Do you suffer from chronic headaches or jaw pain because you clench your teeth? Have you been told that you grind your teeth in your sleep? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might be the perfect candidate for a custom night guard! Wearing a mouthguard for clenching and teeth grinding can not only help protect your teeth, but also provide some relief from temporomandibular joint pain.
What is a custom night guard?
Similar in style to the trays you’ve seen at our office for teeth whitening, a night guard is a tray that sits over the teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching. While a night guard does not actually stop you from clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, it does shield your teeth from excessive wear and helps re-establish the natural space between the upper and lower teeth.
Why should I get one for jaw clenching and teeth grinding?
Ignoring your jaw clenching, or bruxism, can lead to serious dental problems and some pretty expensive treatments later down the line. In fact, did you know that bruxism is the leading cause of root canals? Grinding your teeth can cause enamel erosion, and a host of other issues. Here’s why you should consider getting a custom fit night guard:
- A custom fitting night guard will ensure your jaw is in proper alignment, helping to offset some of the symptoms of TMJ
- A custom fit night guard will ensure the night guard will not fall out while you are sleeping
- Custom night guards are typically higher quality than store bought night guards so they will last longer
What is the process of getting a custom night guard?
Getting a custom night guard is both painless and simple! Your dentist will simply take an impression of your teeth which the lab will use to fabricate your night guard out of a durable plastic. Once that night guard is finished, your dentist will ensure it fits properly and you’re all set!
Think you might be a candidate for a night guard? Give us a call today to find out!
