Do you frequently wake up with jaw discomfort or headaches? Do you realize that your teeth are wearing down or becoming sensitive? If so, you may be suffering from bruxism, which is a medical term for teeth grinding or clenching. Fortunately, a night guard is an ideal solution to this problem. For more information, contact a dentist near you today.
7 Things You Should Be Aware of About Night Guards
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental appliance that is worn over your teeth while you sleep. The primary function of this dental device is to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism by acting as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
How Does a Night Guard Work?
A night guard in NW Calgary helps by dispersing clenching and grinding pressure equally across your teeth. It also provides cushioning, reducing the stress of these activities on your teeth and jaw.
Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
Wearing a night guard can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Jaw pain and headaches can be reduced or eliminated.
- Preventing tooth damage from clenching and grinding
- Improving sleep quality by minimizing bruxism interruptions
- Teeth sensitivity and deterioration reduction
- Assisting in the prevention of TMJ condition
How is a Night Guard Fitted?
Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fitted night guard. This imprint is then submitted to a dental laboratory to be custom-made to match your teeth.
How Long Does a Night Guard Last?
The durability of a night guard varies according to the individual and the device’s quality. A night guard might last between 1 and 5 years on average. It is important to examine your night guard for signs of wear and damage on a regular basis and replace it as needed.
How to Clean Your Night Guard
It is essential to clean your night guard regularly to keep them clean and free of bacteria. Simply clean it with cool water with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Hot water should be avoided as it can deform the shape of the night guard.
Different Types of Night Guards
There are three different types of night guards:
- Custom-fitted night guards: These are the most effective type of night guard and are produced by dental specialists.
- Boil and bite night guards: These can be purchased over the counter and are softened in water before being molded to your teeth.
- Stock night guards: These are ready-made and can be purchased at any time. They may not, however, fit as well as custom-fitted or boil-and-bite night guards.
A night guard is a simple and effective solution for preventing teeth from grinding and clenching. If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or tooth damage due to these conditions, talk to your dentist about getting a custom-fitted night guard. It can provide significant relief and improve your overall quality of life. In many cases, a night guard can shift your teeth so it is important to consult with an expert before considering wearing them to avoid any complications or damage to your teeth.
Visit Dentrix Dental Care
Acquiring night guards near you can help you if you have a tendency of grinding or clenching your teeth at sleep. This includes those who have bruxism, a condition characterized by tooth grinding and clenching. If your dentist determines that a night guard is medically necessary, it can be covered by insurance.
Visit our local practice if you want to see an expert dentist to determine the severity of your bruxism. Consult with our dentist in NW Calgary to get significant relief and improve your overall quality of life with our quality custom-made night guards.