Sleep Easy: How a Custom Night Guard Can Protect Your Smile

November 5, 2024

How do I know if I need a night guard?

Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.

Why are night guards important?

Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.

People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.

How do I know if I’m grinding or clenching while asleep?

Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.

The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.

While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.

What are the long-term consequences of bruxism?

If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:

Temporomandibular Disorder – TMD occurs when there is a problem with one or both jaw joints, producing pain, limited joint mobility, clicking or popping sounds in the joints, or locking of the joints.
Cracked or chipped teeth – Cracks and chips create pathways for bacteria to enter the tooth and reach the nerve, causing infection and potential abscess formation.
Tooth sensitivity – Sensitive teeth can significantly impact your quality of life and make it difficult to eat and chew without pain.
Gum recession – Gum recession creates pockets between the teeth and gums, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, inflammation, and gum infections. Over time, severe gum recession can cause teeth to loosen and shift out of place.

These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.

Next Steps:

Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.

We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.