Mouth Guards/Night Guards
It’s estimated that close to 20% of adults suffer from the negative effects of grinding and clenching their teeth, often called bruxing. Tooth grinding typically occurs at night when patients have no way of knowing they even do it. If left untreated, bruxism can cause broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, headaches, and TMJ/TMD. Night guards are a common treatment to reduce these symptoms and protect your teeth.
SIGNS OF BRUXISM/TOOTH GRINDING
While your dentist at Broadway Dental is the best person to diagnose bruxism, there are several signs you should watch for between visits include:
- Flat or chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Waking up with sore jaw muscles
- Neck or facial pain
If you notice any of these signs, we welcome you to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll perform a thorough evaluation to determine if bruxism is the root of what you’re experiencing. If it is, we’ll talk with you about your treatment options and work together to decide which one may be best for you.
WHY GET NIGHT GUARDS FROM YOUR DENTIST?
There are two types of night guards. Professional, custom-made, and over-the-counter night guards are the most common options. While the night guards found at drugstores can work to reduce tooth grinding, there are several benefits to choosing a custom night guard made by a dentist.
To begin, custom-made night guards use detailed molds of your teeth, making them a more comfortable choice. Your dentist will also consider your jaw’s alignment during the fitting process to ensure your night guard won’t place unnecessary stress on the joint, which could lead to other problems. Lastly, while a store-bought night guard may seem attractive at first, due to the lower cost, custom-made night guards usually last up to 10 years, making them a more cost-efficient option in the long run.
At Broadway Dental, our dentists can fit you with night guards. These plastic mouthpieces fit over your upper and lower teeth to lessen the damaging effects of clenching or grinding your teeth. Nightguards can also correct your bite by placing your teeth in their correct position.
ATHLETIC MOUTHGUARDS
If you or your kids play sports, you need a properly fitted sports guard to protect against damage to your teeth and dental work. After all, a single blow to your mouth can easily cause tooth fracture, tooth dislodgement, or damage to your crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, or dental implants. Athletic mouthguards that are form-fitted to the teeth prevent trauma to the teeth during athletic activity.
Custom mouthguards fabricated by a dentist provide the best protection and remain in place better, making it easier to breathe and speak during athletic activity. All it takes to protect your teeth is one simple, painless visit. Each year, Broadway Dental protects athletes’ teeth from many of the greater Bangor area’s schools and colleges. Let us do the same for you!
