If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, tooth pain, or notice your teeth wearing down over time, you may be suffering from bruxism—a condition where you grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep. At Southern Smiles in Poteet, TX, Dr. Jeffrey Jacobs offers custom-made night guards designed to protect your teeth, reduce discomfort, and prevent long-term damage caused by nighttime grinding and clenching.
Unlike over-the-counter options, our professional night guards are durable, comfortable, and precisely fitted to your smile, ensuring maximum protection while you sleep. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism or are experiencing symptoms, we are here to help safeguard your oral health.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a custom dental appliance worn while you sleep to prevent your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other. It acts as a protective barrier, absorbing pressure and reducing strain on your teeth, jaw joints, and facial muscles.
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Tooth grinding (bruxism)
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Clenching during sleep
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Jaw pain or TMJ discomfort
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Excessive tooth wear
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Frequent morning headaches
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Stress-related grinding
Dr. Jacobs designs night guards that fit snugly and comfortably, giving you peace of mind while protecting your smile from unnecessary damage.
Signs You May Need a Night Guard
Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth at night. Often, it’s the symptoms—not the grinding itself—that reveal the problem.
You may benefit from a night guard if you experience:
Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
Jaw pain or tightness
Sore facial muscles
Earaches or ringing in the ears
Neck or shoulder discomfort
Frequent tension headaches or migraines
Tooth sensitivity
Cracked fillings or broken dental work
Disrupted sleep quality
If you recognize any of these signs, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jacobs. Early treatment can prevent serious long-term complications.
Why Grinding and Clenching Occur
Bruxism can be caused by a variety of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Common causes include:
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Stress or anxiety
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Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
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Misaligned bite or missing teeth
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Medications that affect the nervous system
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Genetics
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Caffeine or alcohol consumption
No matter the cause, a custom night guard provides immediate protection and relief while we work with you to address contributing factors.
Benefits of a Custom Night Guard
A professionally made night guard from Southern Smiles offers several major advantages over store-bought versions.
Precise, Comfortable Fit
Custom guards are molded to your teeth, making them far more comfortable and secure than bulky over-the-counter options.
Superior Durability
Our guards are crafted from high-quality materials designed to withstand long-term grinding pressure.
Protection for Teeth and Dental Work
Night guards help prevent cracks, chips, enamel erosion, and damage to crowns or fillings.
Reduced Jaw Pain and Muscle Tension
By relieving stress on the jaw joints, night guards help minimize TMJ symptoms and facial discomfort.
Better Sleep Quality
Many patients report improved sleep once painful grinding and tension are reduced.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Preventing tooth wear and fractures helps avoid expensive restorative treatments down the road.
The Night Guard Process at Southern Smiles
Getting a custom night guard is simple, comfortable, and tailored specifically to your needs.
Step 1: Consultation & Evaluation
Dr. Jacobs examines your teeth, jaw joints, and bite to determine whether a night guard is right for you.
Step 2: Digital Impressions
We take quick, accurate digital impressions or molds of your teeth—no messy trays required.
Step 3: Custom Fabrication
Your night guard is crafted in a high-quality dental lab to ensure the perfect fit.
Step 4: Fitting Appointment
Once your guard arrives, we check it for comfort and accuracy. Adjustments are made as needed.
Step 5: Instructions & Care
We’ll explain how to wear, clean, and store your night guard to keep it in excellent condition.
Most night guards are ready within 1–2 weeks.
Caring for Your Night Guard
To extend the life of your night guard and keep it hygienic:
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Rinse it before and after each use
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Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush
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Use non-abrasive cleaners
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Store it in a ventilated case
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Avoid exposing it to high heat
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Bring it to your checkups for professional cleaning and evaluation
With proper care, custom night guards can last several years.
Types of Night Guards We Offer
At Southern Smiles, we provide options based on your specific needs:
Soft Night Guards
Ideal for mild grinding or young patients who need extra comfort.
Dual-Layer Night Guards
Soft inside and hard outside—perfect for moderate to severe bruxism.
Hard Acrylic Night Guards
Extremely durable and designed for heavy grinding or patients with significant enamel wear. Dr. Jacobs will recommend the best type based on your grinding severity and bite pattern.
Protect Your Smile With a Custom Night Guard in Poteet, TX
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, don’t wait for damage to occur. A custom night guard from Southern Smiles can relieve discomfort, protect your teeth, and preserve your long-term oral health.
Schedule your consultation today to find out how a custom-fitted night guard can transform your sleep, comfort, and smile.