~ Night Guard
Night Guard
A night guard for teeth is a dental appliance typically worn while sleeping to protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching. It is made of a durable material and fits over your teeth, creating a barrier between the upper and lower rows of teeth to prevent wear, fractures, and discomfort.
There are three main types of night guards:
1. Soft Night Guards: Made from soft, flexible material and are ideal for light grinding or clenching.
2. Hard Night Guards: Constructed from a more rigid material and recommended for more severe grinding.
3. Dual Laminate Night Guards: A combination of hard and soft materials, these guards are soft on the inside but hard on the outside, designed for moderate to severe cases.
Night guards can be custom-made by a dentist, which ensures a precise fit, or purchased over-the-counter, though these may not fit as well.
If you grind your teeth, a night guard can help prevent:
• Tooth damage
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)
When choosing a night guard, several factors come into play, including the severity of your teeth grinding or clenching, comfort, and durability. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to consider:
1. Custom vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Night Guards
•Custom-Made Night Guards:
•These are made by Midland Family Smiles using an impression of your teeth.
•They offer the best fit, comfort, and durability.
•Because they are specifically molded for your bite, they can help with more severe cases of grinding or TMJ issues.
•Cost: Custom night guards can be more expensive, but are often more effective long-term.
•Over-the-Counter Night Guards:
•These are available at drugstores or online and are typically one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite (you heat them in hot water and mold them to your teeth).
•They are more affordable but may not offer as secure or comfortable a fit, which can reduce their effectiveness.
•Cost: Much cheaper than custom-made ones, but may need to be replaced more frequently.