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Waking up with a sore jaw, a headache, or teeth that feel worn down? A night guard built from a digital scan of your mouth takes that pressure off your teeth while you sleep. We design it, 3D-print it in our office, and fit it for you, so it fits the way it should.
Clenching and grinding put force on your teeth that they were never meant to take. Over time, that can mean daily headaches, jaw pain, worn-down teeth, and cracked teeth, crowns, or implants that cost far more to fix than to protect. Maybe you've tried a drugstore guard that felt bulky and never stayed in, or waited weeks for a lab-made guard that still needed adjusting. You deserve something that fits and actually gets worn.
Most offices send your impressions to an outside lab and wait. We handle every step here, with the doctor who knows your bite.
Your guard isn't designed by a lab technician who has never seen you. Our doctors design it themselves, around your bite, your dental work, and what you tell us, like a strong gag reflex or wanting something less bulky.
We use a 3D scanner instead of trays of impression putty. It's quicker, more comfortable, and more accurate. Your scan stays on file, so if a guard ever needs replacing, we can reprint it without starting over.
Because we 3D-print night guards and retainers in-house, you get yours sooner than a typical lab turnaround, and it usually needs only minor adjustments at your fitting.
They look similar, but they do different jobs. A retainer is thin and holds your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. A night guard is thicker and built to absorb the force of grinding and clenching, so your teeth don't have to. If you wear through retainers quickly from grinding, a night guard can hold your teeth in place and protect them at the same time. When we scan for a night guard, we also use a leaf gauge to set your jaw in a relaxed position for sleep.
Protects teeth, crowns, veneers & implants
Can ease jaw tension, TMJ discomfort & headaches
Hard, soft, or hard-outside/soft-inside options
Less bulky, so it's easier to wear every night
A Year of Care From a Practice That’s Been Here for Generations.
Book a visit and we'll take a quick 3D scan of your teeth, no impression trays. For night guards, we also record your bite with a leaf gauge.
Your dentist designs your night guard or retainer around your bite, then we 3D-print it right here in our office.
Come back for a quick fitting. We make any small adjustments in the chair and make sure it's comfortable before you leave.
We're proud to be a trusted part of our community. Hear directly from our patients about what sets Tanglewood Dental Associates apart.
Because we design and 3D-print everything in-house, it's typically faster than waiting on an outside lab. We'll give you an exact timeline at your scan appointment.
A boil-and-bite guard can work as a short-term stopgap, but it isn't custom-fitted, doesn't cover your teeth the way a custom guard does, and is often uncomfortable. Over time, a poor fit can even create problems with your jaw. For long-term protection, a custom guard is the better choice.
There are hard guards, soft guards, and hybrids that are hard on the outside and soft on the inside. Most of the guards we make are hard, but your dentist will recommend what suits your bite and your comfort.
It depends on how hard you grind. Night guards are thicker and generally last longer than retainers, while heavy grinders will wear through either one faster. Since we keep your scan on file, a replacement is simple.
If you grind or clench, it's worth asking about. Crowns and porcelain can still chip or break under grinding forces, and implants shouldn't take as much force as natural teeth. A night guard takes that force instead.
Clear, honest answers to the dental questions you’ve been wondering about, because understanding your care shouldn’t be complicated.
Whether you're looking to enhance your smile or simply maintain lifelong oral health, we’re here to guide you with expert care and honest conversations.
