Pediatric Night Guards in Darien, CT
If your child grinds their teeth at night or wakes up with a sore jaw, a custom pediatric night guard in Darien, CT can help. Our night guards are made just for kids to protect their teeth from grinding and clenching while they sleep. Soft, comfortable, and easy to wear, they support better rest and healthier growing smiles. By reducing strain on the jaw and preventing enamel wear, they also help avoid long-term dental issues. At Lil’ Dente, we make the fitting process simple, gentle, and tailored to your child’s needs.
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Why Should I Choose a Night Guard for My Child?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is more common in children than many parents realize and often goes unnoticed. Left untreated, it can lead to enamel erosion, jaw pain, headaches, and misaligned bites. Pediatric night guards offer a protective barrier that cushions the teeth and reduces pressure while your child sleeps. Early intervention can also reduce the need for pediatric restorative dentistry treatments later in life.
At Lil’ Dente, we design custom night guards that fit your child’s mouth perfectly. Our night guards for kids are made from soft, durable materials and are easy to wear, helping your child sleep better while protecting their long-term oral health. We also provide guidance on care and wear, making it simple for families to incorporate into their nightly routine.
Prevents Enamel Wear and Tooth Damage
Night guards create a soft barrier between the top and bottom teeth during sleep. This prevents enamel from wearing down due to grinding, helping protect your child’s teeth from long-term damage. They also reduce the risk of chipping or cracking teeth. Early protection now can save future dental work.
Reduces Jaw Tension and Headaches
Bruxism can lead to jaw soreness, facial pain, and morning headaches. Wearing a night guard reduces pressure on the jaw muscles, which helps relieve tension, improve comfort, and support better sleep. Ongoing monitoring during regular dental checkups helps ensure the appliance continues to fit properly as your child grows.
Supports Proper Growth and Bite Alignment
Grinding can shift developing teeth and disturb jaw positioning. A custom night guard for kids gently maintains alignment and supports healthy oral development. When bite changes or tooth wear are detected early, diagnostic tools such as pediatric digital X-rays help guide appropriate care decisions.
Did you know...
Studies show that up to 30% of children grind their teeth during sleep. Many grow out of it—but for those who don’t, early protection with a night guard can prevent long-term damage.
Meet Dr Naomi
Dr. Naomi became a pediatric dentist and opened Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry to make a lasting difference in children's lives. As an undergraduate student at Wellesley College, she volunteered on international dental missions and discovered a deep passion for children's oral health. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine with two honors - community health and research - and completed her residency in children's dental care at NYU Langone Health in Brooklyn. Before long, she was practicing in Connecticut which is when her dream of Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry was born. Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry is an extension of her joy and belief of creating a place where your kiddo can experience joy, comfort and the "can't wait to come back feeling" at the dentist.
Obsessed with dogs and has one of her own
Loves to travel and Portugal is her favorite country
Wants to become a pilates instructor one day
Enjoys time with her new baby and husband when out of the office
Certifications & Affiliations
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Meet Dr Ziyad Effendi
Dr. Ziyad Effendi became a pediatric dentist because he believes every child deserves a dental visit that’s full of smiles - not stress! With a big heart for little patients, Dr. Ziyad found his perfect match in a career that combines his love for healthcare and working with kids. After earning his dental degree with flying colors, he dove into advanced training in pediatric dentistry, where he learned all the tricks of the trade - from keeping tiny teeth healthy to helping nervous little ones feel right at home. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a special dental need, Dr. Ziyad is all about creating happy, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Truly cares for patients.
Strong expertise in her field.
Listens and communicates clearly.
Committed to excellent care.
Certifications & Affiliations
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Why Choose Us for Pediatric Night Guards in Darien, CT?
At Lil’ Dente, Our Pediatric Dentist design every night guard with your child’s comfort and development in mind. Unlike store bought options, our custom night guards for kids are made using a precise mold of your child’s teeth. This ensures a secure, comfortable fit that won’t shift or interfere with breathing or sleep.
We take the time to explain the process in kids friendly terms and ensure your child is fully comfortable with wearing the appliance. Whether your child has mild grinding or more advanced symptoms, we tailor each solution to their specific needs and age.
Kid-Friendly, Custom Fit
We make each night guard using a special mold of your child’s teeth. This helps it fit just right and stay in place while they sleep. A good fit means your child will be more comfortable and more likely to wear it every night.
