TREATMENT OPTIONS
Nightguards & Bite Guards
Custom-fitted protection for teeth affected by grinding and clenching.
Individual recommendations vary. An examination is needed before treatment is recommended.
A custom nightguard separates the upper and lower teeth and is intended to help protect teeth and existing dental work from grinding and clenching. Whether an appliance is appropriate depends on your examination, symptoms and treatment needs.
At SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens, nightguards are designed and fabricated in-house using digital scans and high-strength materials by Columbia University-trained dentists Dr. Arthur Volker and Dr. Aadel Soleymani.
Why custom nightguards matter
Grinding and clenching can wear enamel, chip bonding, strain jaw muscles, aggravate TMJ symptoms, and shorten the life of crowns, veneers, or implant restorations. A custom nightguard is designed to protect the teeth by creating a stable, dentist-adjusted surface between the upper and lower arches while you sleep.
Fit and individual planning
Drugstore guards can be bulky and uneven, and they are not adjusted to your bite. A custom guard from SOL Dental Arts is made from a digital scan, designed for your specific tooth position, and adjusted chairside so it fits securely and distributes forces more predictably.
Who may benefit
A nightguard may be recommended for patients with clenching or grinding signs, morning jaw soreness, tooth wear, cracked teeth, bite stress, or recent cosmetic and restorative dentistry that needs protection.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the right custom nightguard for me?
Your dentist considers tooth wear, existing restorations, symptoms and appliance fit when planning a nightguard. The material, design and follow-up are selected for your situation rather than a promised lifespan or a one-size-fits-all solution.
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs include morning jaw discomfort or stiffness, headaches that start at the temples, tooth sensitivity to cold, worn or flattened tooth edges, hairline cracks in front teeth, a scalloped or indented tongue, and a partner who hears you grinding at night. We screen for these signs at every comprehensive exam.
Can a nightguard relieve jaw joint or muscle pain?
Jaw joint and muscle pain can have several causes. A nightguard may be considered as part of an individual care plan, but it is not a guaranteed treatment for TMD pain. Your dentist will assess your symptoms and discuss appropriate options and follow-up.
Are over-the-counter nightguards appropriate?
Fit, material and bite contact matter. An over-the-counter guard may not suit every patient, and a custom appliance can be fitted and adjusted by the dental team. Ask your dentist which option is appropriate for your teeth and symptoms.
How long does a custom nightguard last?
Replacement timing varies with the material, grinding load, fit and wear. Bring your guard to routine dental visits so the team can check it and advise when adjustment or replacement is appropriate.
Hard or soft nightguard — which one do I need?
The choice of material and design depends on your teeth, bite, wear pattern, symptoms and comfort. Your dentist will explain the reasons for the recommended appliance and check how it fits and performs over time.
How do I clean and store my nightguard?
Follow the cleaning and storage instructions provided for your specific appliance. Ask the dental team before using a cleaning product, and bring the guard to routine visits so its fit and wear can be checked.
Explore related care
Discuss your request
Call our Customer Care Team at 917-983-4560 to discuss a nightguard consultation. An appointment request does not book an appointment. Individual recommendations follow an examination.
Custom nightguards at SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens, planned to help protect teeth and dental work affected by grinding and clenching.