If your sleeping habits are damaging to your teeth and jaw joints, your dentist may recommend using custom night guards. Night guards protect your teeth, improve your overall health, and help you get a good night's sleep. Keep reading to learn more about custom night guards at Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, TN!
What are Night Guards?
You may have heard of night guards called by a different name. Some dentists and doctors refer to them as occlusal guards, bite guards, or bite splints. These are removable plastic trays that fit over your top and bottom teeth. One of their primary purposes is to protect your teeth from becoming damaged due to bruxism.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the condition of grinding or clenching your teeth unconsciously. People with bruxism generally grind or clench their teeth in their sleep, but it can happen while awake, too.
Signs of Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth during your sleep and no one witnesses it, you may not even know you do it. Bruxism may be a problem for you if you notice these signs:
- You wake up frequently during the night.
- Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
- You wake up with jaw pain, ear pain, or headache pain.
Talk to your dentist about a tooth guard for grinding teeth if you have symptoms of bruxism.
How Does an Occlusal Guard Work?
The hard plastic trays that fit over your teeth create a flat, smooth surface for your teeth to rest on. This balances your bite and helps put the stress in all the right places so your teeth, jaw joints, and facial muscles don't feel sore in the morning. It also keeps your teeth from rubbing against each other, preserving the enamel on your teeth.
Why Would Somebody Wear a Dental Guard?
Some people suffer from TMJ disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint is your jaw's hinge joint. When the TMJ is not in good working condition, you can experience several side effects, such as headaches, jaw pain, bruxism, sleep apnea, and teeth damage. A custom night guard from the dentist can be part of your treatment plan.
Night guards are also worn by people with extensive dental work. The guards protect you from damaging your new dental restorations and crowns.
What are the Benefits of Custom Mouth Guards?
Getting a night guard made especially for your teeth could benefit you in the following ways:
- Save your enamel. Night guards keep your teeth from grinding against each other and wear away the protective enamel on the outer layer of your teeth. Enamel does not grow back, so protecting what is there is essential.
- Alleviate your bruxism or TMJ/TMD symptoms. A custom mouth guard can help eliminate symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle pain, sensitivity in the teeth, and clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth.
- Protection for costly dental restorations. Crowns, veneers, and large fillings all suffer if you grind or clench your teeth at night. Night guards provide protection so your new restorations don't break.
- Comfort. Although wearing a dental guard may take some getting used to, the customized trays are designed for a perfect fit so that you can get better sleep at night.
How Much Do Night Guards Cost?
Contact our Nashville dental office for specific pricing info. Dental insurance plans may cover some of the cost of a custom night guard. Night guards are strong and meant to last indefinitely with proper care.
Why is Miller Family Dentistry a Good Place to Go for Custom Night Guards?
Dr. Swang has taken several courses to help him determine your problems and decide if a night guard is the right treatment for you. We customize each night guard to protect your teeth, muscles, and joints. Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, is your go-to dental office for any dental issue because we have the resources, skills, and technology to treat your teeth safely and effectively. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.