Nightguards: Designs and Options
A custom nightguard is one of the best investments someone could ever make in their smile’s health. Especially if you’ve completed a smile makeover or multiple restorative treatments.
Why Wear a Nightguard?
Nightguards act as protective buffers to safeguard tooth enamel and dental work from excessive teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism.) Bruxism is common in people with:
- Chronic stress
- Sleep apnea
- TMJ disorder
- Flat, worn teeth
- Migraine headaches
If you’re clenching and grinding your teeth subconsciously, it will eventually wear out your smile. Although tooth enamel is extremely dense and strong, it cannot withstand excessive tooth-on-tooth wear. In time, your teeth will begin to chip and break.
Wearing a nightguard alleviates tension on your teeth, TMJ, and muscles. In some cases, it can even help you break the habit of chronic teeth clenching. Since your muscles and TMJ will not fully engage, your nightguard can also be used to manage migraine headaches and TMJ pain.
How They’re Made
Different types of oral appliances and nightguards serve various purposes. For instance, an athletic mouthguard can reduce your risk of facial lacerations, broken teeth, or concussions during sporting activities. An oral sleep appliance is specifically designed to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). And nightguards are meant to provide a comfortable layer of protection against bruxism, that is gentle enough to sleep with it in your mouth.
Our nightguards are made by taking an impression or scan of your teeth. From there, we melt and suck down a durable layer of acrylic over the model of your bite. This design process allows for maximum comfort and security while you’re sleeping.
A Smart Investment in Your Health
Do you suffer from frequent headaches, wake up with jaw pain, or notice worn teeth? Visit Torrey Hills Dental to find out if a protective nightguard could help save your smile.