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Dental Mouth Guard in NYC

Dr. Dmitry Nikitayev in his office

Sports and Dental Night Guards

Protecting your teeth and jaws is essential for good oral health. Even minor impacts or nightly clenching can cause significant wear over time. A chipped tooth or sore jaw may not seem urgent at first, but these are often the earliest signs of grinding or tension that can lead to long-term dental damage.

209 NYC Dental in Midtown East helps New York City patients avoid traumatic mouth injuries with custom dental mouthguards designed to protect teeth from damage caused by excessive nighttime grinding and impact injuries.

Each guard is molded for a precise fit, allowing you to rest, play, or sleep comfortably without worry. Whether you need a mouth guard for sports, sleep, or jaw pain, our experienced team will design a guard that fits securely, feels natural, and protects your smile.

Patients often notice immediate relief after wearing their guard for just a few nights, especially if they’ve been waking up with sore jaws or headaches.

Why Are Night Guards Worn?

Issue or Concern How a Night Guard Helps Result
Teeth grinding (bruxism) Prevents tooth-on-tooth contact Protects enamel, reduces wear
Jaw pain or TMJ symptoms Relieves joint tension and pressure Decreases pain and stiffness
Headaches or morning discomfort Eases overnight muscle strain Fewer headaches upon waking
Chipped or cracked teeth Cushions teeth during clenching or movement Prevents further damage
Uneven bite or misalignment Keeps bite stable while sleeping Maintains proper alignment over time

 

Dental night guards in NYC are usually worn to prevent teeth grinding, which can wear down tooth surfaces and increase the risk of decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Grinding, or bruxism, can also cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

This condition can cause chronic jaw pain and headaches as well as a “clicking” noise when you chew or yawn.

People who grind their teeth at night may notice jaw stiffness in the morning or headaches that start at the temples. An Invisalign mouth guard for grinding keeps the upper and lower teeth apart, easing that pressure while protecting enamel from constant friction.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding can occur for many reasons, including chronic stress and an unbalanced bite caused by missing teeth or damaged or crooked teeth.

Sometimes, correcting damaged teeth, replacing missing teeth, or undergoing orthodontic treatment can help resolve chronic teeth grinding. For others, stress management or a dental mouth guard in NYC may be the most straightforward path to relief.

In other cases, stress management may help. Once grinding has become a habit, it can be difficult to stop. Having an Invisalign mouth guard in place can prevent damage from grinding and clenching, which tend to occur more commonly during sleep.

What’s Involved in Getting a Dental Night Guard or Sports Guard?

At 209 NYC Dental, every mouth guard dentist provides patients with custom sports guards and night guards that are designed to fit their mouths comfortably and securely.

The process begins with:

  • Taking impressions of the upper and lower teeth.
  • Based on the type of night guard a patient chooses, we either manufacture it on-site or send it out to a laboratory.
  • The materials used for the fabrication of a night guard depend on its type, but either type, whether fabricated in our on-site NYC lab or sent out to an off-site laboratory, is intended to achieve a precise and comfortable fit for your mouth.

During your fitting appointment, we’ll also evaluate how your teeth come together and ensure that your new guard doesn’t interfere with your natural bite. Minor adjustments are sometimes made for optimal balance and comfort.

When your guard is ready, our team will show you how to properly insert, remove, and clean it. Cleaning is simple. Just rinse under cool water after use and store it in a ventilated case. Periodically brushing it with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-scented soap helps maintain its clarity and shape.

Are Dental Mouth Guards in NYC the Same as Ones I Can Buy at a Drugstore?

No, over-the-counter dental night guards are made as a one-size-fits-all solution rather than a custom-fit product tailored to your mouth shape, which means they’re less effective and less comfortable.

Even the guards that claim to mold to your teeth with hot water or other methods aren’t able to achieve a truly custom fit, and they can change shape over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where Can I Get Night Guards in Midtown?

209 NYC Dental offers custom-fit night guards. Our team customizes every guard to protect against grinding and jaw tension. We’ll also ensure they fit your mouth comfortably. Whether you’re near Midtown East or traveling in from another borough, we’ll help you find lasting relief.

2. Can I Get a Mouth Guard for Front Teeth Only?

At 209 NYC Dental, partial night guards are not offered. While they may provide some protection for mild cases, they are generally not recommended for patients who grind or clinch severely.

