A custom-fit guard, 3D-printed in our office, to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching.
A Night Guard Built for Your Mouth
What grinding actually does to a tooth
Most people grind or clench at night without knowing it. Over time, that pressure flattens cusps, cracks fillings, breaks crowns, and causes the kind of tooth wear we can show you on screen with a scan time-lapse. It also strains the jaw joint and the muscles around it, which is where headaches and jaw pain often come from.
Why a custom guard is worth it
A drugstore boil-and-bite guard is better than nothing, but it is bulky, often uncomfortable, and rarely fits the bite well enough to actually protect the joint. A custom guard is made from a digital scan of your teeth, designed for your specific bite, and fits like it was made for you because it was. Most patients say they barely notice it after the first week.
3D-printed in our office
We design and 3D-print night guards in-house using our own printers. That means a faster turnaround, a precise fit, and the ability to adjust quickly if anything needs tweaking. We also see how the guard is wearing at every cleaning and replace it when it has done its job.
What is a custom night guard?
A custom night guard is a thin, hard or semi-hard appliance worn over your teeth at night to protect them from grinding and clenching. At Tatum Dentistry, we design and 3D-print night guards in-house using a digital scan of your bite. The result is a guard that fits precisely, protects effectively, and is comfortable enough to actually wear.
Does getting a night guard hurt?
No. The process is just a digital scan of your teeth no goopy impressions, no needles, nothing uncomfortable. Once your guard is ready, we have you back to fit it, check the bite, and fine-tune the comfort. Most patients adjust to wearing it within a few nights.
How long does it take to get a night guard?
From scan to delivery is usually about one to two weeks. The first appointment is a quick scan and bite check. The second appointment is the fitting we make any small adjustments needed, walk you through care instructions, and send you home with it that day.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a custom night guard different from a drugstore one?
A custom guard is made from a digital scan of your teeth and designed for your specific bite. It is thinner, more comfortable, and far more effective at protecting your teeth and joint. Drugstore boil-and-bite guards are a temporary stopgap — they wear out fast and rarely fit well enough to do real work.
How long do custom night guards last?
With nightly wear, a custom night guard typically lasts three to five years, depending on how heavily you grind. We check the wear at every cleaning and let you know when it is time for a replacement. A worn-out guard does not protect the way it should.
Should I get a night guard or Botox for TMJ?
Often both — they do different things. A night guard protects your teeth from the force of grinding. TMJ Botox calms the muscle doing the grinding. We will look at your case and help you decide what makes sense, in what order.
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