Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental issue. It might happen for various reasons, affecting the health and appearance of your smile. Fortunately, with advancements in dentistry, there is a solution for bruxism and prevention of its consequences. Today, we are going to talk about nightguards. They are specifically designed to protect your smile from teeth-grinding damage. Are you interested in learning more? Join us until the end!
What Is a Nightguard and How Does It Work?
Nightguards are prosthetic devices that are designed to protect the smiles of individuals who are struggling with teeth grinding or bruxism. They are made of durable materials. Nightguards cover your teeth. They prevent the direct contact between upper and lower teeth. Additionally, they reduce jaw pressure and help the individuals to sleep more comfortably.
Common Causes of Tooth Damage During Sleep
Tooth damage is caused by various reasons, including poor oral hygiene, consuming sugary and acidic foods, and tooth-grinding. These issues must be addressed immediately to protect your oral health and prevent further damage, such as chips, cracks, enamel erosion, and tooth decay.
Signs You Might Need a Nightguard
Recognizing the signs that indicate you may need a nightguard can greatly help in the treatment process and prevent more serious issues. Let’s take a quick glance at these signs:
- If you have noticed a grinding sound while sleeping, it might be a symptom of bruxism.
- Experiencing tooth sensitivity while eating or drinking hot or cold foods or beverages, is usually a symptom of enamel wear, which might be caused by teeth grinding.
- Headaches can happen due to jaw pressure. When you clench your teeth during the night, it leads to headaches.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Nightguard?
Wearing nightguards is a beneficial decision for many. They maintain your dental health and prevent further damage, complex treatments, and more expensive solutions. Below, we have mentioned some of the advantages of wearing a nightguard.
Preventing Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Nightguards are perfect protectors of your smile if you are dealing with teeth grinding or bruxism. They can perfectly prevent damage, enamel wear, jaw pressures, chips, and cracks, helping you have a healthier and more beautiful smile.
Reducing Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders
Using nightguards can reduce the pain in the jaw and minimize the risk of TMJ disorders in several ways. People who clench their teeth at night are more prone to jaw pain and TMJ disorders. Nightguards prevent excessive pressure between the upper and lower teeth and jaw.
Prolonging the Lifespan of Dental Restorations
Dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, bonding, and veneers will be damaged because of teeth grinding and excessive pressures. Using nightguards guarantees your oral health by prolonging the lifespan of dental restorations.
Contact Us!
Looking for a reputable dentist to find a proper solution for teeth grinding? You can count on our experienced team at Eagle Family Dentistry. We restore the health and beauty of your smile by providing you with the best nightguards.
Choosing the Right Nightguard for Your Needs
Choosing the type of nightguard that perfectly matches your dental needs is an important part of effective treatment. But how should we know which type of nightguards best suit your needs?
Over-the-Counter vs. Custom Nightguards
Generally, both over-the-counter and custom nightguards are effective and can prevent clenching and grinding teeth perfectly. However, they are different in some aspects:
Over-the-counter Nightguards
- Benefits: You can easily access them because they are usually available at every drugstore.
- Drawbacks: They are not designed based on the specific shape and size of your teeth and jaw. It is possible to feel discomfort while using them.
Custom Nightguards:
- Benefits: Custom nightguards are designed and tailored to your dental needs, so, you feel more comfortable with them.
Materials and Comfort: What to Look For
The material of a nightguard greatly affects its comfort and effectiveness. In general, soft nightguards are more flexible, providing you with more comfort while using them. However, they are proper for individuals who are mild grinders. On the other hand, heavy grinders are not good candidates for soft nightguards because they need a more durable and effective one to protect their smile. Hard nightguards are more effective for them, even though it can be a bit uncomfortable at first.
How to Get a Custom-Fit Nightguard from Your Dentist
If you need to get a suitable and custom-fit nightguard, you should book a dental visit with your dentist. During this appointment, they can thoroughly assess your dental needs, take impressions to make a proper nightguard tailored to your needs, check the fit of the nightguard, and make adjustments if needed.
How to Care for Your Nightguard
Proper care of your nightguard helps you use them more effectively for a longer time. So, to ensure your nightguard stays in good condition, you should follow some simple tips.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your nightguards is necessary due several reasons. After using them, you should rinse them with warm water to remove bacteria. After cleaning them, remember to let your nightguard air dry before storing it. Storing your nightguard in a proper case can protect them from external damage, dust, and breakage.
When to Replace Your Nightguard
If you have noticed any visible signs of damage to your nightguard, such as cracks, you should visit your dentist to get a new one. Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable with them or you have noticed that your nightguard is worn down, you should know that they may no longer fit properly and protect your teeth effectively.
Avoiding Common Nightguard Problems
To avoid common problems of using nightguards, it is necessary to follow some instructions.
- Make sure your nightguard is properly fitted.
- Pay attention to cleaning them regularly.
- Keep them in a proper case to avoid damage.
- Don’t chew and don’t bite down your nightguard.
What Are the Risks of Not Using a Nightguard?
For people who are struggling with bruxism, postponing or neglecting to get a proper nightguard may lead to unpleasant consequences. Let’s check them out together:
Increased Risk of Tooth Damage
Teeth grinding can cause excessive pressure on your teeth. It may cause cracks, chips, enamel wear, and other challenges. So, it must be addressed immediately.
Long-Term Effects on Oral Health
In addition to the dental issues that bruxism can cause, your oral health will be also impacted by teeth grinding. For instance, a gum recession may happen due to the excessive force on the teeth.
Costly Dental Treatments You Could Avoid
Untreated bruxism can result in more complex and expensive treatments such as dental fillings, crowns, or root canals. In more serious cases, the a risk of TMD and gum recession.
Final Word
A custom nightguard is a simple yet effective solution to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching. By wearing one, you can prevent tooth wear, reduce jaw pain, and prolong the life of dental restorations. Choosing the right nightguard and maintaining it properly ensures long-term benefits for your oral health.
Struggling with bruxism? We are here to help! At Eagle Family Dentistry, we believe that proper oral care starts early. From baby teeth and early oral care to addressing adult concerns like bruxism, our professionals offer patients different types of nightguards for your needs. From sport nightguards to custom nightguards. After a comprehensive assessment, our experts give you advice based on your oral needs to prevent further damage and improve your smile’s health and aesthetics. Contact our experienced team and take the first step toward a high-quality life.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, or waking up with a sore jaw. A dentist can confirm with a dental exam.
2. What is a night guard, and why do I need one?
A night guard is a protective appliance worn over your teeth to prevent damage caused by grinding or clenching. It can protect your teeth and alleviate related symptoms.
3. How much does a custom nightguard cost?
Custom nightguards typically cost $200–$800, depending on the material and dentist’s fees.
4. Can wearing a nightguard improve TMJ symptoms?
Yes, a nightguard can reduce strain on the jaw, alleviate pain, and improve TMJ symptoms in some cases.
5. Are over-the-counter nightguards effective?
OTC nightguards provide basic protection but lack the fit and durability of custom ones, which are more effective and comfortable.
