Nightguards
Driftwood Dental Studio makes custom nightguards in Wilmington, NC for patients who grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. A nightguard is a thin, comfortable appliance made to fit your teeth exactly. It takes the force of grinding so your teeth, fillings, crowns and implants do not, and many patients find it eases morning jaw soreness and headaches.
Think you might be grinding your teeth? Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
Who needs a nightguard
Grinding and clenching usually happen during sleep, so most people do not know they do it. Signs include morning jaw pain, headaches or earaches, teeth that look worn or chipped, and cracked fillings or crowns. Over time, grinding can break teeth and damage dental work. We check for signs of wear at every exam and will tell you if a nightguard makes sense. See our Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) page.
How a custom nightguard is made
We take a precise model of your teeth, and your nightguard is made to fit it. When it is ready, we check the fit and your bite and show you how to wear and clean it. Because it is made for your mouth, a custom nightguard stays in place, feels thin, and is comfortable enough to wear every night.
Frequently asked questions about nightguards
Is a custom nightguard better than a store-bought one?
A custom nightguard fits snugly, stays in place and is thin enough to sleep in comfortably. Store-bought guards are bulkier, fit loosely, and are easier to bite through or stop wearing.
How much does a nightguard cost, and does insurance cover it?
We give you an exact quote before we make your nightguard. Some dental plans cover part of the cost. We are in-network with more than 30 dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Guardian. We check your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment. See the full list on our Financial Information page.
How do I care for my nightguard?
Rinse it and brush it gently each morning, let it dry, and keep it in its case. Bring it to your checkups so we can make sure it still fits well.
How long does a nightguard last?
It depends on how hard you grind. We check it at each visit and will tell you when it is worn enough to replace.
Visit us
Driftwood Dental Studio is at 5225 Sigmon Rd, Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28403, just off Market Street near Mayfaire. We are open Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
