Q1. What is bruxism and what causes teeth grinding?

Bruxism is the clinical term for habitual grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism), though sleep bruxism is more common and more destructive because you cannot consciously control it. The causes of bruxism are multifactorial and often overlapping. Stress and anxiety are the most frequently cited triggers, particularly in high-pressure environments like the Las Vegas professional and hospitality industries. Other contributing factors include misaligned bite (malocclusion), sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, certain medications (particularly SSRIs and stimulants), excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and genetic predisposition. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan evaluates each patient individually to identify the factors most likely contributing to their grinding, because effective treatment depends on understanding the root cause, not just managing the symptoms.

Q2. How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Since sleep bruxism happens while you are unconscious, most patients discover they grind through one of three pathways: a sleep partner hears the grinding sounds, a dentist identifies the wear patterns during an examination, or symptoms accumulate to the point where they become impossible to ignore. Common signs include waking up with a sore jaw, stiff neck, or dull headache (especially in the temples), teeth that appear flattened, chipped, or worn down, increased tooth sensitivity without an obvious cause, indentations along the edges of your tongue from pressing it against your teeth, jaw clicking or popping when you open your mouth, and earache-like pain that is not actually an ear infection. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan uses AI-assisted diagnostic imaging and a detailed clinical examination to detect the earliest signs of bruxism, often identifying the condition before patients experience any symptoms at all. This early detection is one of the most valuable aspects of regular preventive care visits at our practice.

Q3. What damage can teeth grinding cause if left untreated?

The damage from untreated bruxism is cumulative and progressive. In the early stages, grinding wears down the enamel on the biting surfaces of your teeth, making them flatter, shorter, and more sensitive. As the enamel thins, teeth become vulnerable to decay, temperature sensitivity, and cosmetic deterioration. Continued grinding can crack or fracture teeth, requiring crowns, root canals, or even extraction and implant replacement. Existing restorations such as fillings, veneers, and crowns fail prematurely under the excessive forces. The jaw joint (TMJ) can develop painful dysfunction including clicking, locking, and chronic pain. The muscles of the face, head, and neck become chronically tense, producing headaches, facial pain, and neck stiffness. And gum recession accelerates as the grinding forces stress the periodontal attachment. The good news is that all of this damage is preventable with early diagnosis and a properly fitted custom night guard.

Q4. What is a custom night guard and how does it work?

A custom night guard (also called an occlusal splint or bite guard) is a precisely fitted appliance made from durable dental-grade material that you wear over your teeth while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing and distributing the grinding forces so they cannot damage your enamel, restorations, or jaw joint. Unlike over-the-counter night guards, a custom night guard from Summerlin Dental Solutions is fabricated from a precise digital impression taken with our TRIOS scanner, ensuring an exact fit that is comfortable enough to wear every night, does not shift or fall out during sleep, distributes forces evenly across the entire arch, and is made from professional-grade material that lasts for years rather than months. Dr. Cohan also calibrates the bite surface of the guard to position your jaw in an optimal resting relationship, which can relieve TMJ strain and reduce muscle tension beyond what a simple barrier appliance provides.

Q5. How much does a custom night guard cost in Las Vegas?

A custom-fabricated night guard from a dental office in Las Vegas typically costs between $400 and $800, depending on the type of guard, the material used, and the complexity of the bite calibration required. While this is more expensive than a $20 to $40 drugstore guard, the difference in fit, comfort, durability, and therapeutic effectiveness is significant. Over-the-counter guards are made from generic molds that do not match your specific dental anatomy, which can cause bite problems, jaw pain, and tooth movement. A custom guard lasts three to five years or longer with proper care and actually protects your investment in existing dental work. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of custom night guards under the “major services” category. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, our team verifies your insurance benefits before fabrication. For any out-of-pocket costs, we offer 0% interest financing through HFD with approval in under a minute and no credit impact.

Q6. Is teeth grinding related to stress?

