Exam, digital X-rays and a basic cleaning. New patients with healthy gums.
Book the $65 visitA custom guard that protects your teeth while you sleep.
If you wake up with a sore jaw, a headache or teeth that look worn, you may be grinding or clenching at night. The doctor checks your teeth, jaw joint and bite, and a custom night guard helps many people who clench or grind.
A night guard is a custom-fitted cover for your upper or lower teeth that you wear while you sleep. It keeps your teeth from grinding directly against each other and cushions the force of clenching. You may need one if you wake up with a tight or sore jaw, morning headaches, sensitive teeth, or edges that look flat, chipped or worn. The doctor checks your teeth, jaw joint and bite at an exam and tells you whether a guard makes sense. A guard protects your teeth and helps many people with jaw soreness, but it is not a cure for every jaw problem.
Grinding and clenching (bruxism) often happen during sleep, so many people don't know they do it. Over time the force can wear down enamel, chip or crack teeth, loosen fillings and leave the jaw muscles sore.
The jaw joint, called the TMJ, sits just in front of each ear. When it or the muscles around it are strained, you may feel clicking, tightness or pain when you chew or open wide. A night guard takes pressure off the teeth and helps many people who clench or grind. Severe or lasting jaw problems can need more than a guard, and in that case we refer you to a specialist.
Signs you may be grinding or clenching
The doctor checks your teeth, gums, jaw joint and bite, looks for wear from grinding and asks about your symptoms.
We take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth, so the guard is made to fit your mouth.
When your guard is ready, we check how it fits and how your teeth meet on it, and adjust it until it is comfortable.
You wear it every night. Bring it to your checkups so we can look at the guard and your teeth, and tell us if your jaw symptoms change.
What fits depends on how much you grind and what your jaw is doing.
Made from impressions or a digital scan of your teeth, so it fits closely and stays in place. It is usually more comfortable and lasts longer than a store-bought guard.
Sold at drugstores and shaped by softening it in hot water. It costs less up front, but it is often bulky, fits loosely and wears out sooner, so many people stop wearing it.
Pain that is severe or does not improve, a jaw that locks or will not open fully, or a bite that has changed may need more care. We examine the joint and refer you to a specialist when that is the better route.
The cost depends on the type of guard and what the exam finds. You get the cost in writing before any work starts.
We accept most major PPO plans and check your benefits before treatment. Night guards are sometimes partly covered, depending on your plan, so check your benefits or ask us to look into it. If you pay yourself, monthly financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry or Alphaeon can spread the cost, subject to approval.
Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, cool water and a little mild soap. Hot water can warp it.
Keep it in its case when you are not wearing it, away from heat, a hot car and pets.
We check the fit, look for cracks or thin spots, and tell you when it is time to replace it.
Not always. Mild clenching with no wear on your teeth and no symptoms may only need to be watched. The doctor looks for wear, sore muscles and signs of strain at the exam, and recommends a guard when it will protect your teeth.
For most people, yes. A custom guard is made from impressions or a digital scan of your teeth, so it fits closely, stays put and can be adjusted. Boil-and-bite guards are often bulky and fit loosely, and many people stop wearing them. If you already use one that works for you, bring it to your exam and we will take a look.
It can help many people who clench or grind, because it takes pressure off the teeth and eases the muscles. TMJ problems have different causes, though, so a guard is not a cure for every jaw disorder. The doctor checks your jaw joint and bite, and if your symptoms are severe or do not improve, we refer you to a specialist.
Many people adjust within a couple of weeks. It can feel bulky at first, and you may notice extra saliva. If it hurts, feels loose or changes how your teeth meet in the morning, let us know and we will adjust it.
Sometimes, in part. Coverage depends on your plan, so check your benefits. We accept most major PPO plans and look into your coverage before treatment. Monthly financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry or Alphaeon is also available, subject to approval.
It depends on how hard you grind and how often you wear it. Heavy grinders can wear through a guard faster than light clenchers. Bring it to your checkups, and replace it once it is cracked, thin or loose.
Google reviews from patients of our Tamarac office.
Tell us what you need and a team member will call you to confirm a time. New patients are always welcome.
The form is taking longer than usual to load. You can also call us.
Call (954) 322-3865We only use your details to contact you about your visit.
It takes about a minute.
During office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
New patients can start with the $65 exam, digital X-rays and basic cleaning.
Metropolitan Smile Design in Tamarac sees patients from across Broward County. The doctor checks your teeth, jaw joint and bite and tells you whether a night guard fits. Our team speaks English and Spanish.
