A custom-fit night guard is one of the most important protective steps for anyone who clenches or grinds their teeth — protecting against tooth wear, fracture, jaw pain, headaches, and damage to existing dentistry.
At SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens, night guards are designed and fabricated in-house using digital scans and high-strength materials, by Columbia University-trained dentists Dr. Arthur Volker, DDS and Dr. Aadel Soleymani, DDS.
Why Custom Night Guards 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 night guard is designed to protect the teeth by creating a stable, dentist-adjusted surface between the upper and lower arches while you sleep.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Guards
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 night guard 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.
Related Patient Cases and Reading
- Full Smile Rehabilitation and Bite Reconstruction
- Full Mouth Rehabilitation Case
- Rebuilding the Whole Smile: Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Case Study
- Partial Coverage Crowns, Onlays, and Inlays in Maspeth, Queens
Schedule a Night Guard Consultation
Call (917) 983-4560 or use our online contact form to request a custom night guard consultation at SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens.
Related Treatments at SOL Dental Arts
Night guards protect teeth from grinding and clenching. They often accompany full mouth rehabilitation, general dentistry, and crowns and bridges in Maspeth, Queens. Book a consultation to be fitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What affects the right custom night guard for me?
The right custom night guard depends on the material, complexity, and whether one or two arches are needed. A custom guard protects natural teeth and existing dental work and typically lasts 5–10 years — one of the highest-leverage protective investments in dentistry. SOL Dental Arts provides case-specific planning at consultation.
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common signs include morning jaw pain 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.
Will a night guard help my TMJ pain?
Often yes. A well-designed night guard reduces the muscle activity that drives most TMJ pain by absorbing clenching forces and balancing the bite during sleep. More complex TMJ cases may benefit from additional treatment, which we evaluate case-by-case.
Are over-the-counter night guards okay?
Generally no. Drugstore night guards are bulky, fit poorly, lack proper bite balancing, and the soft materials can actually encourage clenching. They’re a temporary stopgap at best — a custom night guard is dramatically more comfortable and effective.
How long does a custom night guard last?
Most last 5–10 years with reasonable care. Patients who grind heavily may need replacement sooner. We inspect your night guard at routine cleanings and replace it when wear, fit, or bite balance has changed.
Hard vs soft night guard — which one do I need?
Hard acrylic guards are the standard for moderate-to-heavy grinders and bruxism — they protect teeth and existing restorations and don't encourage clenching. Soft guards are typically reserved for very light grinders or short-term use; the soft material can actually trigger more clenching in heavy bruxers. We assess the wear pattern on your teeth and bite-muscle activity to recommend the right material at consultation.
How do I clean and store my night guard?
Rinse the guard with cool water immediately after taking it out, then brush it with a soft toothbrush and cool water (no toothpaste — it's too abrasive). Soak it weekly in a denture-cleaning tablet solution or diluted hydrogen peroxide for deeper cleaning. Store dry in its case between uses. Bring it to every routine cleaning visit so we can inspect it and clean it professionally.
Custom night guards at SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens to protect teeth from grinding, clenching, jaw pain, and damage to dental work.