Do you often wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or notice your teeth feel worn down? If so, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night—a condition known as bruxism. Many people are unaware they have bruxism until they start feeling the negative effects. Fortunately, using a night guard can help protect your teeth and provide much-needed relief.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, most commonly during sleep. It can lead to serious problems like tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, and even issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. Causes of bruxism include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, or even misaligned teeth.
How Can a Night Guard Help?
A night guard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and reducing the impact of grinding. It helps to:
- Protect your teeth from damage and wear caused by grinding.
- Reduce jaw pain and tension by relieving pressure on your jaw muscles.
- Prevent headaches that result from clenching your teeth during sleep.
The Advantage of a Custom Night Guard
While you can find over-the-counter (OTC) night guards in stores, a custom night guard from your dentist offers many benefits that ensure your comfort and long-term oral health:
- Perfect Fit and Comfort: Custom night guards are specifically made to fit your teeth, based on a mold taken by your dentist. Unlike one-size-fits-all OTC guards, a custom night guard feels comfortable and doesn’t shift while you sleep. Custom night guards are made with a soft interior that cushions your teeth and a hard exterior for maximum protection.
- Accurate Bite Alignment: One of the key issues with OTC night guards is their inability to provide an accurate bite check. In simpler terms, this means they don’t always allow your upper and lower teeth to fit together correctly. An improperly adjusted night guard can lead to uneven contact between your teeth, which may cause additional strain on your jaw and even lead to TMJ issues.
- Durability and Protection: Custom night guards are made from high-quality materials designed to last longer than OTC options. This makes them a better investment for your health and wallet.
Why Accurate Occlusion Matters
With a custom night guard, your dentist ensures that your opposing teeth (the ones not covered by the night guard) touch evenly. This balance is critical because uneven contact can put extra pressure on your jaw, leading to pain, tension, and even long-term TMJ issues. Since OTC guards cannot be adjusted properly, they often fail to provide the right level of occlusion, making custom solutions the safer choice.
Take Care of Your Smile While You Sleep!
If you suspect you have bruxism, don’t ignore it. Wearing a properly fitted custom night guard can save your teeth from wear, prevent jaw pain, and give you a better night’s sleep. At New Life Dental, we’re here to help you find a solution tailored to your needs. Protect your smile and your health—ask about custom night guards today!
