Helping You Avoid Worn-Down & Damaged Teeth
Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and worn-down teeth. Many people are unaware of this habit until they experience discomfort or visible damage. Over time, grinding can cause chipping on front teeth, excessive wear on molars, and gum recession, leading to tooth sensitivity. A custom dental nightguard provides a protective barrier, preventing further harm and reducing the risk of TMJ disorders.
At Roman Dental in Houston, TX, Dr. Roman Kotlarek offers professionally crafted nightguards tailored for a precise and comfortable fit. A graduate of The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio, he is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry with extensive experience in restorative and preventative dental care. With his expertise, patients receive durable, high-quality solutions to safeguard their teeth and improve their oral health.
Why Choose Roman Dental for Custom Nightguards?

Customized for Maximized Protection

Dental Insurance-Friendly Practice

Same-Day Appointments for Patients in Pain
What Is a Dental Nightguard and Why Do You Need One?
- Worn-down or fractured teeth
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- TMJ disorders
Do Store-Bought Nightguards Help?
Nightguards can be purchased at drug stores, but these basic guards can only temporarily help by reducing tooth wear. In order to meet the one-size-fits-all requirement, the appliances are made of a soft material. As a result, they are inexpensive. However, they do not protect the teeth against the damage of lateral clenching.
Lateral (side-to-side) clenching forces are the most harmful, causing tooth root sensitivity and fractured and worn teeth. Despite their limitations, people find store-bought nightguards helpful, but difficult to wear because of the generic fit.
Custom Nightguards
Roman Dental provides custom nightguards that protect teeth and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) while you sleep. Custom nightguards are made from high-strength materials. These materials offer cushioning and resistance to wear.
They are made with a cushioned interior surface and a solid biting surface to distribute pressure. The material and design are comfortable, durable, and prevent damage from teeth grinding and jaw clenching. As the name implies, our nightguards are custom fit to your mouth, helping clenchers get a better night’s sleep.
Why Choose a Custom Nightguard Over Store-Bought Options?
A custom nightguard offers superior protection against teeth grinding and clenching compared to store-bought alternatives. Many people wake up with headaches, jaw pain, or muscle tenderness near the ear, all common signs of bruxism. Other indicators that suggest the need for a nightguard include loose teeth, worn-down enamel on molars, grooves along root surfaces (abfractions), and sensitivity to cold liquids or air.
Store-bought nightguards tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and less effective. A custom nightguard from Roman Dental is:
- Individually designed for a precise fit to maximize comfort
- Made from high-quality materials for long-term durability
- More effective at reducing grinding and jaw tension
- Easier to breathe and speak with compared to generic guards
EXCELLENT Based on 463 reviews Posted on Google Marilyn HeneryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best Dentist and Hygienist. Thanks Janine for all the great work and professionalism. Dr Roman you're the best
Owner's reply
Marilyn: Thanks for posting this 5 star review of Roman Dental. From all of us at Roman Dental - Have a great day!Posted on Google Holly HortonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone was super nice and the doctor and nurses were so informative and helpful!
Owner's reply
Holly: You are super nice to share these kind words about Roman Dental. We are all pleased to hear that you had a good dental visit.Posted on Google Maria WylieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Kotlarek of Roman Dental and all his staff are wonderful, caring professionals. My family has been going to Dr. Kotlarek for many years, for all our dental needs, from cleaning to cavities, crowns, and my recently broken molar. They have my trust.
Owner's reply
Maria: Thanks for trusting us with your families dental care for all these years. Have a great weekend.Posted on Google Monica BetancourtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been seeing Dr. Roman and Janie for over 10 years! I moved away from TX and keep coming!
Owner's reply
Monica: Thanks for the great review of Roman Dental and especially for trusting us to help with your dental care when you travel to Houston. Have a nice weekend while here in Texas.☀️Posted on Google Roger DrushelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been using Roman Dental for over 6 years. Dental Hygienist Rebecca did an excellent job deep cleaning my teeth. She was meticulous & took her time to make sure all tartar was removed. All staff is exceptionally friendly & nice. Dr. Mark makes sure the customer is taken care of completely. Super organized & thorough. Can’t go wrong having them as your dental office.
Owner's reply
Roger: As always, thanks so much for your kind comments. Have a nice week. Best Regards, Mark Kotlarek, DDSPosted on Google Georgia BrownTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Kotlarek and ALL of the staff are friendly and caring! I cannot say enough good things about them all. From pain management to checkout , I give them all 5 stars!
Owner's reply
Georgia Brown: Thanks for the Roman Dental review. We all enjoy helping and trying to make the treatment as pleasant as possible. Have a great week!Posted on Google Herbert EilenderTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Dr. Kotlarek for many years and I am always very satisfied with the procedures. Danielle Eilender
Owner's reply
Danielle Eilender: Thanks for your kind review and for trusting us, for so many years, with your dental care. It's always a pleasure to see you and to be of help. Best, Mark KotlarekPosted on Google Todd FreedTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rebecca G. is very concerned about each patient's comfort. This concern shows through her approach and focus on the patient during teeth cleanings and treatments. I highly recommend her for anyone who doesn't enjoy dental appointments like myself.
Owner's reply
Todd Freed: Having worked with Rebecca for over ten years, I too can testify that you're right. Rebecca is sincerely concerned about dental hygiene, teeth cleaning and each patient's comfort. Thanks for your nice review. I'm happy that your visit was comfortable, if not enjoyable.🥳 Have a good evening, Roman Kotlarek,DDS
Why Choose Dr. Roman Kotlarek for Your Custom Dental Nightguard?
Dr. Roman Kotlarek is a highly trained and experienced dentist providing custom dental nightguards in Houston, TX. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio and has practiced dentistry in both Boston and Houston. With years of clinical expertise, he specializes in advanced restorative and preventative dental care, including the treatment of bruxism and TMJ disorders.
Dr. Kotlarek is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry. His professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Greater Houston Dental Society. His expertise in dental technology allows him to develop precision-fit nightguards that alleviate jaw discomfort and safeguard teeth from grinding-related damage.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Nightguard in Houston, TX
A custom dental nightguard is a simple yet effective way to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, preventing long-term damage and discomfort. At Roman Dental, we specialize in creating personalized nightguards that offer a comfortable fit and superior protection.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism or TMJ discomfort, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Call us today at (281) 920-4200 to schedule your consultation or book an appointment online. Take the first step toward better oral health and a pain-free smile with Roman Dental in Houston, TX.