Nightguards
A lot of people realize that they wake up in the mornings having a sore or aching jaw. This is often caused by a condition called bruxism, where a person grinds or clenches his/her own teeth. Some estimate that 10-15 percent of individuals suffer from these symptoms. Though an aching jaw might seem like a minor problem, it may also result in premature dental wear as well as other jaw-related issues. Luckily, the treatment for bruxism is relatively straightforward with a device known as a nightguard. You need to contact us to examine your choices.
Nightguards are easy medical tools that help protect your teeth while you sleep through the night. There are many types of nightguards available, and it is imperative to understand the pros and cons of each type so that you can make the best decision to treat bruxism and keep your teeth in good condition.
In addition to providing smile makeovers to residents of Long Beach and the surrounding areas, we also provide the following general dentistry services in Long Beach: Dental Cleanings and X-Rays, Cavities, Wisdom Teeth / Oral Surgery, Endodontic Surgery, Mouthguards, TMD Treatment, Emergency Dental Care, Sedation Dentistry, Sealants, and Fluoride Treatment.
The most accessible and most inexpensive nightguard is made of plastic or other soft material that is intended to protect your upper teeth. They come in a few different sizes, and you merely put it in your mouth in the nighttime. This nightguard does not provide any customization, meaning they frequently result in a poor fit which could be uncomfortable and difficult for patients to endure during the night. They can also hinder your ability to talk and breathe while you sleep.
Another type of nightguard that is also readily available is a boil and bite style. This nightguard is made of a soft thermoplastic material that is made to be placed in hot water and then bit onto by the individuals. As they bite down, they press on the mouthguard closely against their own teeth. As the plastic cools, it takes on the form of gums and teeth. While this provides a much better fit than a typical nightguard, they can, nonetheless, be bulky and affect breathing or speech patterns.
The last type of nightguard is a custom-made nightguard. A custom nightguard is explicitly created for each patient. A mold of the teeth is taken along with a lab that prepares the nightguard for you. All these nightguards are thinner and more often the best fit for your mouth. They should not affect your ability to breathe and have the most negligible impact on your speech. If you believe a personalized nightguard might be your best choice, schedule a consultation with us today.
One important distinction to make is that between a mouthguard and a nightguard is the general coverage. Mouthguards that are utilized for athletic programs are made to safeguard the entire tooth and the junction of the tooth with the jawline. This usually means that the coverage of a mouthguard also includes the gumline. Furthermore, mouthguards are supposed to be used for shorter periods while we are awake and active. The additional coverage that a mouthguard supply is fantastic for athletes, but if you sleep in a mouthguard, it can easily irritate the gums.
Additionally, it allows for the incubation of germs on the gum lines for the entire time you sleep. Whereas in contrast, nightguards only cover the biting surfaces. This enables your gums to breathe freely while protecting your teeth from further damage.
If you are thinking about using a night guard for bruxism, contact us to examine your options. Furthermore, if you require a personalized nightguard, we are specifically outfitted to manage all the legwork involved in getting you the ideal fit. Contact us to review your choices and talk about a nightguard’s possibility that will assist you to stop grinding your teeth while you sleep.
