Protective Night Guards Procedure

If you are a chronic teeth grinder, you may benefit from durable acrylic night guards custom-made in our Knoxville practice. We make these with our in-house 3D printer to exactly fit your mouth and keep your teeth apart while you sleep. These devices will fit comfortably over your teeth, preventing them from touching. In this way, night guards can reduce your risk for enamel erosion, cracked teeth, and other forms of dental damage that stem from bruxism. Our night guards are designed also to optimally relax your jaw muscles. This plays an important role in TMJ disorder diagnosis and treatment.

Do your grind your teeth at night or have tender TMJ muscles?

You owe it to yourself to have Dr. Stephen Malone or Dr. Michael Costa examine you. Not only will you receive the correct diagnosis, you will become aware of dental damage that has already occurred and be given the opportunity for bite splint therapy that includes a custom-made night guard that is best for your situation.

You are encouraged to invest in this therapy if you experience:

  • Jaw pain or tightness
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Enamel erosion
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Headaches, especially near your temples
  • Earaches
  • Sores on your tongue or the inside of your mouth

Are you tempted to use a premade over-the-counter night guard?

Premade night guards may be a factor in exacerbating Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems. Although you can purchase premade night guards at the drug store, professionally-made devices from Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry are far more comfortable and effective.

There are factors that increase bruxism.

Bruxism often increases during times of stress. The alignment of your teeth and your airway also are a factor. Individuals whose teeth are not properly aligned with optimal opposing occlusal surfaces have what is commonly known as a poor bite. With this dental condition, you are more likely to grind your teeth during sleep. With this condition, your tongue may not have the space it needs to lie flat and crowds the airway, contributing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Do not let bruxism compromise your dental health. Contact our office today to get fitted for your custom-made night guard. With an office in Knoxville, we proudly provide a range of dental services to patients from Powell, Karns, Farragut, Seymour, Maryville, Oak Ridge and the surrounding areas.

If you or a family member play sports, you will also benefit from our custom sports mouth guards. Learn more about athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Micheal Costa

Dr. Costa

Dr. Stephen Malone

Dr. Malone


Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry offers a unique dental care experience to our patients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The crew is committed to protecting and increasing the natural beauty of your smile by employing conservative, cutting-edge techniques that result in attractive, long-lasting smiles!

Our dedicated and experienced team of doctors includes Dr. Stephen Malone, D.M.D., University of Louisville, and Dr. Michael Costa, D.D.S., UNC School of Dentistry, M.H.A., UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, NC. They are firm believers in continuing education to provide their patients with the finest possible care.

Drs. Costa and Malone see their patients as real partners in their service. Our team is committed to making your dental care journey as pleasant as possible.

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