Night Guards
in Kansas City, MO

Top Dentist In South Kansas City

Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sore teeth?

You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night – a condition known as bruxism.

At Southtown Family Dental in Kansas City’s Waldo/Brookside neighborhood, we provide custom night guards designed to protect your teeth, ease discomfort, and help you get a better night’s sleep.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a thin, custom-made oral appliance that you wear while you sleep.

It acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the damage caused by grinding and clenching.

Unlike store-bought or “boil-and-bite” guards, custom night guards are made specifically for your bite, ensuring a comfortable fit that provides lasting protection.

Close-up of a woman smiling with smooth, even teeth maintained with a night guard from Southtown Family Dental in Kansas City, MO.
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Signs You May Need a Night Guard

Bruxism can often go unnoticed since it happens during sleep. However, there are many warning signs, including:

  • Waking up with jaw or facial pain
  • Frequent morning headaches
  • Tooth sensitivity or worn-down enamel
  • Chips, cracks, or fractures in teeth
  • Tightness or soreness in the jaw muscles
  • Disrupted sleep patterns

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a night guard may be the solution.

Left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to serious dental issues such as tooth loss, gum recession, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

Benefits of Custom Night Guards

Choosing a professionally made night guard offers many advantages over store-bought options:

  • Durability: Made with high-quality dental materials designed to withstand nightly use.
  • Comfortable fit: Custom-fitted to your bite for maximum comfort while you sleep.
  • Better protection: Provides effective cushioning to prevent enamel wear and jaw strain.
  • Improved sleep: Reduces clenching, allowing you to sleep more soundly and wake up refreshed.
  • Long-term savings: Protects against costly dental repairs caused by grinding damage.

Night Guards vs. Over-the-Counter Options

Drugstore night guards may seem like an affordable fix, but they often don’t fit properly and can be uncomfortable to wear.

Ill-fitting guards may even cause more jaw strain or shift your bite over time.

At Southtown Family Dental, Dr. Richard Campos takes precise impressions of your teeth to create a night guard that is durable, effective, and comfortable enough to wear every night.

The Night Guard Process at Southtown Family Dental

Getting your custom night guard is simple:

  • Consultation & Exam – Dr. Campos will evaluate your symptoms, check for signs of bruxism, and confirm whether a night guard is the right treatment for you.
  • Impressions & Fitting – We’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure your guard fits comfortably and securely.
  • Fabrication – Your custom guard will be crafted from durable materials designed for long-term use.
  • Final Fit & Adjustments – Once your night guard arrives, we’ll check the fit and make any necessary adjustments so it feels perfect.

Most patients adapt quickly and find that wearing their night guard becomes second nature within a few nights.

Protecting More Than Just Your Teeth

Night guards don’t just protect your enamel – they also help with:

  • Jaw pain relief: Reducing tension in the jaw muscles and joints.
  • Headache prevention: Minimizing morning headaches caused by clenching.
  • TMJ disorder management: Easing symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
  • Better sleep quality: Allowing you to rest more deeply without nighttime grinding.

By protecting your teeth and jaw, night guards also help prevent future dental problems, saving you time and money on restorative care.

Who Can Benefit from a Night Guard?

Night guards aren’t just for adults – teens and young adults who grind their teeth may also benefit.

They are particularly recommended for:

  • Patients with a history of clenching or grinding
  • Those under high stress
  • People with TMJ pain or clicking jaws
  • Patients with restorative work (crowns, bridges, or veneers) that need extra protection.

At Southtown Family Dental, we’ll carefully evaluate your needs and recommend the best solution for your smile.

Affordable Protection for Your Smile

We believe everyone deserves access to preventive dental care. That’s why Southtown Family Dental proudly accepts Medicaid for all ages, along with most major insurance plans.

For patients without coverage, we also offer simple self-pay options.

Why Choose Southtown Family Dental for Night Guards?

  • Custom, professional-grade night guards designed for your unique bite
  • A welcoming, compassionate team focused on your comfort
  • Convenient Kansas City location in the Waldo/Brookside community
  • Flexible payment options, including Medicaid and insurance
  • A strong commitment to preventive dentistry and community care

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night, don’t wait until the damage is done.

A custom night guard from Southtown Family Dental can protect your teeth, relieve jaw pain, and help you sleep better.

Contact Southtown Family Dental today to schedule your night guard consultation. We look forward to helping you safeguard your smile.

Night Guards FAQs

What is a night guard used for?

A night guard protects your teeth from grinding or clenching while you sleep. It prevents enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches, while also protecting dental work like crowns and fillings.

If you wake with sore teeth, tight jaw muscles, or frequent headaches, you may grind your teeth at night. Dr. Campos can check for wear and recommend a custom night guard if needed.

Custom night guards are made to fit your bite exactly, making them more comfortable and effective. Over-the-counter guards often don’t fit well and can cause irritation or uneven protection.

Night guards reduce pressure from clenching and grinding, which often relieves jaw pain, tension, and even TMJ symptoms. They also help prevent future dental damage.

With proper care, a custom night guard can last several years. Avoid chewing on it, clean it regularly, and bring it to your dental checkups so we can ensure it still fits properly.

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