Dental Nightguards

A dental nightguard is a device worn at night to protect your teeth from the wear and tear of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism in dental terms. It fits over your top teeth to prevent top and bottom teeth from grinding together. Bruxism is most often done unconsciously while sleeping and can result in great discomfort for you. Up to 200 lbs. of pressure can be exerted on the teeth causing a variety of dental issues. Such huge amounts of force affect the teeth as well as the muscles and joints in the jaw. Tooth enamel can be worn away, fillings can break, as can teeth. You also may be subject to severe headaches and discomfort in your jaws, neck, shoulders and back. If you are under a lot of stress or have bouts with anxiety teeth grinding can increase.

A little bit of clenching of the teeth now and then will not cause the serious issues associated with habitual teeth grinding. Left untreated, unconscious grinding of your teeth can cause serious damage to tooth structure and you may end up needing more expensive dental work such as root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, etc.

Investing in a custom-fitted nightguard will go a long way in mitigating these issues. As part of our dental services at Springhurst Hills Dentistry, you can get a nightguard that is created specifically to fit over your own teeth and provide the level of protection that you need from teeth grinding.

Prevent Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Dental nightguards can be made out of various materials. Heat-cured acrylic resin results in a hard plastic guard while soft ones are made from a heat-contoured laminate material. There is also a type that combines the two, creating a dual-laminate nightguard. This one is hard on the outside with a soft cushion of laminate on the inside. Nightguards are constructed to fit comfortably without being bulky or interfering with your breathing. Wearing one is still the most effective treatment for bruxism or teeth grinding according to the Bruxism Association.

Contact Springhurst Hills Dentistry today and make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Tran. She will examine your teeth and make her recommendation for the type of nightguard that will provide the most protection for your teeth.