If you habitually grind your teeth while sleeping, wearing a night guard each night is a great way to protect them. These devices reduce the stress put on teeth when grinding, and this leads to less damage as a result of bruxism.
Night guards do not actually do anything to prevent or treat bruxism. Teeth grinding is often the result of another condition the patient is dealing with, like stress, emotional issues or overactive jaw muscles. The only way to treat bruxism is by addressing the underlying cause. Given how hard it can be to diagnose the cause of bruxism (especially if the cause is non-physical), dentists often recommend using a night guard to minimize the damage being done to the patient's teeth while the condition is being treated.
Teeth grinding leads to a person's teeth enamel becoming damaged, and that can lead to a host of dental issues. Teeth enamel is the strongest part of the human body. It serves as a barrier that protects teeth from things that can damage them, like acids produced by bacteria that live in the oral cavity.
The enamel protects the inner layers of a tooth, like the dentin and pulp chamber. The pulp chamber houses a tooth's soft tissue and nerves. People often experience consistent toothaches once the contents are exposed to saliva, food particles and bacteria.
Teeth grinding literally does what the name implies. If left untreated, it will wear a tooth down until it reaches the pulp chamber. The patient would experience unbearable pain at that point, and the dentist might need to remove the affected teeth to end the pain.
By wearing a night guard, patients can reduce the damage done to their teeth if they grind them while sleeping. The night guard absorbs a huge portion of the forces generated by their jaw, and instead of teeth enamel being worn down, the mouth guard is worn down instead.
Patients have two main options when it comes to selecting a mouth guard for bruxism:
These are the cheapest alternative for those who grind their teeth. They are a one-size-fits-all kind of device, so patients should not expect the most comfortable fit. A stock appliance that does not fit properly can lead to the person's teeth being misaligned, which in turn can lead to even greater forces being exerted on their teeth.
People who go this route should at least get no-impression, custom-fit devices.
These are customized for the patient by a dentist and provide a much better fit than alternatives. They reduce the effects of bruxism and can even improve the alignment of the wearer's teeth. These devices are made in a dental lab, so it can take a couple of weeks before they are ready.
Dealing with bruxism? Talk to a dentist about treatment and getting a customized mouth guard.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lightbreezedental.com or call Light Breeze Dental at (949) 274-4719 for an appointment in our Irvine office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Night Guards.
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to achieve a brighter, more youthful smile. With a variety of treatment options available, patients can choose between in-office whitening procedures and at-home treatments. Both methods provide excellent results, but there are key differences that can help determine the most effective option for individual needs.…
Invisalign® provides a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces, but treatment success depends on the provider's expertise. Choosing the best Invisalign dentist ensures precise treatment planning, optimal results, and a smooth experience. This starts with researching qualifications, experience, and patient reviews to help identify a dentist who can deliver the care suited to your…
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the look and balance of the teeth and gums. With the help of a cosmetic dentist, many people can feel better about their smile. These treatments fix appearance issues, such as stains, chips, and gaps. Modern tools and materials make it possible to get natural results with little to no…
A kids dentist specializes in providing gentle, child-friendly dental care that helps young patients feel comfortable during their visits. Many children experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, making routine checkups challenging for both parents and dental professionals. By choosing a kids dentist, families can ensure a positive experience that encourages good oral health habits. With…
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to achieve a brighter, more…
Invisalign® provides a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces, but treatment success depends on…
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the look and balance of the teeth and gums. With…
By choosing a kids dentist, families can ensure a positive experience that encourages good oral…
If you are undergoing a tooth extraction, you will probably want to replace the tooth…
Halitosis is the general dentistry term for chronic bad breath, which means it is constant…