Dolan Dental — Wethersfield, CT
Custom Nightguards in Wethersfield, CT
Protecting Your Teeth While You Sleep
Bruxism — grinding or clenching your teeth — is more common than most people realize, and most people who do it have no idea it's happening. It occurs during sleep, often during periods of light sleep or stress, and the forces involved can exceed anything you'd generate while chewing. Over time, bruxism wears down enamel, fractures teeth, cracks restorations, and strains the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
A custom nightguard is the most reliable way to interrupt that cycle. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing and redistributing force so your teeth and joints are no longer taking the full impact.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Guards
Pharmacy nightguards are inexpensive, but they have significant limitations. They're made from soft, pliable material that many grinders actually clench harder against — worsening the muscle activity rather than reducing it. They're also bulky, ill-fitting, and can shift during sleep.
A custom nightguard from Dolan Dental is:
- Fabricated by a dental lab from hard acrylic, the same material used for removable prosthetics
- Precisely fitted to your digital or physical impressions — no trimming, no adapting, no sore spots
- Thin and comfortable — hard acrylic guards can be made much thinner than soft guards while still providing superior protection
- Built to a balanced bite position so it doesn't create new muscle tension while protecting against the old
What to Expect
Getting a nightguard at Dolan Dental takes two short appointments. At the first, we take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. Those records go to the dental lab, where your guard is custom-fabricated. At the second appointment — usually one to two weeks later — you come in for the delivery and fit check. Dr. Dolan will make any minor adjustments needed to ensure the bite on the guard is even and comfortable.
From there, you wear it every night. Most patients notice reduced morning jaw soreness within the first week or two.
When a Nightguard Is Part of a Larger Plan
A nightguard protects your teeth, but it doesn't address the underlying bite imbalance that may be driving the bruxism or causing daytime clenching. If you're also experiencing headaches, jaw joint clicking, or significant muscle tension, Dr. Dolan may recommend starting with a Kois Deprogrammer evaluation to identify whether bite equilibration is needed before or alongside the nightguard.
This sequenced approach — diagnosis first, treatment second — reflects the Kois Center methodology that guides Dr. Dolan's practice. Many patients who have worn nightguards for years and still wake up with jaw soreness find that addressing the bite position changes the picture significantly.
How Long Does a Nightguard Last?
With daily wear and proper care (rinse, brush lightly, store in the case), a custom hard nightguard typically lasts three to five years. Heavy grinders may wear through one faster; lighter clenchers may get longer life. We check the fit and thickness at your regular checkups and let you know when it's time for a replacement.
Ready to Stop Waking Up With Jaw Pain?
Call (860) 529-2000 or request an appointment online. If you're unsure whether you grind your teeth, mention it at your next cleaning — we'll examine your wear patterns and give you a clear picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a custom nightguard and an over-the-counter guard?+
Custom nightguards are fabricated by a dental lab from hard acrylic and precision-fitted to your impressions or digital scan. Over-the-counter guards are made from soft pliable material that many grinders actually clench harder against, worsening muscle activity. Custom hard guards provide superior protection and are typically thinner and more comfortable.
Will a nightguard stop me from grinding my teeth?+
A nightguard protects your teeth and joints from the forces of grinding, but it does not stop the grinding behavior itself. It is the most reliable way to prevent enamel wear, cracked teeth, and joint damage from bruxism while you work on underlying causes.
How long does a custom nightguard last?+
With proper care — rinsing, light brushing, and storing in the case — a custom hard nightguard typically lasts three to five years. Heavy grinders may need replacement sooner. Dr. Dolan checks the thickness and fit at your regular checkups.
How many appointments does it take to get a nightguard?+
Two short appointments. At the first, we take impressions or a digital scan. At the second — usually one to two weeks later — you pick up the finished guard and Dr. Dolan makes any minor bite adjustments needed for comfort.