Treatments

Nightguards in Burien, WA

Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night without realizing it. At Burien Signature Dentistry, we understand how teeth grinding can impact your daily comfort and long-term oral health.

Dr. Andy Kim and our caring team provide custom nightguards designed to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism (teeth grinding). Our comfortable, precisely fitted nightguards help you wake up feeling refreshed while safeguarding your smile for years to come.

What Are Nightguards?

Nightguards are protective dental appliances worn during sleep to create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. These custom-made devices prevent direct contact between teeth, reducing wear and tear caused by grinding or clenching. Unlike store-bought options, professional nightguards from our Burien dental office are crafted specifically for your mouth, ensuring optimal comfort and protection.

The thin, durable material absorbs the forces of grinding while keeping your jaw in a relaxed position. This helps reduce muscle tension and protects both your natural teeth and any existing dental work like crowns or fillings.

Signs You May Need a Nightguard

Many people grind their teeth without knowing it. Common symptoms include:

Morning headaches or jaw pain
Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Sore or tight jaw muscles
Your partner hearing grinding sounds at night
Notches near the gum line on your teeth

If you notice any of these signs, a consultation at our dental hygiene education appointments can help determine if a nightguard would benefit you.

The Custom Nightguard Process

Creating your perfect nightguard involves several comfortable steps at our Burien practice:

Initial Consultation Dr. Andy Kim examines your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding damage. We discuss your symptoms and evaluate whether a nightguard is the right solution for your needs.

Precision Impressions We take detailed impressions of your teeth to ensure your nightguard fits perfectly. These impressions capture every contour of your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Custom Fabrication Your nightguard is crafted in a professional dental lab using high-quality materials designed to withstand nightly use while remaining comfortable to wear.

Fitting and Adjustments Once your nightguard arrives, we ensure it fits properly and make any necessary adjustments. We’ll also provide care instructions to help your nightguard last for years.

Benefits of Professional Nightguards

Prevents Tooth Damage

Grinding can wear down enamel faster than normal aging. A nightguard acts as a protective barrier, preventing costly damage that might require crowns or other restorative treatments.

Reduces Jaw Pain and Headaches

By keeping your jaw in a relaxed position, nightguards help reduce muscle tension that contributes to morning headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort.

Protects Existing Dental Work

If you have dental implants or other restorations, a nightguard helps protect your investment by preventing damage from grinding forces.

Improves Sleep Quality

Many patients find they sleep more soundly when wearing a nightguard, as it reduces the disruptive effects of grinding and jaw tension.

Caring for Your Nightguard

Proper care ensures your nightguard remains hygienic and lasts as long as possible. Rinse your nightguard with cool water before and after each use. Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, avoiding hot water which can warp the material.

Store your nightguard in its protective case when not in use, and bring it to your regular checkups so we can inspect it for wear and clean it professionally. Most nightguards last several years with proper care.

Why Choose Burien Signature Dentistry for Your Nightguard

Dr. Andy Kim brings years of experience in creating comfortable, effective nightguards for patients throughout the Burien community. Our practice uses advanced technology and high-quality materials to ensure your nightguard provides optimal protection while feeling comfortable to wear.

We take pride in our personalized approach, working closely with each patient to address their specific needs and concerns. From your initial consultation through follow-up care, our team ensures you receive the attention and expertise you deserve.

Our commitment to patient education means we’ll teach you everything you need to know about caring for your nightguard and recognizing when adjustments might be needed. We also offer convenient scheduling options to fit your busy lifestyle.

Schedule Your Nightguard Consultation

Don’t let teeth grinding damage your smile or disrupt your sleep. If you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism or want to learn more about protective nightguards, we’re here to help. Our experienced team provides comprehensive evaluations and creates custom solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Dr. Andy Kim and the Burien Signature Dentistry team are dedicated to protecting your oral health with comfortable, effective nightguards. We accept most major PPO insurance plans and offer Cherry financing options to make your treatment affordable. Call us at (206) 246-3222 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.