What is a Night Guard Supposed to Do?

Bruxism is defined as the chronic, habitual grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw, which usually happens during sleep. If you have bruxism, you might not even know that you do; after all, you don’t necessarily know what you’re doing while you sleep. There are some telltale signs of bruxism, including jaw pain, headaches, and noticeable damage to the teeth. Tooth damage, whether from bruxism or not, can cause pain or sensitivity in the tooth and is one of the leading causes of the infection that necessitates root canal treatment. Bruxism is also one of the more common causes of TMJ disorders, which are conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint – the hinge-like joint that connects the upper and lower jaws. Symptoms of TMJ disorder might include pain in the jaw; pain that radiates out from the jaw and affects the neck, face, shoulders, or elsewhere in the head; a clicking or popping sensation when opening or closing the mouth; a stuck or locked feeling when the jaw is in a particular position; discomfort when biting; and swelling on the face near the area of the joint.

Dentists recommend night guards for patients with TMJ, and they also recommend them to protect the teeth or dental restorations from sustaining damage because of bruxism. A night guard looks kind of like a teeth-whitening tray and is made from vinyl or acrylic material that fits over the upper and lower rows of teeth. Night guards don’t prevent bruxism, but they do protect the teeth from damage and provide a cushion of space between the upper and lower rows of teeth, thereby reducing the pressure of tooth-on-tooth contact. The force involved with clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth can be intense and cause significant damage. While over-the-counter night guards might help to an extent, dentists recommend custom-made night guards to guarantee proper fit, comfort, and durability and to effectively restore or maintain the alignment of the bite. While these custom guards might require a bit of an initial investment of both time and money, they’re much more likely to be effective in preventing the painful, problematic symptoms of bruxism.

To get your own night guard, the process is pretty straightforward. Of course, you’ll first make an appointment with your dentist. At that appointment, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth. This impression is used to shape the mold for your night guard, which is crafted in a dental lab from durable plastic material. Once the guard has been designed and constructed, your dentist will assess its fit to make sure there are no issues. The rest is up to you. It might be a little awkward to get used to sleeping with a night guard at first, but if you wear it every night, as you’re supposed to, you’ll get used to it pretty quickly. A well-fitted night guard shouldn’t interfere with your ability to breathe or speak, and sleeping with one in place can feel like second nature after just a few nights. While the night guard isn’t the only treatment method available for bruxism, it is one of the more affordable, accessible, and non-invasive options. If you’ve tried a drugstore version and didn’t find it effective, rest assured that a custom-made night guard can provide you with the relief you need while protecting your teeth, and contact your dentist to learn more.

Related Article: Can Night Guards Ruin Your Teeth?