Dental Night Guards: Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep

Why You Might Need a Night Guard

Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep, a condition known as bruxism.

Over time, this can lead to a range of dental problems, including worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even cracked or broken teeth. Since bruxism usually occurs during sleep, many individuals may not be aware they are doing it until damage has already occurred.

Night guards act as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage and relieving pressure on your jaw.

3D render of dental night guard on top teeth

A custom dental night guard from Real Dentistry in Kilbirnie can help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching.

The Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard

A custom-made night guard offers several benefits for patients who grind or clench their teeth:

Prevents Tooth Damage: A night guard provides a protective barrier that prevents your teeth from wearing down, cracking, or becoming damaged.
Reduces Jaw Pain: Grinding and clenching put strain on your jaw muscles, leading to discomfort or jaw pain. A night guard helps reduce this tension.
Decreases Headaches: Many people who grind their teeth suffer from frequent headaches due to the pressure exerted on the jaw muscles. Wearing a night guard can help alleviate this issue.
Improves Sleep Quality: By reducing the strain on your teeth and jaw, a night guard can help you sleep more comfortably and prevent disruptions caused by bruxism.

Custom-Made for a Perfect Fit

At Real Dentistry, we offer custom night guards that are specifically designed to fit your teeth comfortably. Unlike over-the-counter night guards, which can be bulky and ill-fitting, our custom night guards are made from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug and secure fit that stays in place while you sleep.

The process of getting a night guard involves a consultation where we’ll take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where your night guard is custom-made to fit your bite perfectly. Once the night guard is ready, we’ll ensure it fits comfortably and provide instructions on how to care for it.

What Happens if You Don’t Address Teeth Grinding?

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to a variety of dental and health issues, including:

Worn Enamel: Constant grinding can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Severe grinding can result in chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, which may require more extensive dental treatments such as crowns or fillings.
Jaw Disorders: Bruxism can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles.

Addressing teeth grinding early with a night guard can prevent these issues and help protect your overall dental health.

Caring for Your Night Guard

To ensure the longevity of your night guard and keep it in good condition, follow these care tips:

Clean Your Night Guard Daily: Rinse your night guard with cool water after each use and brush it with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner to remove bacteria and plaque.
Store It Properly: Keep your night guard in a protective case when not in use, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, which can cause warping.
Bring It to Dental Check-Ups: During your routine dental visits, bring your night guard with you so we can check for wear and ensure it continues to fit properly.

Protect Your Smile with a Custom Night Guard

If you suspect you’re grinding or clenching your teeth at night, don’t wait for the damage to occur. A custom dental night guard from Real Dentistry in Kilbirnie can help protect your teeth and relieve symptoms of bruxism, ensuring a more comfortable and healthier smile.

Book your consultation online or call us at 04 387 9392 to learn more about how a night guard can benefit you.

Our Dental Services Book Now