Stress is the single most commonly identified trigger for bruxism, and the connection is well documented in clinical research. When you are under stress, your body holds tension in the muscles of the face, jaw, and neck, and this tension often manifests as clenching during the day and grinding during sleep. Las Vegas residents face unique stress factors, including shift work in the hospitality and gaming industries, high-stakes professional environments, financial pressures, and the lifestyle disruptions that come with a 24-hour city. Dr. Cohan sees bruxism across every demographic in the Las Vegas Valley, from executives in Summerlin and The Ridges to hospitality professionals in Spring Valley and Henderson. While addressing the underlying stress through lifestyle changes, exercise, and professional support is ideal, a custom night guard provides immediate physical protection for your teeth while the root cause is being managed. The two approaches work best together.

Q7. Can children grind their teeth?

Yes. Teeth grinding is surprisingly common in children, particularly between the ages of 6 and 12 when the primary (baby) teeth are being replaced by permanent teeth. Many children grind during sleep as their jaw muscles adapt to changing bite relationships, and in most cases the grinding resolves on its own once the permanent teeth are fully erupted and the bite stabilizes. However, persistent or severe grinding in children can cause enamel damage, jaw pain, and headaches that warrant intervention. Dr. Cohan evaluates children for bruxism during their regular preventive care visits and recommends treatment only when the grinding is causing measurable damage or symptoms. For families with children who grind, Summerlin Dental Solutions provides a gentle, kid-friendly approach that puts both the child and the parents at ease.

Q8. What is the connection between teeth grinding and TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, and it is one of the most complex joints in the body. Chronic teeth grinding places enormous repetitive stress on this joint, which can lead to TMJ disorder (TMD), a condition characterized by jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth fully, locking of the jaw, earache-like pain, and chronic headaches. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan evaluates the TMJ as part of her bruxism assessment using clinical examination, our 3D CBCT scanner to visualize the joint anatomy, and a detailed analysis of your bite relationship. A properly designed custom night guard not only protects the teeth but also repositions the jaw into a relaxed, therapeutic posture that reduces strain on the TMJ and allows the overworked muscles to begin healing.

Q9. Can teeth grinding damage veneers, crowns, and other dental work?

Absolutely. Bruxism is one of the leading causes of premature failure of porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental bridges, and composite fillings. The excessive forces generated during grinding can crack porcelain, debond veneers, fracture bridge connectors, and wear through filling material at an accelerated rate. This is why Dr. Cohan recommends a custom night guard for every patient who has invested in cosmetic or restorative dental work, even if they show only mild signs of grinding. Protecting a $15,000 smile makeover or a $5,000 dental implant with a $400 to $800 night guard is one of the smartest investments a patient can make. It is dental insurance in the truest sense of the word.

Q10. Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?

A night guard does not stop the grinding reflex itself; rather, it prevents the grinding from damaging your teeth, restorations, and jaw joint. Think of it as a seatbelt for your smile: it does not prevent the collision, but it protects you from the consequences. Some patients find that wearing a night guard gradually reduces the intensity and frequency of their grinding over time, likely because the guard reduces muscle strain and allows the jaw to rest in a more comfortable position. For patients whose bruxism is driven by stress, combining a night guard with stress management techniques, physical therapy for the jaw muscles, and in some cases medication adjustments can address both the symptoms and the underlying cause. Dr. Cohan takes a holistic approach to bruxism management, addressing the immediate protective need while also helping patients identify and manage contributing factors.

Q11. How long does a custom night guard last?

A professionally fabricated custom night guard from Summerlin Dental Solutions typically lasts three to five years with proper care, and many patients get even longer use from theirs. The lifespan depends on the severity of your grinding, the material selected (Dr. Cohan matches the material to your specific grinding pattern and force level), and how consistently you follow the care instructions. By comparison, drugstore night guards typically last only a few weeks to a few months before they deform, thin out, or become unhygienic. Dr. Cohan inspects your night guard at every preventive care visit to check for wear, fit changes, and material integrity, recommending replacement before the guard loses its protective effectiveness.

