Night Guards
Bruxism | Tooth Wear | TMJ Disorder
Do you wake up with a pounding headache or a stiff and sore jaw? If so, you may have a common condition known as bruxism, which involves grinding your teeth in your sleep. Dr. Evans may recommend a custom night guard to prevent teeth wear and damage and allow you to enjoy restful sleep!
Bruxism - An Overview
Most people who grind their teeth at night are unaware they do so, but if the chronic condition persists, it can lead to long-term damage to your health. The abrasion causes extensive tooth wear, fractures, nerve damage, and tooth sensitivity. Excessive teeth clenching and grinding can place stress on the jaw joint and muscles, leading to facial and neck pain and discomfort, morning headaches, and a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
The causes of bruxism continue to be researched and are not fully understood. However, risk factors include stress, missing or abnormally shaped teeth, and sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Night guards offer an effective solution for managing the symptoms of bruxism and preventing excessive wear and damage to your teeth. Also known as a nocturnal bite plate or an occlusal guard, a night guard is essentially a removable, thin piece of molded plastic that provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
A dental night guard works in several ways. The protective oral appliance distributes the forces of grinding and clenching at night, functioning as a shock absorber. It also provides cushioning, protecting your teeth's chewing surfaces and any restorations. These protective mouthguards also help relieve jaw pain and lower the risk of TMJ problems by relaxing the joints and preventing the muscle movements that cause tightness or inflammation.
What Are the Types of Night Guards?
There are several over-the-counter night guard options available for purchase at your local drug stores, including stock mouthguards and boil and bite guards. While these types of night guards may seem inexpensive, they are not custom fit to your smile's unique specifications and are often bulky and uncomfortable, preventing you from getting a good night's sleep.
Over-the-counter night guards rarely provide adequate protection for your smile. Worse yet, some may cause harm to your gums and lead to a host of side effects, including problems with the bite.
The best and most protective night guards are those custom created from impressions of your teeth. The good news is that most dental insurance plans cover custom night guards because of their numerous health and preventive benefits. No more worrying about premature tooth wear or TMJ pain!
Custom Night Guards Near Me
Contact Sensible Dentistry of Canton, TX, to learn more about safeguarding your smile with a high-quality custom night guard. Our team will provide you with professional, tailored services to manage your bruxism symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Contact our office at 903-807-0475 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!