Night Guard
What are Night guards?
A nightguard is a type of appliance that can prevent patients from grinding their teeth at night. Tooth grinding, known as bruxism, is an incredibly common condition that can cause a variety of dental problems. Unfortunately, most people who grind their teeth don’t even know they’re doing it because it is done while they sleep. Nightguards help to provide a cushion between the upper and lower teeth so that grinding does not occur.
Why are Night guards needed?
The reason you may need a nightguard is because you currently grind your teeth. Over time, incessant grinding can cause damage to your teeth as well as headaches and ear aches. In severe cases, bruxism can cause issues relating to the TMJ, which is the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. You may begin to realize that you grind your teeth because of cracking, damage to existing teeth as well as flat-looking dentition.
Who is a candidate for Night guards?
Nightguards are ideal for all patients who grind their teeth at night. With a routine examination, we can determine if you might suffer from bruxism. In general, we’ll look for damage to your back teeth as well as teeth that appear flat. If you have bruxism, it is important to treat the condition as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your smile.
What happens during the process to make Night guards?
We will take impressions of your teeth to make a nightguard device for you. Unlike the typical boil-and-bite nightguards you’d buy in a store, our nightguards are custom made just for you to provide a superior fit. The device is comfortable to wear and provides a cushion between the upper and lower teeth. In order for the nightguard to work effectively, it has to be worn every night while you sleep. You can have the device replaced as it shows signs of damage or wear. Your nightguard will help to keep your teeth protected and healthy.