Q12. What technology does Summerlin Dental Solutions use for bruxism diagnosis and treatment?

Summerlin Dental Solutions uses the most advanced dental technology available to diagnose bruxism earlier, fabricate more precise night guards, and monitor the condition more effectively over time. Our AI-assisted radiological analysis reviews diagnostic images alongside Dr. Cohan, identifying subtle wear patterns, hairline fractures, and early enamel loss that indicate grinding before the damage becomes obvious. The 3D CBCT scanner provides detailed three-dimensional views of the jaw joint (TMJ), revealing structural changes, disc displacement, and bone remodeling that signal chronic grinding or clenching. The TRIOS digital scanner captures precise impressions of your teeth without messy putty trays, producing an exact digital model that our lab uses to fabricate a custom night guard with a fit that drugstore guards cannot match. Digital X-rays deliver instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation for ongoing monitoring. Our soft tissue laser can treat gum tissue irritation caused by grinding forces. And dual-screen exam rooms display your wear patterns and diagnostic images in real time, so you can see the evidence of grinding and understand why treatment is recommended.

Q13. What are Dr. Cohan’s qualifications for treating teeth grinding and TMJ?

Dr. Marianne Cohan earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo with dual honors, including the Operative Dentistry Award (recognizing clinical excellence in restorative procedures, directly relevant to repairing grinding damage) and the Periodontics Award (recognizing expertise in the gum and supporting tissue that grinding compromises). With more than 31 years of clinical experience and over 25 years serving the Las Vegas community, she has diagnosed and treated thousands of bruxism cases across every severity level. She is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (fewer than 1% of dentists), a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (relevant to the muscle and joint components of TMJ/bruxism), a Best Dentist in America through peer nomination, and a 19-time Best of Las Vegas winner across four categories including Best Dentist and Best Customer Service. She maintains additional memberships in the AAID, ADA, Academy of Laser Dentistry, and Academy of General Dentistry. For the complex interplay of teeth, muscles, and joints involved in bruxism, you genuinely could not be in better hands.

Q14. Can Botox help with teeth grinding?

Yes. Botox (botulinum toxin) injections into the masseter muscles (the large jaw-closing muscles on either side of the face) have become an increasingly popular and effective treatment for severe bruxism and TMJ-related muscle tension. By temporarily reducing the contractile force of these muscles, Botox decreases the intensity of grinding and clenching, relieves chronic jaw pain and headaches, and allows the overworked muscles to relax and heal. The effect typically lasts three to four months, after which treatment can be repeated. Dr. Cohan is a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), which provides specialized training in therapeutic Botox for dental and facial conditions. This means she understands the precise anatomy of the jaw muscles and can place injections with the clinical accuracy needed to achieve therapeutic results while maintaining natural facial movement. Botox for bruxism is often used in combination with a custom night guard for comprehensive management.

Q15. Is teeth grinding more common in Las Vegas?

While there is no formal study comparing bruxism rates across cities, the risk factors that drive teeth grinding are disproportionately present in the Las Vegas population. High-stress careers in gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and real estate, combined with shift work that disrupts sleep patterns, a culture of late nights and high caffeine consumption, and the financial pressures of living in a rapidly growing metropolitan area, create a perfect storm for bruxism. Dr. Cohan has observed a notably high prevalence of grinding among her Las Vegas patients over 25 years of practice, and she proactively screens every patient at every preventive visit because early detection prevents costly damage. Whether you live in The Summit, Queensridge, Henderson, Spring Valley, or anywhere in the valley, if you work in a high-stress environment or keep irregular hours, a bruxism evaluation at Summerlin Dental Solutions is a wise investment.

Q16. Can I use a sedation option during my night guard fitting appointment?

