What Are Night Guards?
A night guard is a removable appliance that is placed in your mouth in order to prevent grinding. It acts as a barrier and will prevent the teeth from rubbing together. If you have severe tooth grinding, then your dentist may recommend that you wear it during the day.
Why Your Dentist May Recommend A Night Guard
Dentists often recommend night guards when someone suffers from temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder. This is a condition that affects the muscles and joints that connect the skull to the jaw. It can cause pain in the jaw, chewing problems, a popping or clicking sound and swelling in the face. You are also more likely to grind your teeth at night if you suffer from TMJ disorder.
If you wear a properly fitted night guard, then you can get relief from the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Benefits of Wearing One
Night guards can help prevent tooth damage. They can prevent your upper and lower teeth from having any contact during the night. Teeth grinding can cause serious damage. Many people are not aware of the fact that they grind their teeth until they end up needing dental work done due to the damage.
You cannot control night time grinding unless you have a mouth guard. Enamel loss is an example of the type of damage that your teeth can suffer if you grind them. If you already have crowns and fillings, then you may end up having to get them replaced. Additionally, it is possible that you can grind your teeth enough to break them. It will help protect your teeth.
You can reduce pain and tension in your jaw by wearing a night guard. It will help your jaw muscles relax. This will keep the stress off of your jaw muscles and joints.
If you find yourself constantly waking up with headaches, then you can get relief by wearing one. The clenching and grinding of your teeth can cause headaches. You can prevent these issues by wearing one.
Furthermore, a night guard can help you establish healthy sleep patterns. You will be less likely to snore, which can disturb your bed partner. Clenching your jaw can lead to breathing problems. Because it can prevent you from clenching your jaw, you will have an easier time breathing.
Investing in one can help you save money over time. You will be less likely to need extensive dental work.
Types of Night Guards
Before you purchase a night guard, it is important to note that there are different types available. There are over-the-counter and custom-fit ones. You can probably find one at your local pharmacy. They are cheap and designed to fit the average mouth. Many are designed to be boiled so that they can better fit your mouth.
Keep in mind that while over-the-counter night guards are cheaper, they are not meant to last a long time. That is why you may find yourself having to replace them several times. They probably won’t work if you have a serious grinding problem.
It is best for you to get a custom-made night guard. A dentist will take an impression of your mouth and make it in the lab. They are durable and comfortable. They do cost a lot more than the over-the-counter ones. However, they are built to last a long time, so you can save money.
If you are interested in getting a custom-made night guard, then you can contact Imagine Dental.
