What is a Night Guard Supposed to Do?
Many people chronically clench their jaws and grind their teeth, often in their sleep. The clinical term for this common condition is bruxism, and the condition can appear unconsciously, sometimes worsening during times of stress. In many cases, people won’t know they have bruxism until they’re told by their sleep partner or diagnosed by a dentist. When allowed to continue unchecked, chronic bruxism gradually damages both the enamel and the structure of the teeth, affecting their strength and appearance and leading to increased tooth sensitivity and tooth decay. The pressures of bruxism can also interrupt sleep and could trigger headaches or pain elsewhere in the face or neck. For many patients with bruxism, dentists recommend wearing a night guard while sleeping, which protects the teeth and prevents damage while relieving some of the pressure that causes headaches or jaw pain. These devices, made of medically safe plastic materials, fit over the teeth to prevent them from clenching and grinding. While night guards don’t stop unconscious clenching or grinding, they protect the teeth and help maintain a healthy space between the lower and upper teeth.
Will a Night Guard Prevent or Treat TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint hinges the upper and lower jaws together and attaches them to the skull on both sides. When this joint becomes inflamed, causing discomfort and mobility issues, the condition is known as temporomandibular joint disorder, often shortened to TMJ. When TMJ is caused by bruxism, a well-fitting night guard helps realign the teeth and jaws, reducing or eliminating the tension and pain associated with TMJ. Allowing bruxism to continue can result in costly, elaborate dental needs. As enamel erodes with continued bruxism, the risk of cavities increases. As the teeth continue to erode, the risk of needing a root canal rises, not to mention the pain this condition causes. While generic night guards are available over the counter, dentists recommend getting a custom-fitted night guard to ensure proper fit, comfort, durability, and precise alignment.
How Can I Get a Custom Night Guard?
To fit a patient for a night guard, the dentist will first make an impression of the patient’s teeth. This impression is sent to a lab, where it is used as a mold to custom-make a night guard. Once the night guard has been fabricated, the dentist checks the fit and ensures that the night guard is comfortable before sending the patient home with the device. Dentists recommend wearing a night guard during sleep, which can take a little getting used to; most patients report that they grow accustomed to wearing their night guard very quickly. The device is designed to allow patients to speak normally and breathe fully while sleeping, providing prompt relief from symptoms of bruxism with continued use. While over-the-counter night guards tend to cost less than their custom-made counterparts, custom night guards are far more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter ones. Additionally, custom night guards cost considerably less than the treatments their use prevents, like crowns, veneers, or root canals. In some cases, all or part of the cost of a custom night guard may be covered by dental insurance, preventing future oral health problems while eliminating current symptoms of bruxism.