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A nightguard is a custom-fitted appliance you wear while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, also called bruxism. At Dentistry at Millennium Park, we make comfortable, custom nightguards that cushion your teeth, ease jaw tension, and help prevent the wear and headaches grinding can cause, for both children and adults in Chicago's Loop.
A nightguard is a thin, custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It creates a protective cushion between your upper and lower teeth, so the forces of grinding and clenching land on the guard instead of your enamel.
Many people grind or clench at night without realizing it, often because of stress, an uneven bite, or sleep habits. Over time, this can wear down, chip, or crack teeth and leave the jaw sore. A nightguard is a simple, comfortable way to protect against that nightly wear and tear.
The key is a proper fit. A guard made specifically for your mouth stays in place, feels comfortable, and protects far better than a one-size-fits-all option, which is why we make each nightguard custom.
Bruxism may seem harmless, but left unchecked it can lead to real problems. Protecting your teeth helps you avoid:
Note: A nightguard won't stop you from grinding, but it absorbs the force and shields your teeth, preventing much of the damage grinding would otherwise cause.
Grinding often happens during sleep, so the clues usually show up in the morning or over time. You might benefit from a nightguard if you notice:
A sore or tired jaw, especially in the morning
Frequent headaches, often near the temples
Worn, flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity
A partner who hears you grinding at night
Clenching your teeth when you're stressed or focused
Note: If you recognize a few of these, mention them at your next visit. We can check your teeth for the telltale signs of grinding and talk through whether a nightguard would help.
Our practice is on the 18th floor at 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the heart of the Loop, an easy stop for a quick scan and fitting.
We care for patients and families from across downtown Chicago, including the Loop, River North, South Loop, and West Loop, with convenient access by CTA, Metra at Millennium Station, and nearby parking.
Made from a scan of your teeth, so it stays put all night.
Custom guards are trimmer and easier to sleep in.
Built to handle your bite and absorb grinding forces.
Quality materials hold up better than boil-and-bite versions.
We make sure it fits right and review it over time.
Note: Store-bought, boil-and-bite guards can be bulky and loose, which makes them easy to push out or stop wearing. A custom guard is built for your mouth, so you're far more likely to actually use it.
Getting a custom nightguard is quick and completely comfortable.
Note: We'll give you simple tips for cleaning and storing your guard so it stays fresh and lasts as long as possible.
Coverage varies by plan, but many dental plans cover a custom nightguard at least in part, since it protects your teeth from damage. We're in-network with most major PPOs and will review your specific benefits with you before we begin.
To keep things easy, we also offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry. We'll always explain any costs clearly and up front, so there are no surprises.
A nightguard protects your teeth from the effects of grinding, but it doesn't address the underlying cause, such as stress or an uneven bite. Many people use a nightguard alongside simple steps like stress management, and we're happy to talk through what's contributing to your grinding.
Grinding and clenching can also strain the jaw joints. If you're dealing with ongoing jaw pain, clicking, or other jaw-joint symptoms, that may point to a TMJ/TMD issue, and a nightguard is often part of treating it. We'll guide you to the right care.
We make the process simple and comfortable, from a quick digital scan to a guard that genuinely fits, and we take the time to explain what's going on with your teeth and bite.
As a proudly woman-owned, all-female practice in the heart of the Loop, led by a woman of color, we pair modern dentistry with genuine, personal care.
Founder & Lead Dentist, Dentistry at Millennium Park.
Last updated: June 2026
Meet Dr. RanganathanIt cushions your teeth while you sleep, so the force of grinding and clenching is absorbed by the guard instead of wearing down, chipping, or cracking your teeth. It can also ease morning jaw soreness and headaches.
Common signs include a sore jaw or headaches in the morning, worn or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, or a partner who hears you grinding. We can also spot the signs of grinding during an exam.
Yes. A custom guard is made from a scan of your teeth, so it fits better, feels more comfortable, protects more effectively, and lasts longer than a boil-and-bite version from the store.
It often helps when grinding or clenching is involved, since it reduces strain on your teeth and jaw. If you have ongoing jaw pain, clicking, or a diagnosed jaw-joint disorder, see our TMJ/TMD treatment, where a nightguard is frequently part of the plan.
With good care, a custom nightguard can last several years. We'll check it at your regular visits and let you know if it ever needs replacing.
At our office on the 18th floor of 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the Loop. We welcome patients from across downtown Chicago. Call or text (224) 249-5977 or book online.
A custom nightguard is a simple way to prevent the damage grinding can cause. Call or text us at (224) 249-5977 or book online, and we'll make a comfortable guard that fits just right.
We are taking new patients in Chicago! We offer a wide range of dentistry services, including regular dental cleanings and check-ups, fillings and crowns.
