Dr. Shin will look for clinical signs of bruxism, assess your bite relationship, and evaluate any damage to your teeth or restorations.
Even if you don't have noticeable symptoms, preventive night guard therapy might be recommended if you have extensive dental work, as grinding can damage crowns, veneers, and other restorations. Our goal is to protect your natural teeth and dental investments from unconscious grinding forces that can cause significant damage over time.
Custom night guards and sports guards from Prostho Endo Dental Specialists offer significant advantages over over-the-counter options. Our guards are precisely designed using digital scanning technology to match every contour of your teeth, providing superior comfort and protection.
This precise fit means they stay securely in place during use, allow for normal speech and breathing, and distribute pressure evenly across your teeth. We use professional-grade materials specifically selected for your needs whether that's durability for heavy grinders or specialized shock absorption for high-impact sports.
Over-the-counter guards typically use a “boil-and-bite” method that provides limited customization, bulkier fit, less durability, and potentially inadequate protection. These generic options can feel uncomfortable, impede speech and breathing, and even create bite issues if poorly fitted.
While store-bought guards may cost less initially, they typically wear out quickly and provide inferior protection, potentially leading to dental damage requiring expensive treatment. Our custom guards are a wise investment in preventing future dental problems and ensuring optimal comfort and protection.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
The lifespan of your custom guard depends on several factors, including the type of guard, frequency of use, and the severity of your grinding or clenching habits. With proper care and maintenance, a custom night guard typically lasts between 3-5 years before needing replacement.
For heavy grinders, we often recommend harder materials that provide extended durability. Sports guards may need replacement more frequently depending on usage intensity and impact exposure typically every 1-3 seasons for active athletes.
We design our guards with durability in mind, using premium materials and precise fabrication techniques to maximize longevity.
During your regular dental check-ups, Dr. Shin will evaluate your guard's condition, looking for signs of wear, thinning, or deformation that might indicate it's time for replacement.
To extend your guard's lifespan, we provide detailed care instructions including proper cleaning protocols and storage recommendations.
We also offer repair services for minor issues and can create replacement guards using your existing digital scans for convenient reordering when necessary.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
Yes, we can create custom night guards for patients with various dental situations, including braces, implants, bridges, crowns, and other restorations. In fact, protecting these dental investments is particularly important, as grinding and clenching can damage both natural teeth and dental work.
For patients with orthodontic treatment, we design specialized night guards that accommodate brackets and wires while still providing protection against grinding forces.
These guards may need periodic adjustments as your teeth move throughout treatment. Patients with implants, crowns, or bridges benefit significantly from night guards, as these restorations can be susceptible to damage from excessive bite forces. Dr. Shin takes special care to design guards that distribute pressure evenly across all teeth and restorations, preventing concentrated force on any single tooth or implant.
Our digital scanning and design process allows us to create precisely fitted guards tailored to your unique dental situation, regardless of complexity.
During your consultation, we'll assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate guard design and material for your particular circumstances.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
Proper maintenance of your custom guard ensures longevity and optimal hygiene. Clean your guard daily, ideally immediately after removing it from your mouth, using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or specialized guard cleaner. Avoid toothpaste as its abrasive ingredients can create microscopic scratches where bacteria can accumulate.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water after cleaning. Never use hot water as it can warp the material and alter the precise fit. When not in use, store your guard in its ventilated case after ensuring it's completely dry, as moisture can promote bacterial growth.
Keep the guard away from pets and heat sources like car dashboards or radiators which can cause deformation. Periodically deep clean your guard by soaking it in a specialized cleaning solution or a mixture of vinegar and water (equal parts) for 15-30 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing.
Bring your guard to your regular dental appointments so Dr. Shin can check for wear, fit issues, or damage that might require adjustment or replacement. With proper care, your custom guard will provide years of comfortable protection for your smile.
At Prostho Dental, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care whether you have insurance or not. That’s why we created our in-house Prostho Dental Membership Plan. A smart, affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance.
If you’re among the millions of Americans without dental coverage, you’re not alone. Traditional insurance plans often come with annual caps, long waiting periods, deductibles, and confusing claims. We wanted to change that.
Our membership plan is designed to give you peace of mind and real value with no hidden fees, no annual maximums, no waiting periods, and no pre-approvals.
From day one, you’ll get access to:
- Routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays
- Emergency exams and fluoride treatments (varies by plan)
- Exclusive savings on procedures completed at our practice
- Immediate benefits—no deductibles or claims
- Flexible options for children, adults, and periodontal care
Whether it's for you or your whole family, our membership makes dental care more affordable, predictable, and stress-free.
We’re proud to serve our Maryland and Virginia communities and invite you to experience the personalized care we’re known for at Prostho Dental.
Download our Essential Smile Membership Plan printable flyer to learn more, sign up at our front desk, or just point your phone camera at the QR code.
Prostho Endo Provides
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At Prostho Endo Dental Group, your well-being and dental experience are our top priorities
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NORTH BETHESDA OFFICE
5904 Hubbard Drive,
North Bethesda, MD 20852
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Call/Text: (301) 377-8306Proudly Serving Our Maryland & Virgina Communities
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