Night Guards for Bruxism
Asheboro, NC
 Teeth clenching, also known as bruxism, is a condition that becomes dangerous if ignored. You might think to yourself how grinding your teeth while awake does not hurt, but at night, things change. You are unconscious and you can hurt yourself, leading to some painful mornings and even entire days of suffering. A common solution is to wear night guards. At Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, our professionals can help you deal with bruxism and provide the appropriate treatment.
What is a Mouth Guard?
A night guard is similar to the mouth guards some athletes use. You can see them in sports such as boxing, football, and more. For bruxism, dental night guards have a similar purpose. The night guard will prevent dental damage that potentially occurs when your teeth are forced to clash against each other. Wearing a mouth guard will prevent teeth from being chipped or worn down due to the constant grinding motion that bruxism involves.
Types of Mouth Guards
There are a few types of night guards, the most common one being a soft night guard. This type is cheap and comfortable for short-term treatment. They tend to be easy to adapt to as well. Unfortunately, these are not expected to last long and some people can even chew through them, especially if they have TMJ.
Dual laminate night guards are soft inside and hard outside. We often prescribe them to moderate cases of teeth clenching which soft night guards cannot handle. They are tougher and last longer. This does mean they take more time to get used to due to the hard material. Compared to soft night guards, laminate guards are usually more expensive.
Hard night guards are completely hard, only given to the most serious cases of bruxism. We have to order them custom-made because these are made to prevent any movement and teeth shifting. They last the longest and are harder to break due to the lightweight but tough materials used in their construction. Conversely, hard night guards are more expensive and quite uncomfortable to sleep in.
Different Fits
For softer night guards, there are also a few types to account for. Some are one-size-fits-all guards that you can use instantly. Others require you to boil them for a bit and then bite them so they match your teeth. We can even custom-make night guards for you if we have your impression.
For us to fit you with a night guard, you will need to undergo a dental exam so we can create the perfect dental night guard for you to sleep in. Before you leave for home, the night guard may require some adjustment or modifications. This ensures that you will not have to deal with ill-fitting equipment that might cause discomfort.
Should I get a Night Guard?
Bruxism is not a condition to ignore. Some of the problems it can cause are an intense headache, fatigue, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), and facial muscle strain. Your teeth may even be damaged and require repairs and replacements.
At Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, we offer night guards to treat bruxism. Please call us at (336) 444-2772 to learn more or schedule an appointment. With our help, you will not have to deal with the pain teeth grinding at night can cause. |
