Service

Night guards

A night guard is a custom plastic tray worn over your teeth in bed. Dr. Kulkarni may suggest one if you clench or grind your teeth.

It protects the surfaces of your teeth from wear. It is made to fit your bite, which is why it takes two visits.

What happens

The visit, step by step

Two visits, usually a couple of weeks apart.

01
Step 1: Talk it over
Dr. Kulkarni looks at your teeth for wear and asks what you've noticed.
02
Step 2: Impressions
We take impressions of your teeth, which takes a few minutes.
03
Step 3: Made to fit
A dental lab makes the guard from your impressions.
04
Step 4: The fitting
Dr. Kulkarni checks the fit and your bite, and adjusts it.
05
Step 5: Check-ins
She looks at it again at your next exam.

Good to know

Comfort
No numbing is needed. If you gag easily, tell us, and we'll use a smaller tray for the impressions.
Other choices, and waiting
A guard protects your teeth from wear. It doesn't stop the clenching. If jaw pain or headaches are new or severe, see your physician as well.
Risks and after-care
A new guard can feel bulky for a week or two, and your bite can feel different in the morning. If it doesn't settle, come in and we'll adjust it. Clean it every day and bring it to each checkup.
How it is billed
Not part of the team plan's routine visits. You get a written estimate before we take the first impression.
How fees work

It depends on how hard you grind. Dr. Kulkarni checks it at your exams and tells you when it is worn.

You can. A custom guard is made to your bite, and Dr. Kulkarni can tell you which makes sense for you.

Night guards are provided by Dr. Nirmala Kulkarni, DDS, a general dentist.