Existing Patients:Mobile Number (630) 907-1112
New Patients:Mobile Number (630) 984-2223
Directions 601 Randall Crossing Lane,
North Aurora, IL 60542
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Night Guards

Patients who deal with conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder or teeth grinding may find that there are solutions to help reduce pain as well as wear on the natural teeth. Drs. Hammad Aziz and Stephanie Janes of North Aurora, IL, encourage these patients to ask their team about the benefits of night guards.

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

The pressure from clenching and grinding can cause cracks or fractures in the teeth. As the tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying layer of dentin may be exposed. This causes the tooth to become sensitive to temperature changes and pressure.

We can diagnose and determine the source of facial pain and treat irregular wear on teeth that may result from bruxism with a simple solution such as a night guard.

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a special oral appliance that is custom made for a patient. It fits comfortably in the mouth and is worn during sleeping to reduce tension in the jaw and protect the teeth from bruxism or tooth grinding. The night guard is an affordable, effective way of addressing a variety of concerns that are often associated with these conditions, including breakage of the natural teeth or dental restoration to chronic migraines and headaches.

How is a night guard made?

The process of creating a night guard for a patient is easy. First, patients are evaluated and a home sleep study is completed to confirm the nighttime grinding. Once confirmed by the sleep study report the dentist will recommend to have a night guard fabricated to wear while sleeping. A digital scan is taken of the upper and lower dental arch. This ensures the final mouth guard fits precisely into the teeth. Then, using this scan, a 3-D printer creates a final mold, the night guard is created out of high quality, durable, medical-grade plastics. When the guard is completed, the dentist makes sure it fits properly for the patient. Patients are strongly advised to use their night guard every night when they sleep, to protect the smile and reduce discomfort from certain dental conditions.

Who might benefit from a night guard?

Patients who benefit most from night guards include those who:

  • Have teeth that exhibit moderate to severe wear
  • Experience chronic headaches and migraines due to jaw tension
  • Have been diagnosed with conditions such as TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder)
  • Deal with routine clenching and grinding while they sleep (bruxism)

Learn more about using a mouth guard for sleeping

If you experience any of the above concerns and want to learn more about how a night guard can help you, we welcome you to call North Aurora Smiles at (630) 984-2223. The practice, located at 601 Randall Crossing Lane, is open to new patients and families of the community and surrounding cities of Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Big Rock, Campton Hills, Sycamore, Maple Park, Hinckley, Elburn, Oswego, Montgomery, La Fox, Kaneville and Yorkville.

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Dr. Hammad Aziz, North Aurora Smiles, IL
Dr. Stephanie Janes, North Aurora Smiles, IL

North Aurora Smiles

North Aurora Smiles is a patient-centered practice offering gentle, comprehensive dental care services for the whole family. Our top priority is to ensure the optimal health and wellness of our patients, and helping them to achieve healthy beautiful smiles for life. The doctors pride themselves on being whole-health focused with an overall philosophy of being minimally invasive in their dental treatment.

Dr. Hammad Aziz is a skilled and experienced professional, having graduated from Loyola University Chicago, Cum Laude with departmental honors and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. He is certified in Invisalign, Dental Implants, Six Month Smiles (invisible, clear braces), Sleep Apnea/Snoring with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Institute for Cranio-Facial Sleep Medicine. Dr. Aziz is also certified in Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Therapy, and is a BLS (CPR) Healthcare Provider / ACLS Certified. He is an active member of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, and a Member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Founding Member and President Elect of the CM Dental Society, and Past President and Member of the Aurora Dental Society.

Dr. Stephanie Janes earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine. While there, she also earned a Master’s degree in Health Service Administration and a Humanitarian Award on behalf of the International College of Dentists. Later, she completed a General Practice Residency through the University of Chicago at NorthShore University HealthSystem – Evanston Hospital. She gained hospital dentistry experience with a focus on medically-compromised patients and emergency dentistry. This program enabled her to enhance her comprehensive dental skills, especially in endodontics and cosmetic dentistry. She is also certified in therapeutic botox and dermal filler treatments to relieve bruxism (clenching and grinding) and TMJ pains, which she is passionate about.