Helping You Avoid Worn-Down & Damaged Teeth
Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and worn-down teeth. Many people are unaware of this habit until they experience discomfort or visible damage. Over time, grinding can cause chipping on front teeth, excessive wear on molars, and gum recession, leading to tooth sensitivity. A custom dental nightguard provides a protective barrier, preventing further harm and reducing the risk of TMJ disorders.
At Roman Dental in Houston, TX, Dr. Roman Kotlarek offers professionally crafted nightguards tailored for a precise and comfortable fit. A graduate of The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio, he is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry with extensive experience in restorative and preventative dental care. With his expertise, patients receive durable, high-quality solutions to safeguard their teeth and improve their oral health.
Why Choose Roman Dental for Custom Nightguards?
Customized for Maximized Protection
Dental Insurance-Friendly Practice
Same-Day Appointments for Patients in Pain
What Is a Dental Nightguard and Why Do You Need One?
A nightguard is a specialized oral appliance that minimizes the damage caused by involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Since many people experience bruxism without knowing it, they may only notice symptoms once significant dental issues arise, such as:
- Worn-down or fractured teeth
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- TMJ disorders
A custom nightguard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing grinding and alleviating pressure on your jaw muscles. If left untreated, bruxism can cause severe damage to your teeth and overall oral health.
Do Store-Bought Nightguards Help?
Nightguards can be purchased at drug stores, but these basic guards can only temporarily help by reducing tooth wear. In order to meet the one-size-fits-all requirement, the appliances are made of a soft material. As a result, they are inexpensive. However, they do not protect the teeth against the damage of lateral clenching.
Lateral (side-to-side) clenching forces are the most harmful, causing tooth root sensitivity and fractured and worn teeth. Despite their limitations, people find store-bought nightguards helpful, but difficult to wear because of the generic fit.
Custom Nightguards
Roman Dental provides custom nightguards that protect teeth and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) while you sleep. Custom nightguards are made from high-strength materials. These materials offer cushioning and resistance to wear.Â
They are made with a cushioned interior surface and a solid biting surface to distribute pressure. The material and design are comfortable, durable, and prevent damage from teeth grinding and jaw clenching. As the name implies, our nightguards are custom fit to your mouth, helping clenchers get a better night's sleep.
Why Choose a Custom Nightguard Over Store-Bought Options?
A custom nightguard offers superior protection against teeth grinding and clenching compared to store-bought alternatives. Many people wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or muscle tenderness near the ear, all common signs of bruxism. Other indicators that suggest the need for a nightguard include loose teeth, worn-down enamel on molars, grooves along root surfaces (abfractions), and sensitivity to cold liquids or air.
Store-bought nightguards tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and less effective. A custom nightguard from Roman Dental is:
- Individually designed for a precise fit to maximize comfort
- Made from high-quality materials for long-term durability
- More effective at reducing grinding and jaw tension
- Easier to breathe and speak with compared to generic guards
A poorly fitting nightguard can do more harm than good. A custom nightguard ensures proper alignment and protection, helping to prevent long-term dental complications.
Why Choose Dr. Roman Kotlarek for Your Custom Dental Nightguard?
Dr. Roman Kotlarek is a highly trained and experienced dentist providing custom dental nightguards in Houston, TX. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio and has practiced dentistry in both Boston and Houston. With years of clinical expertise, he specializes in advanced restorative and preventative dental care, including the treatment of bruxism and TMJ disorders.
Dr. Kotlarek is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry. His professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Greater Houston Dental Society. His expertise in dental technology allows him to develop precision-fit nightguards that alleviate jaw discomfort and safeguard teeth from grinding-related damage.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Nightguard in Houston, TX
A custom dental nightguard is a simple yet effective way to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, preventing long-term damage and discomfort. At Roman Dental, we specialize in creating personalized nightguards that offer a comfortable fit and superior protection.
If you're experiencing symptoms of bruxism or TMJ discomfort, don't wait until the problem worsens. Call us today at (281) 920-4200 to schedule your consultation or book an appointment online. Take the first step toward better oral health and a pain-free smile with Roman Dental in Houston, TX.