Soft, BPA-Free Materials
Our night guards are made with soft, BPA-free materials that feel gentle and safe in your child’s mouth. They won’t irritate the gums or cheeks, making them a great choice for kids with sensitive mouths. Comfort means better sleep and better results.
Protects Developing Teeth
Grinding at night can damage your child’s teeth. A night guard acts as a cushion to protect the enamel and stop future problems. It supports growing teeth, helps with proper bite alignment, and keeps their smile healthy as they grow older.
Benefits of Pediatric Night Guards For Families in Darien, CT
Protects Tooth Enamel
Night guards create a barrier between the teeth, preventing damage from nighttime grinding. This helps protect enamel and reduces the need for future dental work. Without early protection, some children may eventually require pediatric dental fillings to repair worn or damaged teeth.
Boosts Sleep Comfort
By relaxing the jaw muscles, night guards ease tension and discomfort that can disrupt your child’s sleep. This leads to deeper, more restful nights. Kids wake up feeling refreshed and free from jaw soreness or headaches.
Lowers Ortho Risks
Chronic grinding in kids can affect bite alignment and jaw development. Night guards help stop this early, reducing the need for braces or corrective treatments later. It’s a proactive way to support healthy growth.
Why Families Love Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry
My daughter loves coming here! The office is so fun and welcoming that she actually looks forward to her visits. The staff is friendly, caring and they always make her feel comfortable. We couldn’t ask for a better pediatric dental experience!
Hatema Siljkovic
This office is absolutely perfect! It was the most comforting and pleasant dentist appointment I’ve ever been to! They were so caring and patient with my 2.5 year old daughter. Dr. Naomi is so informative and the staff is so friendly! We can’t wait to go back :)
Shefali Ahmadi
Took my 2-year-old for her first dentist appointment today and we loved it! They treated us so well and made her feel comfortable to make her first experience so great! We will definitely be back! Thank you for treating the kids you treat with such patience and kindness!
Allison Chianelli
Such a smooth experience for our 2.5 year-old’s first dentist trip! Super friendly staff and the fun environment calmed our son down so well. We’re excited to keep bringing him back :).
Olivia McLaughlin
My daughters love going to Lil Dente, the literally skip on their way in. After our most recent appointment, my youngest even asked if she could go back the next day. The whole staff is so kind and caring with their young patients.
Pramod Reddy
Our boys had a great experience with Dr. Naomi and all her staff. She was very gentle, caring and extremely thorough. The office was very clean, warm & welcoming!
Liza Benitez
Our Night Guard Process For Kids in Darien, CT
Gentle Evaluation
We start with a calm, kid-friendly exam to check for signs of teeth grinding or jaw tension. This evaluation is part of a broader approach to preventive pediatric dentistry, helping us identify concerns early and keep treatment simple and effective.
Custom Mold
A quick, painless dental impression is taken to design a guard that fits your child’s mouth perfectly. This ensures comfort, protection, and better results. The night guard is crafted using safe, durable materials. Every detail is customized to suit your child’s bite and dental needs.
Easy Fitting & Care
Once ready, we fit the custom pediatric night guard and show your child how to wear and clean it properly. We also schedule follow-ups to monitor fit and progress. Our goal is to make sure it works comfortably long-term. Parents receive guidance too, so they can support nightly use at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a night guard and how does it help with teeth grinding or clenching?
A night guard is a dental appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism. It cushions the teeth, reduces pressure on the jaw, and helps prevent enamel wear, jaw discomfort, and long-term dental damage.
Is a custom dental night guard better than an over the counter night guard?
Yes. A custom dental night guard is designed specifically for your child’s bite, making it more comfortable, effective, and safer than over the counter options. Custom night guards also last longer and provide better protection, especially for growing mouths.
Can night guards help with TMJ pain or jaw discomfort?
Night guards are commonly recommended to help manage TMJ symptoms caused by nighttime grinding or clenching. By reducing strain on the jaw joints and muscles, a night guard can help relieve jaw tension, soreness, and related discomfort.
How long does a night guard last and how should it be cleaned?
With proper care, a custom night guard can last several years. It should be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a dentist-approved cleaner. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material. Regular dental visits help ensure proper fit over time.
How much does a night guard cost and is it worth it?
The cost of a night guard depends on whether it is custom-made or store-bought. While custom night guards may cost more upfront, they offer better fit, comfort, and long-term protection, making them a worthwhile investment in your child’s oral health.
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HOURS
Monday: 9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed