To decide if a nightguard is right for you, you’ll first have to know all there is to know about nightguards. However, it’s only your dentists that can recommend a nightguard for you after a close examination.
A nightguard is a device placed on the teeth to keep the upper and lower teeth from clenching or grinding against each other. It’s usually made of plastic and placed on some or all of the teeth. Also known as occlusal guards, occlusal splints, or bite splints, they are mostly put on the upper teeth, but where there are dental appliances like a brace, a guard can be made for the lower teeth as well.
Nightguards acts as a protective layer that protects your teeth from chips and cracks due to constant grinding or clenching – a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism occurs when you sleep or are under stress. You might not be aware if you suffer from bruxism except if your partner complains of your loud grinding. Your dentist needs to confirm if you suffer from the condition. Grinding your teeth will cause them to lose the protective enamel which will expose the teeth to other oral issues like cavities. Nightguards acts as a protective layer that protects your teeth from chips and cracks due to bruxism. They help to relax your jaws while you sleep and help your partner sleep better too.
Only if it’s not custom fitted or the dentist didn’t install them correctly. However, nightguards might take some getting used to.
Most people believe their condition is not severe enough to warrant wasting money on some device. Another barrier to using nightguard is that some people take them to be expensive. But considering the damage that not using a nightguard could cause, the cost is minimal. Dental procedures you might have to do when your teeth get worn such as veneers, implants, extractions and root canals could be quite expensive and painful
A correctly fitted nightguard can help prevent and relieve jaw tension, pain, and other symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). But a poorly fitted one can worsen the problem. This is why you need the help of experts.
While you can get cheaper nightguards at a dentist office, a custom-fit nightguard is worth the extra money. Dentist’s make them by creating a mold of your teeth to craft a guard that’ll give you utmost comfort and protection A custom-fit mouthguard will make sure your jaw is correctly aligned, so you don’t create new problems for your mouth. Secondly, a custom-fitted nightguard won’t feel uncomfortable, won’t fall out or fit poorly.