A night guard fitting appointment is completely painless (it involves taking a digital impression of your teeth with the TRIOS scanner, which requires no drilling or anesthesia), so sedation is not typically needed. However, if you experience dental anxiety about any visit, Summerlin Dental Solutions offers sedation dentistry options including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for gentle relaxation. Our spa-like comfort amenities, including warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones, complimentary beverages, and personal entertainment screens at every treatment chair, make even a simple impression appointment feel comfortable and relaxing. Our team is the friendliest you will ever encounter at a dental office, and they understand that some patients need extra reassurance regardless of how minor the procedure may seem. No judgment, only support.

Q17. Where is the closest bruxism and night guard dentist to The Summit, The Ridges, and Queensridge?

Summerlin Dental Solutions is located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145, centrally positioned in the heart of Summerlin between Tivoli Village and Boca Park. Queensridge residents are just 5 to 10 minutes from our office, making it easy to fit a night guard consultation or impression appointment into a busy day. The Summit residents reach us in approximately 10 to 12 minutes via Town Center Drive and Rampart Boulevard. The Ridges residents connect via Rampart or the 215 Beltway in a similarly short drive. All three communities include residents whose high-performance lifestyles and professional demands put them at elevated risk for stress-related bruxism, and having a dentist with CBCT-guided TMJ assessment, AI-assisted wear pattern detection, and AAFE-trained Botox capability within minutes of home is a meaningful advantage. Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your evaluation.

Q18. Can patients from Henderson get teeth grinding treatment at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Yes. Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Henderson patients choose Summerlin Dental Solutions for bruxism treatment because Dr. Cohan’s diagnostic approach combines AI-assisted imaging, 3D CBCT evaluation of the jaw joint, and AAFE-trained Botox therapy in a single practice. This means the entire bruxism management plan (diagnosis, night guard fabrication, TMJ assessment, Botox if indicated, and ongoing monitoring) is handled by one doctor under one roof, without referrals to multiple specialists. That comprehensive approach saves time, money, and the coordination headaches that come with splitting care across offices.

Q19. Is there a teeth grinding specialist near Centennial Hills and Spring Valley?

Yes. Summerlin Dental Solutions serves patients from throughout the Las Vegas Valley including Centennial Hills, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, and all surrounding areas. Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes, while Spring Valley patients are just 10 to 15 minutes south along the 215 Beltway. Both communities include significant populations of shift workers, hospitality professionals, and high-stress career workers who are at elevated risk for bruxism. Dr. Cohan’s comprehensive approach to teeth grinding treatment, combined with our advanced diagnostic technology and TRIOS-fabricated custom night guards, provides a level of bruxism care that patients from these communities tell us they have not found closer to home.

Q20. How do I schedule a teeth grinding evaluation at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Call (702) 341-9160 and let our team know you are concerned about teeth grinding, jaw pain, or headaches that may be related to clenching. You can also book online through our website or begin with a virtual consultation from home. New patients can complete patient forms online before arriving to save time. Your evaluation includes a comprehensive examination with Dr. Cohan, digital X-rays and AI-assisted analysis to assess wear patterns and tooth damage, a TMJ evaluation including 3D CBCT imaging if indicated, a bite analysis, a discussion of contributing factors, and a personalized treatment plan that may include a custom night guard, Botox therapy, restorative treatment for existing damage, or a combination. We are located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, in the heart of Summerlin near Tivoli Village and Boca Park. We proudly serve patients from The Summit, The Ridges, Queensridge, Henderson, Centennial Hills, Spring Valley, and all surrounding communities throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

The Summit

One of Summerlin’s most prestigious guard-gated communities, The Summit is approximately 10 to 12 minutes from our office. Summit residents include executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals whose high-performance careers create the stress-driven grinding patterns Dr. Cohan sees most frequently. Having CBCT-guided TMJ assessment, AI-assisted wear detection, and AAFE-trained Botox capability within minutes of home provides peace of mind that grinding damage will be caught early and managed comprehensively.

