Night Guards: Protecting Your Smile from Grinding and Clenching in Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Brook, and Surrounding Areas
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it—often while they sleep. This condition, known as bruxism, can lead to serious dental problems if left untreated. At Salt Creek Family Dental, Dr. Celeste Medynskyj helps patients throughout Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Brook, and surrounding areas protect their teeth, jaw joints, and overall oral health with professionally made custom night guards.
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth, or if you’ve noticed wear on your teeth, it may be time to schedule an evaluation. Call 630-323-0060.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance worn while sleeping to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching. It creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing pressure on the jaw joints and minimizing tooth wear.
Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, custom night guards provided by Dr. Celeste Medynskyj are specifically designed to fit comfortably, protect effectively, and support healthy bite alignment.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Because bruxism often happens while you sleep, many patients don’t realize they grind their teeth until symptoms develop. Patients throughout Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Brook, and surrounding areas are often surprised when a dental exam reveals grinding damage.
Common signs include:
Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
Frequent headaches or migraines
Worn, flattened, cracked, or chipped teeth
Tooth sensitivity without obvious decay
Clicking or popping jaw joints (TMJ symptoms)
Facial or jaw muscle soreness
If you experience these symptoms, Dr. Medynskyj can evaluate your bite and determine whether a night guard may help.
Why Teeth Grinding Is a Serious Dental Concern
Occasional clenching may seem harmless, but chronic grinding places excessive force on the teeth and jaw. Over time, this can lead to:
Cracked or fractured teeth
Accelerated enamel wear
Gum recession
TMJ disorders
Painful chewing or bite issues
Costly restorative dental treatment
At Salt Creek Family Dental, our goal is to protect your smile before damage becomes severe. A properly fitted night guard can significantly reduce stress on the teeth and jaw, protecting both comfort and long-term oral health.
Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought Options
Many patients ask whether store-bought night guards are “good enough.” While they may seem convenient, they often lack proper fit, may feel bulky, and sometimes worsen symptoms by encouraging improper bite positioning.
Custom night guards from Salt Creek Family Dental offer important advantages:
Precision fit for comfort and effectiveness
Better protection for teeth and jaw joints
Proper bite alignment to reduce strain
Durable materials designed for extended wear
Most patients find professional guards more comfortable, longer lasting, and far more effective.
How Night Guards Help with TMJ Symptoms
Teeth grinding is closely linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull, and excessive pressure can lead to inflammation, pain, and limited movement.
A custom night guard can help:
Reduce stress on the TMJ
Decrease muscle tension
Improve jaw alignment during sleep
Minimize morning jaw pain and headaches
Dr. Celeste Medynskyj carefully evaluates TMJ symptoms to ensure each night guard supports both protection and comfort.
The Process of Getting a Night Guard at Salt Creek Family Dental
The process of receiving a night guard is simple, comfortable, and highly personalized for patients across Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Brook, and surrounding areas.
It typically includes:
A comprehensive dental exam to assess wear and jaw movement
Impressions or digital scans of your teeth
Custom fabrication of your night guard
A fitting appointment to ensure comfort and alignment
You’ll also receive guidance on caring for your night guard to keep it clean, durable, and effective.
Caring for Your Night Guard
Proper care helps extend the life of your appliance and protects your oral health.
Patients are generally advised to:
Rinse the guard after each use
Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush
Store it in a ventilated case
Avoid heat exposure
Bring it to dental visits for inspection
Regular checkups allow Dr. Medynskyj to monitor wear and make adjustments if needed.
Night Guards as Preventive Dentistry
Night guards are a powerful preventive tool. By protecting your teeth from grinding and clenching, you may prevent the need for crowns, root canals, extractions, or TMJ treatment in the future.
Patients appreciate that preventive care is not only healthier—but also more cost-effective than repairing damage later.
Why Choose Dr. Celeste Medynskyj for Night Guards?
Patients throughout Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Brook, and surrounding areas trust Salt Creek Family Dental for high-quality, patient-centered care.
Patients benefit from:
Thorough evaluations
Custom-made, professional-quality night guards
Clear communication and education
A welcoming, compassionate environment
This commitment to personalized care helps patients feel confident and supported in their treatment.
Schedule a Night Guard Consultation Today
If you suspect you grind or clench your teeth, early action can make a meaningful difference in your comfort and long-term dental health. A custom night guard may help protect your teeth, improve sleep comfort, and reduce jaw strain.
Patients in Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Brook, and surrounding areas are encouraged to call 630-323-0060 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Celeste Medynskyj at Salt Creek Family Dental.
Protect your smile while you sleep—call 630-323-0060 today.