Night Guards
While many people who play sports use mouth guards, these appliances also help those who suffer from teeth grinding. Dr. Joe Rosenberg provides patients with night mouth guards to help prevent wear and tear, jaw pain and other issues caused by teeth grinding. Our dentist can provide dental night guards in Great Bend and St. John, Kansas. Patients can make an appointment for a night guard with Rosenberg Family Dentistry, and we invite you to call us today!
A night guard is a special type of mouthguard that is used to treat bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. If our dentist or team suspect that you suffer from bruxism, we may recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Many people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of the condition because it occurs while they sleep. Common signs of nighttime teeth clenching and grinding include:
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Chronic jaw pain, facial pain and ear pain
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Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
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Frequent tension headaches and migraines
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Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked or very worn teeth
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Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
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Indentations on the side of the tongue
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Increased tooth sensitivity
If you notice the signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard. This night guard will be made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about night guards and how we can prevent teeth grinding. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your smile.
FAQ'S ABOUT NIGHT GUARDS
Why Do You Need a Night Guard?
A night guard is a transparent and thin appliance worn over the surface of the teeth to prevent grinding of the upper and lower jaw. The night guards are primarily used on people with bruxism. However, people with TMJ can also benefit from wearing these appliances.
Wearing a nightguard offers excellent benefits such as:
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Alleviating and preventing chronic headaches
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Prevent pain, wear, and tear of the teeth
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Protect your dental structure
Do I Need the Lower or Upper Jaw?
You only need one mouth guard, and the upper jaw is the default option unless the dentist recommends both. The top guards are ideal because they don’t interfere with your tongue or lower jaw. The dentist can, however, give you the lower guard if you’ve had some dental restorations done.
What Does the Process of Making Night Guards Entail?
If you suspect you have bruxism, it is vital to visit Dr. Rosenberg for an assessment. He will examine your teeth to determine the severity of the teeth grinding. Next, an impression of both the lower and upper jaw is taken. The dentist will mold the guards.
Will The Guards Cure Bruxism?
No, night guards don’t cure teeth grinding. They only protect against grinding and preserve the teeth.
How long Does Night Guards Last?
The nightguard’s durability and life span are determined by the material used. For instance, soft night guards are not as durable as the acrylic ones. On average, though, the guards will last for five years.
Can I Wear the Night Guards During the Day?
Yes, if you have the severity of the teeth grinding and clenching, wearing the night guards may help protect your teeth from damage.
Are There Other Bruxism Treatments Available?
Nightguards are the most common treatment. However, if you experience pain, the dentist can recommend other treatments such as teeth straightening, change of diet, and stress prevention.