Do you think you are a part of the 8% of people who struggle with teeth grinding at night and want to find a solution? Whether you choose a right or left night guard you’ll want to make sure to protect your teeth by preventing clenching/grinding with a bulky night guard.
Make sure you factor in the right materials and thickness when choosing a nightguard to prevent your bruxism from intensifying for symptoms. We will explain to you what each nightguard is supposed to do, what your needs are, what product is best for you, and give you some tips on how to adjust to wearing your new nightguard.
Should I get an upper or lower night guard?
One of the most unforgettable feelings you can ever experience is bruxism jaw pain and we want to provide you with a solution to your medical condition before it significantly affects your quality of life. Without treatment, bruxism can lead to permanent damage to your TMJ or cause dysfunction of your TMD joint.
Bruxism should never be ignored as it can damage your jaw and its muscles. Instead, you should focus on choosing the correct dentist-approved night guard (upper night guards are more comfortable and don’t block your tongue) but they can cause a gag reflex. A lower nightguard however can work great for people that struggle with sleep apnea. Both nightguards offer an excellent solution for the harmful effects of bruxism.
Can I wear both an upper and lower night guard?
Your dentist’s recommendation will be critical to help you decide which mouthguard is best for you as using both can lead to suffocation, put a strain on your mouth, and cause even more jaw pain. Less is certainly more when it comes to dental night guards but make sure you find a custom fit solution as opposed to a generic night guard from a drug store as they may prolong your issue.
Using a mouth guard for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition in which you clench or grind your teeth. This can be done unconsciously during the day or night. Most people with bruxism do not even realize they are doing it.
The most common symptom of teeth grinding is a dull, constant headache. You may also notice:
- Tired or tight jaw muscles
- Earache
- Pain in the temples
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth wide
- Sensitivity in teeth
- Damage to teeth, fillings, or crowns
Wearing the right mouth guard or splint at night can protect your teeth from teeth grinding. Your dentist can fit you with a custom-made mouth guard.
Left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to serious complications such as broken teeth, teeth loss, and jaw surgery. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, see your dentist for an evaluation. Treatment can help relieve symptoms and protect your teeth from further damage.
Please note that teeth grinding is a serious condition that should not be ignored. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, please see your dentist for an evaluation. Treatment can help relieve symptoms and protect your teeth from further damage. further damage.
What are the different types of nightguards?
There are three main types of nightguards: soft, hard, and hybrid. Soft nightguards are made of a soft, pliable material such as silicone or vinyl. They are the most comfortable type of nightguard but they provide the least protection. Hard nightguards are made of a harder material such as acrylic. They provide more protection than soft nightguards but they are less comfortable. Hybrid nightguards are made of a combination of soft and hard materials. They provide more protection than soft nightguards and more comfort than hard nightguards.
What is the right night guard for teeth grinding?
The answer to this question is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, you will want to consider what material will work best for you and your teeth.
Different materials offer different levels of comfort and protection for teeth grinding. You should also factor in the thickness of the night guard. A thicker night guard will provide more protection but may be less comfortable. A thinner night guard will be more comfortable but may not provide as much protection.
You will also want to consider how often you grind your teeth. If you only grind your teeth occasionally, a thinner nightguard may be sufficient. If you grind your teeth frequently, a thicker nightguard may be necessary.
What is the right night guard thickness for Bruxism?
Nightguards are designed for the user from a variety of different durable materials depending on the teeth grinder’s needs and are typically between 1 and 3 mm thick. The condition of your nightguard should call for a night guard based on the severity level which could include a soft night guard, hard night guard, hybrid night guard, or ultra-thin daytime guard.
Approximately, 90% of people elect for an upper nightguard however some people will want a lower nightguard that is better for sleep apnea or if they’ve had upper mouth dental work. Dental mouthguards are too thick and it can make it difficult your you to close your lips, lead to increased jaw strain, and can affect energy absorption showing no improved protection between 4 to 6 mm.
When choosing the correct nightguard thickness be sure to consult with a dental professional, contact our dental clinic in London Ontario, we would be happy to help you with a mouth examination and consult.
How to adjust to wearing your dental night guard?
- You should wear your night guard constantly for 4-6 weeks so it becomes routine and your jaw pain subsides as it becomes consistent
- Don’t wear your night guard until just before you go to bed to limit your discomfort
- You may also want to try wearing it briefly during the day so it gets used to your mouth and causes you less jaw pain
Over-the-counter night guards are one-sized fits all products built with inferior and less soft materials that are less comfortable and can cause jaw pain or soreness.
Custom-fit night guards are made from softer and more durable materials made to fit your teeth’ unique impression.
A custom-fit night guard will not only be more comfortable but will also last longer than an over the counter mouth guard.
The Cost of a Custom Dental Night Guard
A custom dental night guard from our dental clinic in London, Ontario can start as low as $500. The average price for a custom dental night guard is about $700 but the investment is worth it to save your teeth, jaw, and quality of life.
What are the benefits of wearing a dental night guard?
A dental night guard can prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching which can lead to long-term damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. Wearing a dental night guard can also help with sleep apnea and teeth whitening.
A dental night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that is worn over the teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching at night. Wearing a dental night guard can help to:
- Prevent teeth grinding and clenching
- Protect teeth from long-term damage
- Reduce jaw pain and headaches
- Improve sleep quality
- Help with teeth whitening
If you think you may benefit from wearing a dental night guard, please contact our dental clinic in London, Ontario at (519) 474-0220 to book an appointment.
One of our dentists will be happy to assess your teeth and determine if a dental night guard is right for you.