Partial guards can also pose risks, including unwanted tooth movement over time, because they don’t evenly distribute pressure across the entire bite. For balanced protection and long-term comfort, a full-arch night guard is the most effective and stable option.

3. What is the Best Night Guard for Overbite Correction?

A night guard cannot correct an overbite. Its primary purpose is to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, not to reposition the jaw or shift teeth. In fact, an ill-fitting guard can sometimes worsen bite issues by placing the jaw in an unnatural position. Correcting an overbite may require treatments such as braces, retainers, or oral surgery.

At 209 NYC Dental, our custom-fitted night guards are designed to maintain comfort and protect your enamel while you sleep. For patients looking to improve their bite alignment, Invisalign clear aligners may be a better option, as they can both correct alignment and provide protection similar to a night guard. After Invisalign treatment, Vivera retainers can continue to prevent wear from nighttime grinding.

Dr. Dmitry Nikitayev in his office

About the author:

Dr. Dmitry Nikitayev

DDS

Dr. Dmitry Nikitayev is an Invisalign and sleep apnea specialist at 209 NYC Dental. Dr. Nikitayev received his doctorate in dental surgery from the NYC College of Dentistry. He prides himself on clearly communicating with patients and staying organized for a smooth patient experience every time. Additionally, he passed the NERB in 2010 and is a member of Spear Education. Dr. Nikitayev is fluent in both English and Russian.

Testimonials

I was very lucky to have had a referral for this Dental Practice. From the wonderful staff at the front desk, who were very helpful and those who checked on my insurance to see if I was covered and this was all before I even had the actual appointment. This was my first time for a visit and I was greeted as if I had been going there forever. I was informed of what to expect and after I filled out my paperwork a lovely young lady came so I could have my x-rays which went well; then the hygienist came and got me - she looked over my x-rays and asked me some questions and then proceeded to clean my teeth. She did a wonderful job. Then the dentist came in for further examination and discussion of what my next steps should be. He was a wonderful doctor. This was a wonderful experience. Before today I was with the same dentist office for approximately 40 years and always adored them unfortunately, they retired. So, I am extremely thrilled to have found such a wonderful dental office and staff at 209 NYC Dental. I look forward to building a lasting relationship.
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What Our Patients Are Saying

With over 1000 reviews from all over the web with an average rating of 4.9 we are proud to be in the Manhattan Dental Elite.

I was very lucky to have had a referral for this Dental Practice. From the wonderful staff at the front desk, who were very helpful and those who checked on my insurance to see if I was covered and this was all before I even had the actual appointment. This was my first time for a visit and I was greeted as if I had been going there forever. I was informed of what to expect and after I filled out my paperwork a lovely young lady came so I could have my x-rays which went well; then the hygienist came and got me - she looked over my x-rays and asked me some questions and then proceeded to clean my teeth. She did a wonderful job. Then the dentist came in for further examination and discussion of what my next steps should be. He was a wonderful doctor. This was a wonderful experience. Before today I was with the same dentist office for approximately 40 years and always adored them unfortunately, they retired. So, I am extremely thrilled to have found such a wonderful dental office and staff at 209 NYC Dental. I look forward to building a lasting relationship.
S.D.

Google

Dr Wang is the best periodontist I’ve seen in nyc! He went above and beyond to fully explain all my options for my wisdom tooth and even when I had follow up questions after the visit, was available to discuss over the phone. Will definitely recommend to my friends and come back! Thanks Dr.Wang! 🙏
Ben

Google

All staff is very polite! From front desk to dental assistants. Dr. Reddy is one of the best dentists out there! Truly understanding of situations and is great at explaining different treatments and results. If you’re on time, you’ll be seen right away. I can wholeheartedly recommend this place if you’re unsure of where to go.
Donika

Google

Literally the best experience I’ve had at a dentist office. All the staff was so kind and welcoming, they explained every part of the process, and were very gentle and thorough. Excited to keep coming back every 6 months!
Rossy

Google

I had a great experience with this dental group. I came in for an emergency, and the staff and doctors made me feel completely at ease. They were incredibly caring, professional, and attentive, and they resolved everything quickly. The environment is warm and welcoming, and I truly felt comfortable throughout my visit. I’ll definitely be coming back in the future!
Angela C

Google

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