You might have never thought about how life with a custom night guard might be different. A fair amount of people have never even had one and likely think that they don’t need the common oral appliance. In reality, obtaining a night guard from our Greater Orlando dentists and having it in place every night can have significant benefits for those who suffer from (teeth grinding), clenching, or TMJ disorders.
Here’s why investing in a night guard over a store-bought option is a smart choice in terms of comfort, protection, and effectiveness.
Regularly Wearing Night Guards Can:
1. Protect Against Tooth Damage
Bruxism can cause severe wear and tear on your teeth, leading to enamel erosion, chips, fractures, and even tooth loss over time. A custom night guard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. By when you sleep, you significantly reduce the risk of tooth damage, preserving the strength and integrity of your smile.
2. Reduce Jaw Pain and Discomfort
For those who experience TMJ disorders, the strain on the jaw muscles and joints can result in chronic pain and discomfort. This can manifest as headaches, earaches, and a sore jaw upon waking. A custom night guard is designed to alleviate this pressure by repositioning the jaw into a more natural and relaxed state during sleep. Over time, this can help reduce TMJ symptoms, leading to less pain and improved jaw function.
3. Improve Sleep Quality
Nighttime teeth grinding and clenching can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling tired and unrested. The constant pressure and movement can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night, preventing you from reaching the deeper stages of restorative sleep. Night guards help to minimize these disruptive behaviors, allowing you to enjoy a more restful and uninterrupted sleep. Better sleep quality leads to increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced overall health.
4. Prevent Headaches
Morning headaches are a common complaint among individuals who grind or clench their teeth at night. The tension created by these habits can extend beyond the jaw, leading to tension headaches that can persist throughout the day. Wearing a custom night guard every night can reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches by cushioning the jaw muscles and preventing the strain that causes head pain.
5. Protect Dental Work
If you’ve already invested in porcelain crowns, a dental bridge, or veneers, a custom night guard is essential for protecting these restorations. Excessive teeth grinding can put pressure on dental work, causing it to crack, loosen, or fail prematurely. Having a night guard ensures that your dental investments are protected, helping to extend the life of your restorations and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
6. Allow for Maximum Comfort
One of the primary is its precise fit. Unlike generic, over-the-counter guards that may be bulky, uncomfortable, or prone to slipping out of place, a night guard from our Ocoee, FL, dental office is designed specifically for your mouth. This personalized fit not only ensures maximum comfort but also enhances the effectiveness of the night guard, making it more likely that you’ll wear it consistently.
7. Promote Long-Term Dental Health
Popping your night guard in place every evening means that you’re taking proactive steps to protect your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. Preventing damage before it occurs is always preferable to addressing issues after the fact. Over time, the consistent use of a night guard can help you maintain strong, healthy teeth and avoid the complications associated with bruxism and TMJ disorders.
8. Be Cost-Effective in the Long Run
While a custom night guard may represent an initial investment, it can save you money in the long run. The cost of repairing or replacing damaged teeth, dental work, or addressing TMJ-related issues can far exceed the price of a night guard. By protecting your teeth and jaw every night, you’re investing in your long-term oral health, potentially avoiding expensive treatments and procedures down the road.
Make an Appointment
By providing protection, comfort, and relief from pain, a night guard from our , is an invaluable tool in maintaining your dental health and improving your quality of life. Call Classic Smiles today at (407) 378-0139 to request an appointment and get started with digital impressions for your oral appliance.
