Dental Night Guards

MMany people find that they wake up in the mornings with a sore or aching jaw, and dental night guards often help relieve this problem. Bruxism, a condition where a person grinds or clenches their teeth, frequently causes this discomfort. Experts estimate that 10–15% of people suffer from bruxism, often without realizing it.

While an aching jaw may sound like a minor issue, it can cause premature dental wear and other jaw-related problems. Fortunately, dentists treat bruxism with a simple device called a nightguard. You should visit your dentist to determine whether dental night guards are the right option for you.

Understanding Dental Night Guards

Dental night guards protect your teeth while you sleep. Several different types of nightguards are available, and you need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each type. When you understand your options, you can make a better decision to treat bruxism and maintain your dental health.

Types of Night Guards

The simplest and most inexpensive nightguard uses plastic or another soft material that covers your upper teeth. Manufacturers produce them in a few standard sizes, and you place one in your mouth before bed. Because these guards do not offer customization, many patients experience a poor fit. An improper fit can feel uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate at night. In addition, these guards may interfere with your ability to speak or breathe while you sleep.

Another readily available option is the boil and bite style. This type uses a soft thermoplastic material. You place it in hot water and then bite down so the material molds to your teeth. As the plastic cools, it forms around the shape of your teeth and gums. While this option provides a better fit than a standard model, it can still feel bulky and affect speech or breathing patterns.

The final option is a custom nightguard. Your dentist creates a custom dental night guard specifically for you. First, the dentist takes a mold of your teeth. Then a laboratory prepares the guard to match your bite precisely. These dental night guards are thinner and usually provide the best fit. They should not affect your breathing and typically have minimal impact on speech.

If you think a custom dental night guard may be your best option, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Night Guards vs. Sports Mouth Guards

One important distinction between a mouthguard and a nightguard involves overall coverage. Sports mouthguards protect the entire tooth and the junction where the tooth meets the jawline. This coverage includes the gumline as well.

Athletes use mouthguards for short periods while they remain active and awake. Although this design works well for sports, wearing one overnight can irritate the gums. It can also allow bacteria to collect along the gumline while you sleep.

In contrast, dental night guards cover only the biting surfaces of your teeth. This design allows your gums to breathe freely while still protecting your teeth from additional damage.

Overview of Night Guards for Bruxism

If you are considering dental night guards for bruxism, schedule a visit with your dentist. Your dentist can guide you toward the best option and help you avoid unnecessary problems. If you need a custom dental night guard, your dentist handles the entire process and ensures a precise fit. Call your dentist today to discuss whether dental night guards can help you stop grinding your teeth while you sleep.