Night Guard for Clenching and Teeth Grinding
There are many people who suffer from teeth grinding and jaw clenching says the dentist near Spring. However, mouth guards can help in combating the issue. Here’s a look at some common types of night guards.
Types of night guards
Soft night guard
This one is the most commonly used night guard which are suitable for mild cases of teeth grinding.
PROS
- Most comfortable
- Most adaptable and easy to use
- Low-cost option
CONS
- Some people chew on soft material
- Not very durable
- Not a long-term solution
Dual Laminate Night Guards
This type of mouth guards are for moderately severe teeth grinders. They are soft on inside and hard on the outside.
PROS
- Handles heavy clenching/ grinding
- Longer lasting
- Usually offers longer warranty than soft guards
CONS
- They are little thicker than other guards
- Seem to be harder to adjust
Hard Night Guards
Hard night guards are made from acrylic and are extremely rigid but durable. They can be used for severe cases of grinding as well as TMJ.
PROS
- Most durable
- Prevents teeth from shifting
- Usually offers longest warranty
CONS
- Thicker than soft guards
- More uncomfortable than others
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Can be more expensive
Here are a few tips to help you adjust your night guard
- Choose thinnest might guard possible.
- Stick with the mouth guard for about 4 to 6 weeks as after that you will adjust with it and it will be a lot easier to wear.
- You should wear them right before you go to bed as wearing before than that can make you feel obnoxious.
Fitting your night guard
How you get your mouth guard customized depends on the option you choose. You have following options for getting your mouth guard made:
- One size fits all
- Boil and bite
- Order online
- Made in lab
Sleep Apnea and Bruxism
In some cases, Sleep Apnea may be causing teeth grinding. If the dentist rules out the chances of Sleep Apnea, the mouth guard can help in combating teeth grinding and offer some relief to your jaw.