La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Why choose us
Benefits of Mouth Guards
Protects Against Grinding
A night guard puts a cushion between your upper and lower teeth so nighttime clenching and grinding wear on the guard instead of your enamel.
Custom Fit Comfort
We make your night guard from impressions of your own teeth, so it fits snugly and feels comfortable enough to wear all night.
Eases Jaw Strain
For patients with TMJ or TMD concerns, a night guard can be part of the therapy we offer to take pressure off the jaw while you sleep.
Guards Your Dental Work
Wearing a night guard helps protect crowns, veneers, fillings and other restorations from the force of grinding.
Care Close to Home
Families across the Coulee Region can get a night guard at our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua office.
Grinding or clenching your teeth at night can wear down enamel, chip fillings and leave your jaw sore by morning, often without you realizing it is happening. At Rivertown Dental, we make custom night guards for patients across Wisconsin's Coulee Region at our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua offices. A night guard places a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep, so the pressure goes into the guard instead of into your teeth.
A night guard is a removable appliance that fits over your teeth and is worn during sleep. It is designed for people who grind (sometimes called bruxism) or clench their teeth at night. Because this habit happens while you are asleep, many patients first learn about it from a partner who hears the grinding or from us during a routine dental exam, when we notice flattened or worn tooth surfaces.
Night guards can help a wide range of patients. Some come to us with morning headaches or a tired, tight jaw. Others have dental work they want to protect, such as crowns, veneers, bridges or implants, which can be costly to repair if they crack under nighttime pressure. Some patients have jaw discomfort related to the temporomandibular joint, and a night guard may be one part of the TMJ/TMD therapy we offer. Because we are a family practice, we also talk with parents about what they notice in their children and adjust our recommendations to each patient's age and needs.
The first step is a conversation and an exam with one of our general dentists. We look at your teeth, your bite and any wear patterns, and we ask about your symptoms and sleep habits. If a night guard makes sense for you, we explain why and answer your questions before anything is made.
Your guard is custom made to fit your mouth, and our offices have an on-site dental lab, which helps us keep the process close to home. A custom guard is shaped to your teeth, which generally makes it easier to wear through the night than a generic store-bought option. Everything happens within the Ascent Experience. The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That includes clear explanations and no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit.
Is a night guard right for me?
You may be a good candidate if you grind or clench, or if we see signs of it during your exam. Common clues include:
- Waking up with a sore jaw, tight facial muscles or a dull headache
- Teeth that look flatter, shorter or more chipped than they used to
- Increased tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause
- A partner hearing grinding sounds while you sleep
A night guard protects your teeth, but it does not repair existing damage. If grinding has already worn or cracked a tooth, we may talk with you about restorative options such as fillings, crowns or onlays alongside your guard. If a tooth breaks suddenly or causes significant pain, please do not wait. If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you for the earliest opening. We work to see emergencies the same day when our schedule allows, and we will do everything we can to accommodate same-day, next-day or walk-in care at any of our four offices.
How do I care for my night guard?
Rinse your guard after each use and brush it gently. Store it in its case to keep it clean and protected. Keep it away from heat, such as a hot car or dishwasher, since high temperatures can change its shape. Pets also tend to find dental appliances interesting, so a closed case is the safest place for it.
Bring your guard to your regular cleanings and exams. Our hygienists and dentists can check the fit, look for wear and make sure it is still doing its job. Over time, a guard may show signs of the pressure it is absorbing, which is exactly what it is meant to do. We will let you know if it needs an adjustment or replacement.
How can I pay for a night guard?
We work with many dental insurance plans. Please call your office to confirm your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients and can walk you through your options before treatment begins.
For patients who would like to spread out costs, we offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance, subject to credit approval and each lender's terms. If you do not have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans. They cover cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride and include a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance.
If you have been waking up sore or noticing changes in your teeth, we would be glad to take a look. Call the Rivertown Dental office nearest you in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to schedule a visit. Dentistry, Done Differently.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Conversation
We check your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding, listen to what you notice at night, and explain whether a night guard is a good fit.
- 2
Impressions and Fitting
We take impressions of your teeth to make your guard, then check the fit and adjust it so your bite feels right.
- 3
Wear and Follow Up
We show you how to clean and store your night guard and check it at your regular visits to make sure it keeps protecting your smile.
Questions
Mouth Guards FAQs
How much does a night guard cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost of a night guard depends on your needs and your coverage, so the best first step is a quick call to your nearest Rivertown Dental office in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua. We work with many dental insurance plans and are happy to help you confirm your benefits, and we also offer the Rivertown Membership Plans (our VIP Program) for patients without insurance. Third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance is available to those who qualify, though approval is not guaranteed.
Will a night guard be uncomfortable to sleep in?
Most people find their custom night guard takes a short adjustment period, and we shape it to fit your teeth so it feels as natural as possible. It can feel a little unfamiliar for the first few nights while you get used to it. If anything feels tight or rubs, let us know and we can check the fit and make adjustments.
How long does it take to get a night guard?
Getting a night guard usually starts with an exam and impressions of your teeth, followed by a visit to fit your finished guard. There is no recovery time, so you can wear it the same night you take it home. We will walk you through how to wear it and care for it before you leave our office.
Who should consider a night guard?
A night guard is often a good fit for people who clench or grind their teeth while they sleep. Signs can include morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, or sensitivity, and sometimes a partner notices the grinding first. During your exam at any of our Coulee Region offices, our dentists can look for signs of grinding and talk with you about whether a night guard, or TMJ/TMD therapy, makes sense for you.
How long does a night guard last?
How long a night guard lasts varies from person to person, mostly depending on how heavily you grind and how well the guard is cared for. Rinsing it, keeping it clean and storing it in its case can help it hold up. Bring it to your regular checkups so we can look for wear and let you know when it may be time for a new one.