Did you know that by simply popping a night guard from our Tampa dentist into place every evening, you can save your teeth (and wallet) from repairs in the future? Yes, wearing a night guard as treatment for , or teeth grinding and clenching, can cushion jaw muscles and greatly lessen the pressure put on your smile. If you’re interested in addressing this nighttime habit, we’d be glad to create an oral appliance for you.
In the meantime, however, here’s what to know about getting a custom night guard.
Why Bruxism is a Concern
Bruxism doesn’t just impact your sleep; it has serious implications for your oral health. Grinding and clenching place excessive force on your teeth, leading to:
- Worn enamel: The protective outer layer of your teeth can become thinner, leaving them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
- Chipped or cracked teeth: The pressure from grinding can result in fractured teeth, requiring restorative procedures like dental crowns or tooth-colored fillings.
- Jaw pain and TMJ disorders: The constant tension can strain your jaw muscles and joints, potentially leading to chronic pain and TMJ dysfunction.
These effects can escalate over time, leading to costly interventions and emergency dental care. A offers a proactive solution to avoid these problems.
How a Night Guard Can Protect Teeth
Night guards offer a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the pressure from grinding and clenching. By redistributing the forces exerted during bruxism, it minimizes the wear and tear on your teeth and reduces the likelihood of fractures or chips. A custom night guard is particularly effective because it is designed to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring maximum protection and comfort.
These oral appliances also help alleviate the strain on your jaw, reducing the risk of developing or exacerbating TMJ pain. This dual action makes them a valuable tool for preserving your overall oral health.
Preventing the Need for Future Restorations
Without a night guard, bruxism can lead to significant damage that often requires extensive dental repairs. Some of the most common treatments for teeth grinding-related issues include:
- Dental crowns: Used to restore worn or broken teeth, crowns aren’t necessarily cheap and require multiple visits to our Tampa, FL, dental office.
- Fillings: Necessary to repair chips or small cracks, fillings may need to be replaced over time, adding to your dental costs.
- Root canals: Severe grinding can expose the tooth’s inner structures, leading to pain and infection that may require root canal therapy.
- Tooth extractions and implants: In extreme cases, the damage may result in tooth loss, necessitating dental implants or other tooth replacement options.
Wearing a night guard for teeth grinding can help you avoid these scenarios by addressing the root cause before significant damage occurs.
Why Choose a Custom-Made Night Guard?
While over-the-counter night guards are available, they often fall short in terms of effectiveness and comfort. A night guard crafted specifically for your teeth, provides several advantages such as:
- Superior fit: Custom night guards are tailored to your bite, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit that stays in place throughout the night.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials, a custom bite splint is designed to withstand the pressures of bruxism and last longer than generic options.
- Personalization: A custom night guard can be adjusted to suit your specific needs, addressing issues like jaw alignment or TMJ pain.
The upfront cost of a custom night guard may seem higher, but it is far less expensive than the cumulative cost of dental repairs over time. A single crown or root canal can cost a fair amount, not to mention the potential for repeat procedures if bruxism continues to damage your teeth. By wearing a night guard while you sleep, you can preserve your natural teeth and avoid these financial burdens.
Give Us a Call Today
Tired of waking with jaw pain? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth excessively while you sleep. Ask our night guard dentist in Tampa, FL, today about getting your very own dental appliance to wear. Call Imagine Dental at (813) 866-7080 to request an appointment.