How Nightguards Can Help With Bruxism

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Nightguard in Lombard
By Sanders Family Dental

A nightguard is a piece of hard or soft plastic that resembles a retainer. You can wear it on the bottom or top teeth row and cover the biting surfaces. Since each patient’s teeth are unique, a nightguard is manufactured specifically for them by shaping them to fit your teeth without running the danger of being uncomfortable or overly thick. Since it goes by several names, it is the same when dentists discuss a mouthguard, occlusal guard, bite splint, dental guard, or nocturnal bite plate.

What Is A Night Guard?

Night guards refer to mouth guards, dental guards, and bite plates. They function by placing an artificial barrier between the teeth so that they are no longer in contact and are unable to grind or clench. Although individuals will imitate the movements, the teeth cannot wear away from one another, helping to avoid the problems brought on by grinding and clenching. Most people who use one sleep better and wake up refreshed because the guard will also assist lessen pressure on the teeth and improving comfort. Our dentists in Lombard make the best mouthguards in our dental office after carefully examining the teeth. Because there isn’t enough sizing variety, people with severe overbites or underbites, for instance, won’t be able to utilize over-the-counter models.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Numerous different things can lead to bruxism. Bruxism can be brought on by stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, and some sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.

What Are The Symptoms Of Teeth Grinding & Clenching?

Numerous problems might result from tooth grinding during sleep. Although some are less severe, all can lead to long-term dental issues. You could be a bruxer if you:

  • When you experience discomfort in the temporomandibular joints, which connect the jaw to the skull
  • When you possess damaged, dull, or chipped teeth
  • When you are noticing an increase in sensitivity
  • When you hear a popping or clicking sound when you open and close your mouth.
  • When you possess a history of enamel loss
  • When you become more aware of dull headaches
  • When you have a locked jaw or difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth

If you believe you may be grinding your teeth at night, speak with your dentist in Lombard as soon as possible, no matter how painful your symptoms are. They might advise you to get a dental night guard to safeguard your teeth and lessen the symptoms of bruxism.

How Do Dental Nightguards Help To Get Rid Of Stress, Tension & Headaches?

Custom night guards act as a “cushion” between your upper and lower teeth to lessen the stress of clenching and grinding. The night guards we offer at our dental office are explicitly manufactured for using impressions of your teeth, so they fit snugly and are incredibly comfortable to wear. We’ll take impressions during your appointment and send them to a dental lab specializing in creating night guards. You’ll return for one last adjustment after your night guard is made. Then you’ll wear your guards while taking naps and while you sleep. Suppose you bite down while wearing the night guard. In that case, the forces are lowered, and the pressure on your jaws, facial muscles, and nerves is decreased because the specific plastic material works as a soft cushion between your upper teeth and your lower teeth. Regularly using your night guard can lower your risk of developing dental issues like cracks and fractures. It also helps reduce your chance of periodontal disease and gum recession.

Why Should You Wear A Nightguard?

Protecting your teeth from clenching and grinding is critical to prevent long-term consequences. If untreated, bruxism can lead to tooth loss, fractured teeth, and joint issues. Simply put, night guards are designed to alleviate the painful symptoms of the disorder and minimize the damage caused by teeth grinding. Even though purchasing a night guard may seem pricey, doing hours of uncomfortable dental work would be significantly more costly.

Why Should A Dentist Make A Nightguard?

These days, you can get nightguards from several places. Having a night guard made by your dentist in Lombard is typically the safest choice, even though the alternatives might seem affordable and practical.

We hope this blog has helped you to learn more about nightguards. If you suffer from bruxism, you must immediately visit our dental office to get your nightguards. This will provide you with relief and also help improve your oral hygiene.

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