Night Guard

Night Guard

A night guard is an oral appliance designed for individuals who experience teeth grinding or clenching while they sleep. By providing support to the jaw, night guards help prevent issues such as jaw misalignment and tooth wear. Custom-made for each person, these dental protectors preserve the alignment of the teeth and jaw, thereby maintaining an aesthetic appearance.

What is a Dental Night Guard?

Night guards are auxiliary devices produced to help prevent involuntary actions controlled by the jaw joint, such as teeth grinding (bruxism). Bruxism is an involuntary habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, and night guards are designed to protect the teeth and gums from damage caused by these motions.

These guards are available for both day and night use, enhancing patient comfort and improving their quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of a Night Guard?

Night guards are used to prevent teeth from rubbing against each other involuntarily. The advantages of a night guard include:

• Resolving teeth grinding issues and preventing enamel erosion.
• Alleviating symptoms of teeth clenching and grinding by distributing the pressure on the teeth and jaw and thus helping reduce pain.
• Reducing extreme temperature sensitivity.
• Strengthening jaw muscles.
• Promoting uninterrupted, restful sleep, leaving the person feeling refreshed and energized in the morning.
• Correcting any jaw misalignment caused by teeth clenching and preventing further misalignment.
• Relieving stress-induced teeth grinding.
• Alleviating morning jaw and head pain caused by night-time clenching.
• Preventing jaw muscle spasms and protecting jaw joints and bones from damage and misalignment.

How Does a Night Guard Work?

A night guard functions as a cushion over the teeth and jaw, distributing clenching pressure and preventing the teeth from rubbing against each other, which could cause erosion.

Custom-made to fit the user’s mouth, these guards are neither bulky nor unnecessarily hard or soft. They fit precisely and comfortably.

Over-the-counter guards lack the customized features of a professional night guard and may even cause harm. To gain the full benefits, it's best to opt for a night guard prescribed by your dentist.

How is a Night Guard Made?

First, a detailed examination of the patient’s jaw structure is conducted. The dentist analyzes the patient’s jaw, takes measurements of the teeth and mouth, and sends these measurements to a lab. Based on these measurements, a custom night guard is created to fit the individual’s jaw and mouth perfectly.

Each night guard may differ in color and size depending on the patient. During manufacturing, the patient's unique needs and preferences are taken into account.

Types of Night Guards

The most common types of night guards include:

• Hard Night Guard: Made from acrylic, this guard is highly durable.
• Dual Laminate Night Guard: These guards have a hard exterior and a softer interior, suitable for moderate to severe bruxism.
• Soft Night Guard: This widely-used type of guard is generally preferred for treating mild teeth clenching problems.

How to Use a Night Guard

If the patient has a nighttime teeth clenching issue, the guard should be worn before bedtime. For those who experience jaw joint problems during the day, the guard can also be used during the day as recommended by the dentist. Because these guards are transparent, they don’t create an unsightly appearance and can be worn comfortably throughout the day. However, they should not be worn for more than 12 hours in a single day.

The guard should be removed before eating, and regular cleaning is essential to prevent bacteria and germ buildup.

How Long Should You Use a Night Guard?

This varies from patient to patient. Most dentists recommend using the guard for at least 4 hours a day, with a total of 21 days of use per month. Daily and monthly usage times may vary based on the specific issue.

Does a Night Guard Cause Bad Breath?

Yes, as night guards remain in the mouth for extended periods, they can cause bad breath. However, you can easily counter this by using mouthwash and other oral care products recommended by your dentist.

Does a Night Guard Cause Pain?

Some initial discomfort or pain may be felt, but this is normal and usually does not persist with continued use.

How to Clean a Night Guard

Due to its contact with the mouth, a night guard may accumulate dirt based on frequency of use. Here are some ways to clean it:

1. Mix water with 5% alcohol. Apply this mixture to a soft cloth and gently clean the night guard using circular motions without pressing too hard.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste to remove debris.
3. Alternatively, use soap instead of toothpaste. Gently clean the guard using a soft brush dipped in soap and rinse it thoroughly with water when done.
4. Allow the guard to dry on a clean, flat surface for 15-30 minutes.
5. Store the guard in its case when not in use and avoid leaving it in humid environments like bathrooms.

For a customized night guard treatment, consult the Dentsite dentists and start enjoying a higher quality of life. With a personalized night guard, you can say goodbye to teeth grinding and related issues and step into a more comfortable life.