The Ridges

Nestled against Red Rock Canyon, The Ridges is a short drive from our office via Rampart Boulevard or the 215 Beltway. Ridges residents value Dr. Cohan’s sole-practitioner model for bruxism management, where the same doctor who diagnoses the condition also fabricates the night guard, performs Botox therapy if needed, and monitors wear patterns over years and decades of care.

Queensridge

Our closest neighboring community at just 5 to 10 minutes from our office. Many Queensridge families have trusted Dr. Cohan with their oral health for over two decades, and she has monitored and managed their grinding patterns through every stage of life. The geographic convenience means follow-up appointments and night guard adjustments never feel like an inconvenience.

Henderson

Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Henderson patients choose us for bruxism treatment because Dr. Cohan’s combination of AI diagnostics, 3D TMJ imaging, custom TRIOS-scanned night guards, and AAFE Botox training creates a comprehensive management approach under one roof that eliminates the need for referrals to separate TMJ specialists, oral surgeons, and cosmetic injectors.

Centennial Hills

North Las Vegas and Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes. This growing community includes many hospitality and gaming industry professionals whose shift schedules and high-stress work environments make them particularly susceptible to sleep bruxism. Early detection and a custom night guard can prevent thousands of dollars in future dental damage.

Spring Valley

Located just south of Summerlin along the 215 Beltway, Spring Valley patients reach our office in 10 to 15 minutes. As one of our largest patient communities, Spring Valley residents represent a significant portion of our night guard patients. Many discovered Summerlin Dental Solutions through recommendations from coworkers who noticed the quality of their custom guards and the relief from jaw pain and morning headaches.

AI-Assisted Radiology

Our artificial intelligence system reviews every diagnostic image alongside Dr. Cohan, identifying early wear patterns, hairline enamel fractures, and subtle bone changes around the jaw joint that indicate grinding activity. For bruxism patients, this means the condition is caught at its earliest stage, often before the patient notices any symptoms, when intervention is simplest and damage is minimal.

3D CBCT Scanner

The cone beam CT scanner provides detailed three-dimensional views of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), revealing disc position, bone remodeling, condylar changes, and structural irregularities that contribute to grinding and jaw pain. This imaging is invaluable for distinguishing between muscle-driven bruxism and joint-driven TMJ disorder, which require different treatment approaches.

TRIOS Digital Scanner

The cornerstone of our custom night guard fabrication process. The TRIOS scanner captures a precise digital impression of your teeth and bite in minutes, without the messy, uncomfortable putty trays used at many offices. This digital model is sent directly to our lab for fabrication, producing a night guard with a fit so exact that patients consistently tell us it is far more comfortable than any guard they have worn before.

Digital X-Rays

Providing instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation than conventional film, digital X-rays are used to assess the current condition of teeth, fillings, crowns, and bone levels in areas affected by grinding. Comparing images over time reveals whether the night guard is successfully preventing further damage or whether the treatment plan needs adjustment.

Soft Tissue Laser

For patients whose grinding has caused gum recession or gum tissue irritation, our soft tissue laser provides minimally invasive treatment with less bleeding, less discomfort, and faster healing than traditional methods. The laser can also be used for minor tissue recontouring as part of a comprehensive bruxism management plan.

Dual-Screen Exam Rooms

Every treatment room features dual monitors that display your X-rays, wear patterns, and TMJ images in real time. Dr. Cohan shows you exactly where your teeth are wearing, where fractures are developing, and how your jaw joint is responding to the grinding forces. Seeing the evidence on screen is often the moment when patients who did not think they were grinding realize the condition is real and treatment is necessary.

Computerized Bite Analysis

Precise digital bite recording helps Dr. Cohan identify areas where your teeth come together with excessive force, guiding the design of your custom night guard to distribute forces optimally and position the jaw in a therapeutic resting posture that reduces strain on the muscles and joint.

Schedule Your Bruxism Evaluation

Call (702) 341-9160 or book online today.

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851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230  |  Las Vegas, NV 89145  |  Near Tivoli Village & Boca Park