Prevent Tooth Damage and Jaw Discomfort
If you experience jaw pain or restless nights due to tooth grinding or clenching, a custom night guard can provide the relief you need. Bruxism, the condition characterized by grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep, can cause discomfort and damage over time.
A custom night guard is designed to fit your unique dental structure, offering a gentle cushion to protect your teeth and jaw. By creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, night guards reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles and prevent dental damage.
Mouth Guards for Sports and Night Guards for Bruxism
While both mouth guards and night guards serve a similar protective role, they are designed for different purposes and situations.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are primarily used during physical activities, such as sports like football, boxing, or basketball, where there’s a risk of injury to the teeth and mouth. These guards are typically worn by athletes to protect against accidental impacts that could lead to broken teeth or damage to the soft tissues of the mouth.
Night Guards
Night guards, on the other hand, are specifically designed to address bruxism—the habit of grinding or clenching teeth during sleep. Grinding your teeth at night can cause serious dental damage, including worn-down enamel, jaw pain, and even gum erosion. Without treatment, bruxism can lead to more severe dental issues, sometimes requiring restorative procedures or surgery. Night guards provide a protective barrier, reducing the strain on your teeth and jaw, and helping prevent long-term damage.
Whether you're protecting your smile during sports or safeguarding it from the effects of nighttime grinding, both types of guards are essential for maintaining oral health.
Choosing the Right Night Guard
Night guards are available over-the-counter and while these options can be more affordable they may not always provide the best results. Premade night guards often don’t fit properly and can be uncomfortable. Additionally, over-the-counter night guards tend to be less durable, leading to potential issues down the line.
Custom-fitted night guards, however, are built to last and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. These devices are designed to fit perfectly and can accommodate braces or other dental appliances, making them ideal for individuals with existing dental or orthodontic treatments.
Modern custom night guards are made from translucent acrylic, offering a sleek, discreet appearance. There's no need to feel self-conscious about wearing a bulky or unattractive appliance. Additionally, patients can choose from a variety of materials to suit their preferences. At Culver Village Dental, our team creates each custom night guard to your exact specifications, ensuring comfort, durability, and effectiveness.
How to Keep Your Night Guard Clean and Effective?
To ensure your night guard provides the best protection for your teeth, proper care is essential. Before inserting your night guard, make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Additionally, be sure to clean the night guard both before and after each use.
Start by rinsing your night guard with clean water, then gently brush it with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Once in place, avoid eating or drinking anything except plain water. It's also important not to expose the night guard to heat, as hot water or direct sunlight can distort the material.
If your night guard becomes lost or damaged, please reach out to our team. Using a damaged or ill-fitting night guard can compromise your oral health. We can help arrange a replacement to ensure you continue to get the protection you need.
