Gentle Protection for Your Teeth While You Sleep
Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, is one of those habits that often goes unnoticed until your jaw aches or your teeth show signs of wear. A nightguard is a simple way to protect your smile, but the difference lies in how it’s made and how well it fits.
At Whiteman Dental Associates in Brookline, we take a thoughtful, custom approach to nightguard therapy. Every appliance is designed for comfort, crafted with precision, and adjusted to suit your unique needs. You won’t find one-size-fits-all solutions here. Just carefully made care that supports your long-term health.
Our boutique practice is led by Dr. Daniel Whiteman, whose experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry blends seamlessly with an artistic eye for detail. If you’ve been clenching or grinding in your sleep—or think you might be—you’re not alone. We’re here to help you rest easier.
What Is a Nightguard?
A nightguard is a slim, custom-fitted oral appliance worn while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping to prevent the wear and strain caused by unconscious grinding or clenching.
Unlike the bulky or loose-fitting guards sold over the counter, a nightguard made at Whiteman Dental is designed to fit your bite exactly. That means better comfort, better results, and a guard you’ll actually want to wear.
What Teeth Grinding Can Do Over Time
Grinding your teeth occasionally might not seem like a concern. But when it becomes a nightly habit, it can start to wear away the structure of your smile and the ease of your mornings.
Over time, chronic grinding can:
- Flatten or chip enamel
- Cause tension headaches or facial soreness
- Create small cracks in teeth
- Stress jaw joints, leading to discomfort or TMJ dysfunction
- Damage existing dental work, like crowns or fillings
The signs are often subtle at first. You might notice your bite feels different, or your jaw feels tight in the morning. Identifying these early changes gives us a chance to help before more extensive care is needed.
What a Nightguard Can Help With
Nightguards are small in size but have a big role in protecting your health. A well-fitted guard can make a real difference in how your teeth, jaw, and face feel each day.
Here’s what a nightguard can support:
- Prevents enamel wear and chipping
- Eases muscle tension in the jaw and face
- Reduces frequency and intensity of morning headaches
- Protects past dental work from grinding-related damage
- Helps some patients experience deeper, more restful sleep
Our goal is not just to make a device that fits, but one that helps you feel better over time.
How We Create Custom Nightguards at Whiteman Dental
Nightguard therapy at Whiteman Dental is about precision, comfort, and long-term success. We begin with a careful evaluation of your bite, teeth, and symptoms. Dr. Whiteman looks not just at the teeth, but at the full structure of your mouth and jaw to understand what’s happening while you sleep.
We’ll take detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth. These are used to create a guard that fits your exact bite. In many cases, your guard is crafted on-site, allowing for full control over quality and turnaround time.
Once your nightguard is ready, we’ll check the fit and make any fine adjustments. This is where Dr. Whiteman’s background in sculpture and dental craftsmanship shines. Every surface, angle, and thickness is considered.
You’ll leave with a custom appliance that feels smooth, secure, and easy to wear. We’ll also show you how to care for it and what to watch for as your mouth adjusts.
Is a Nightguard Right for You?
Grinding and clenching are more common than many people realize. Some patients only learn about it after years of wear on their teeth or waking up with persistent soreness.
You may benefit from a nightguard if you:
- Wake up with jaw pain, stiffness, or facial tension
- Experience frequent morning headaches
- Notice flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
- Have a partner who hears you grinding at night
- Have dental restorations you want to protect
If you’re unsure, we’ll guide you through a gentle exam and an honest conversation. No pressure. Just clarity on what we see and what might help.
Caring for Your Nightguard
Nightguards are easy to maintain with just a few daily habits:
- Rinse with water after each use
- Brush gently with a toothbrush (no toothpaste needed)
- Use mild soap or a denture cleaner weekly for a deeper clean
- Allow it to air dry in a ventilated case
- Bring it to your checkups for inspection and adjustment
With proper care, most nightguards last several years. We’ll help you keep yours in top shape.
Why Patients Trust Us for Nightguards
At Whiteman Dental Associates, your care is never rushed or outsourced. We take time to craft nightguards that are thoughtfully made and built to last. The process is quiet, focused, and centered on your comfort.
Dr. Whiteman brings more than 25 years of experience in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. His artistic sensibility is evident in the way each nightguard is shaped to your bite and adjusted with care. You’ll also see the same familiar team at every step, so nothing feels unfamiliar or impersonal.
Many patients tell us they didn’t realize how much better they could feel until they started wearing their guard. That small change can protect your smile and improve your daily comfort in meaningful ways.
Insurance & Payment Information
Most dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for custom nightguards. Before we begin, we’ll help you understand your benefits and provide a clear cost breakdown.
If you don’t have insurance, that’s no problem. Karen, our office manager, will walk you through your options and help find a solution that fits your needs and budget.
We believe in being transparent about cost and supportive about your choices. You’ll never feel pressured into a treatment plan.
Book Your Dental Nightguard Consultation
If you’ve been living with jaw tension, worn teeth, or unexplained headaches, a nightguard could be a simple and effective step toward relief. At Whiteman Dental Associates, we’ll help you understand your options and feel confident in your next step.
We’ll take our time, answer your questions, and create something that truly fits.