A night guard is an oral appliance that you wear while you sleep. It fits over your teeth like a retainer and prevents your teeth from grinding together. There are many different types of night guards, but the most popular types are those made of hard acrylic. These guards are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly.
A night guard can help:
- Prevent you from grinding your teeth.
- Relieve jaw pain and help you to get a better night’s sleep.
Do Night Guards work?
Night guards work to relieve pressure caused by clenching or grinding. If left untreated, this can not only damage your teeth but can cause TMJ issues as well. In fact, one of the major causes of TMJ is grinding your teeth. Grinding can cause headaches, jaw pain, and lockjaw. Night guards can help alleviate these symptoms, as well as prevent further damage to your teeth.
Benefits of a Night Guard
In addition to protecting your beautiful smile, a custom night guard may also help you avoid serious health risks such as teeth grinding. If you are grinding your teeth, you are putting yourself at risk for damage that can potentially lead to needing restorative or reconstructive dental treatment in the future. Grinding your teeth can put excess pressure on your teeth and jaws, causing headaches, jaw pain, and damage to the teeth themselves.
If you think you grind your teeth at night or have noticed a difference in the way your teeth fit together, we welcome you to call us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lindbeck!
Types of Night Guards
The most common types of night guards are:
1) Soft: These guards are made of soft plastic and are very comfortable to wear.
2) Hard: These guards are made of hard plastic and are more rigid but are still typically comfortable to wear.
How is a Night Guard made?
A night guard is made to fit snugly over your teeth. They are made from a hard, clear material. You will typically wear this appliance every night while you sleep. The guard is personalized for your mouth. Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to the dental lab, where a custom mold will be made. The dentist will fit the night guard over your teeth and check the fit. Once the fit is correct, the guard will be provided to you. In case of any change in fit required, we will have them altered and provide you with a perfectly fitting night guard.
To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice by Dr. Lindbeck, call (760)-747-3988 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist in Escondido, CA at 661 E Grand Ave, Escondido 92025.