Night Guards –
Prevent Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can lead to more serious dental issues. Nightguards are a dental solution for bruxism, teeth clenching, and other joint disorders.
Night guards are acrylic devices that cover one arch of your teeth. The main purpose of a night guard is to keep the upper and lower teeth separate to prevent teeth grinding and tooth damage during sleep.
Why You Might Need a Night Guard
Nightguards are typically used to treat bruxism, and also help with teeth and jaw clenching, and TMJ disorders. Night guards can help alleviate:
While night guards do not cure bruxism, they can help prevent further damage to the teeth. If damage is already done from excessive teeth grinding, Dr. Sarah may recommend a filling, crown, or bridge.
How Are Nightguards Fitted?
You can purchase night guards over the counter; however, over the counter guards often have negative side effects. For the best fit and treatment, we recommend a custom-made night guard. At your appointment for your night guard fitting, Dr. Sarah will take impressions of your teeth to create the models. The models will be sent to the lab where they will custom fit the material to your model.
Nightguards are made of soft plastic, dual laminate, or hard acrylic material. The type of material for your night guard depends on the severity of your teeth grinding and symptoms. The harder material is best for heavy grinders. Dr. Sarah will discuss the right option for you at your appointment.
How to Care For Your Night Guard
Over time, your night guard may develop cracks from consistent use. It’s important to clean your night guard and brush it as you would your natural teeth. Be sure to take your night guard out every morning and place it in a safe container to avoid bacteria.
Struggling with teeth grinding, clenching, or jaw disorders? Night guards may be the best solution.
Book an appointment with Dr. Sarah today and she will walk you through your options.