Tailor-made for your teeth
Do you have a problem with grinding your teeth, waking up with a sore jaw and a headache after a nights rest? It’s actually quite common, as 10% to 15% of adults suffer from teeth grinding according to Cedars Sinai. If you’re one of individuals suffering from bruxism, you may need a night guard.
A night guard is a custom-made device that fits over the upper teeth to protect them from damage. Night guards, also commonly known as oral appliance, occlusal splints, occlusal guards, or mouth guards, protect your teeth from damage caused by bruxism (clenching and grinding of the teeth). If you’re looking for relief and quality dental care, Sloan Creek Dental in Fairview is here for you.
We offer kind and gentle treatment, with comfort a top priority
We treat our patients like family
We’ll explain everything before we proceed with your dental care
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, mainly when chewing or biting, then you should talk to your dentist about getting night guards. There are several factors that can cause you to grind your teeth at night. These include stress, allergies, misaligned teeth, sleep disorder (sleep apnea), or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Wearing a night guard will help protect your teeth from further damage. Night guards can help with many different types of dental issues, including:
Bruxism is a common habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, often without realizing it. It’s usually caused by anxiety or stress, but it can also happen during sleep when you’re unaware of your actions. This type of activity not only wears down the tooth enamel but also strains the overworked jaw muscles. Because of the excessive forces caused by this action, it can also damage the complex jaw joints on one or both sides. Damage to the TMJ may lead to a range of symptoms ranging from facial pain, chronic pain, and clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth.
A custom-made night guard can be a great investment in your oral health, and it can help you get the most out of your sleep.
If you’re looking for a night guard, you might see dentist-made ones advertised as being “better” than store-bought guards. But what does that mean? Here are some reasons why a dentist-made night guard from Sloan Creek Dental is better:
The first reason is fit. Just like any other piece of custom dentistry, a night guard is designed to fit perfectly in your mouth so that it won’t move around when you’re sleeping. If you have an ill-fitting guard, it may not do its job—and it could even be uncomfortable to wear! A custom-fitted night guard will also provide more comfort than a store-bought one because it’s made specifically for your teeth and mouth. A dental device that doesn’t fit right will generally mean the user will stop using it after a few nights. A quality night guard should be thin enough to be comfortable while sleeping and strong enough to protect your teeth.
Another benefit of having a dentist make your night guard is that they’re more likely than someone at the drugstore to be able to spot any issues with your bite or jaw alignment that could cause problems when wearing one. They’ll also be able to ensure there aren’t any other issues caused by wearing the device (such as sore gums). If you’re unsure which one works best for you, contact your family dentist to see which option suits you better.
Creating a custom mouth guard or night guard is a relatively simple process. The first and crucial step is getting a good impression of your teeth, which will allow us to create a custom-fit night guard tailored specifically for your mouth. Next, we’ll take the negative plaster cast (impression) of the upper and lower teeth and use it to create a custom-made night guard. When we’re done, we’ll have you try out your night guard and make any necessary adjustments for a snug and comfortable fit.
A night guard is a device you wear over your teeth while you sleep to avoid nighttime grinding. It’s made of plastic or a soft material and it helps protect your teeth from damage. The purpose of a night guard is to cushion your teeth and prevent them from grinding against each other, which can cause tooth wear or serious damage to your teeth and the surrounding gum tissue.
Ignoring the symptoms of bruxism may lead to tooth decay, root canals, and other dental issues such as tooth loss. Because of the habitual grinding of teeth, the condition subjects the jaw and teeth to constant pressure resulting in sore jaws, muscles, and facial pain. Whether you get one from your dentist or over-the-counter, the benefits of a night guard outweigh the cost and pain if the condition worsens. Here are some other benefits of a night guard.
Night guards are typically made for the top teeth, as they’re often more comfortable and less intrusive for most patients. But, there are cases where a bottom night guard might be the better option, especially if it’s more suited to your specific dental needs. We always customize the fit to ensure your comfort and to protect your bite.
Yes, dental insurance may provide coverage for night guards, but this can vary significantly from one insurance plan to another. While many plans cover preventive care such as dental cleanings and X-rays, not all cover the full cost of night guards. Depending on your insurance, you may have out-of-pocket expenses.
Hard night guards are typically recommended due to their design which permits the lower teeth to move smoothly when the jaw is active. This quality helps manage conditions like bruxism. On the other hand, soft night guards, usually accessible at pharmacies, may unintentionally promote more teeth grinding or clenching because the jaw tends to chew softer materials.
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