Custom nightguards at Big City Dental help protect teeth from grinding, clenching, enamel wear, and jaw stress with a comfortable appliance designed specifically for your smile in Chicago.
Custom nightguards are designed for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. This condition, often called bruxism, can place heavy pressure on the teeth, jaw joints, and facial muscles. At Big City Dental, Dr. Nilay Patel can evaluate signs of grinding and create a custom nightguard to help protect your smile from ongoing stress.
Many patients do not realize they grind their teeth because it happens at night. However, the signs can become visible over time. Worn enamel, chipped teeth, morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, and repeated damage to dental work may all point to nighttime clenching or grinding. A custom nightguard creates a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth, helping reduce direct pressure while you sleep.
Custom nightguards are dental appliances made from a precise scan or impression of your mouth. Unlike store-bought guards, they are designed to fit your teeth and bite comfortably, making them easier to wear consistently.
Grinding can gradually wear down enamel. Since enamel does not grow back, a custom nightguard helps protect the teeth from ongoing wear.
Crowns, fillings, veneers, bonding, and implant restorations can all be affected by heavy bite forces. A nightguard can help reduce pressure on existing dental work.
Clenching can contribute to jaw tension and morning soreness. A custom nightguard may help reduce strain by creating a more protective resting surface for the teeth.
Because the appliance is made specifically for your mouth, it is typically more comfortable and secure than an over-the-counter option.
Repeated grinding can weaken teeth and increase the risk of chips, cracks, and fractures. A custom nightguard helps absorb some of that force while you sleep.
Dr. Nilay will examine your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and bite for signs of grinding or clenching. He may also ask about morning headaches, jaw soreness, sensitivity, or sleep habits.
If a custom nightguard is recommended, the team will take a precise scan or impression of your teeth. This allows the appliance to be made for your specific bite.
Your nightguard is created from durable dental material designed to withstand nighttime pressure. The design is based on your teeth, bite, and level of grinding.
Once the nightguard is ready, Dr. Nilay will check the fit and make sure it feels comfortable. Small adjustments can be made if needed.
The team will show you how to clean, store, and maintain your custom nightguard. Bringing it to regular dental visits allows the team to check for wear over time.
Our friendly team is here to help with anything you need — from insurance questions to treatment details.
Contact UsCommon Questions
You may need a nightguard if you have worn teeth, chips, morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or signs of grinding noticed during a dental exam.
A custom nightguard is made for your exact mouth and bite, which usually makes it more comfortable, secure, and effective than a one-size-fits-all guard.
A nightguard may not stop the muscle habit completely, but it helps protect your teeth from direct grinding and clenching forces.
Longevity depends on how heavily you grind, how well you care for the appliance, and the material used. Your dental team can monitor wear during regular visits.
Rinse it after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, let it dry, and store it in its case. Avoid hot water, which can distort the material.
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Exams, cleanings and digital X-rays with hygienists who take their time.
Discreet teeth straightening from a certified ClearCorrect provider.
Fillings, crowns, bridges and implants to repair worn, cracked or missing teeth.
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Happy Patients
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
4.8 out of 5 on Google160+ reviews
Very good dental hygienist. Patient, answered all questions and cleaned my teeth with no discomfort
I have been going to Big City Dental for year. The current crew is beyond exceptional. During my most recent appointment, Ashley provided a wonderful cleaning. Dr Patel and I sat down for a consultation for some work we will need to do in the near future. His clam demeanor and extensive knowledge put me completely at ease. I had a scan preformed by Yana she was great. Raquel checked me out in her usual kind and efficient way. She also created an estimate for the upcoming procedures. I highly recommend Big City Dental.
Our family has gone to Big City for decades and we recommend the practice to our family and friends for gentle and comprehensive care. Great location too.
Dr. Kalentsky recently sold the practice to a new dentist, and he's great! Had been a patient of Dr. K for years, and the transition has been pretty seamless.
Always the best care and attention! Everyone is professional and friendly and always accommodating if I need to reschedule an appointment. Also, I really appreciate the reminders about upcoming appointments! Hooray for Big City Dental!
I saw doctor Nilay yesterday for the first time and I had a great experience. He was attentive and guided me through the procedure and made me feel very comfortable. I definitely recommend Dr. Nilay Patel if you are looking for a great dentist!
I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
Ashley does a great job as hygienist- takes the time to explain what she's doing. Dr. Nilay also great and thoroughly explains procedures. Great location!
I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.
A selection of recent 4 and 5 star Google reviews. The rating reflects all reviews.
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Big City Dental on Southport Ave is accepting new patients. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or ready to transform your smile, Dr. Nilay and the team are here to make it easy!
