818 Pine-A Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409
What Are Night Guards
Teeth grinding and clenching, clinically known as bruxism, is one of the most common and most overlooked causes of dental damage. It often happens entirely during sleep, meaning many patients have no idea they're doing it until the wear, cracking, or jaw pain becomes noticeable. By that point, the damage can be significant.
At Mast Dental in Wilmington, NC, we provide custom-fabricated night guards designed to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching while you sleep. Made from durable, flexible plastic and molded precisely to the shape of your teeth, a custom night guard creates a protective cushion between your upper and lower arches, absorbing grinding forces and preventing further enamel wear, cracking, and jaw strain.
Beyond bruxism, custom oral appliances can also play a role in managing TMJ disorders and, in some cases, mild to moderate sleep apnea. Dr. Mast will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether a night guard or another oral appliance is the right solution for you.
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Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Because bruxism most commonly occurs during sleep, many patients are unaware of it until symptoms develop. Watch for these warning signs:
- Waking up with jaw soreness, stiffness, or pain
- Frequent morning headaches, especially around the temples
- Tooth sensitivity that wasn't there before
- Teeth that appear flatter, shorter, or more worn than they used to
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth with no clear cause
- A partner telling you they hear grinding sounds at night
- Earaches or facial muscle fatigue
- Pain or clicking in the jaw joint (TMJ)
If any of these sound familiar, don't ignore them. The damage caused by bruxism is cumulative — the longer it goes unaddressed, the more extensive the repair work becomes. Call us at (910) 397-9277 and we'll assess whether a night guard is right for you.
Getting Your Custom Night Guard at Mast Dental
Evaluation
Impressions
Fitting
Wear and Care Guidance
What Bruxism Does to Your Teeth
Teeth grinding exerts significant force, far more than normal biting and chewing. Over time, untreated bruxism leads to:
Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it has its limits. Persistent grinding gradually wears it down, leaving teeth sensitive, weakened, and vulnerable to decay.
Cracked and Fractured Teeth
Repeated stress on teeth causes micro-fractures that deepen over time, eventually leading to visible cracks or full fractures requiring crowns, root canals, or extractions.
TMJ Problems
The temporomandibular joint, the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull, bears the brunt of grinding forces. Chronic bruxism is a leading cause of TMJ disorders, which cause jaw pain, limited range of motion, clicking, and chronic headaches.
Damaged Restorations
Grinding accelerates the wear of existing crowns, fillings, and veneers, shortening their lifespan and leading to more frequent and costly replacements.
A custom night guard addresses all of this by eliminating the direct tooth-to-tooth contact that causes the damage.
Night Guards Near You in Wilmington, NC
Mast Dental is located at 818-A Pine Grove Drive in Wilmington, NC, serving patients throughout Wilmington, Ogden, Porters Neck, Masonboro, Monkey Junction, and surrounding communities. Early morning appointments are available starting at 7:30 AM Monday through Friday.
If you're experiencing jaw pain, worn teeth, or suspect you may be grinding at night, call us at (910) 397-9277 or request an appointment online. We'll help you figure out what's going on and get you the right solution.
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