Choosing the Right Dental Night Guards: All That You Need to Know

Many dental patients are required to wear a sleep guard to protect their teeth from wear and tear brought on by jaw clenching and grinding. So, whether you opt for a personalized one that you mail away, a crucial boil-and-bite guard, or if you had a professional dental night guard in Orange, CT fitted by your dentist in person, a night guard may be a crucial part of your dental care.

Why Should You Wear a Dental Night Guard?

Protecting Enamel

A protective enamel coating protects your teeth against decay-causing microorganisms, preventing cavities and root infections. This enamel layer is gradually worn away as your teeth grind, and once it is removed, these germs are exposed to your teeth. A night guard, on the other hand, is made of strong plastic, shaped to fit your teeth, and forms a barrier that protects your enamel when you grind your teeth.

Reducing Head and Jaw Pain

Jaw joint damage can result from grinding and clenching for long periods of time. Additionally, it strains the nearby tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This causes headaches and soreness at the junction between the jaw and skull in the morning. The night guard will not prevent you from grinding, but they can assist you in keeping your jaw aligned. By doing so, you might be able to reduce the grinding motion, and your muscles and tissues will not be stressed to the point of becoming inflamed.

Maintaining Your Bite

Holding your jaw in an unusual position or clenching for extended periods might gradually alter your bite. Your jaw may no longer rest squarely with the teeth above, making eating more complex and potentially impairing your speech. And while you sleep, night guards are custom-fitted to your mouth and keep your teeth in the correct biting position. This is why they are always preferred over generic store-bought one-size-fits-all versions.

And here are some things to consider while deciding between the many night guard alternatives accessible to you:

• The Guard’s Texture

Some night guards are padded and constructed of soft plastic. Since the material could ease the stress from clenching your teeth together, this might appear to be a good thing. These chewy-textured barriers, however, can encourage chewing and, in some circumstances, might enhance grinding.

Excessive grinding can result in migraines, gum irritation, and jaw and muscular pain. These signs can appear even if you use a night guard, which is why it’s so important to pick one that discourages grinding. 

• Convenience and comfort

Before having a dental night guard in Orange, CT, think about the comfort and convenience. An uncomfortable night guard is difficult to wear and may keep you awake at night, reducing the amount of time or quality of your sleep. You can even remove it while sleeping, eliminating its effectiveness, so comfort is crucial here. Furthermore, a guard that is excessively stiff or that is not quite the right form and size may be uncomfortable.

• Durability and Longevity

Consider the cost per month or per year depending on the expected lifespan of the gadget when comparing pricing for various night guard designs. Additionally, you may look at the product details to learn how long it normally lasts. Don’t forget to account for the possibility of eating through the defense. If you habitually grind your teeth at night and your dentist has advised you to wear a sleep guard, you may be in danger of doing so. To find out the full scope of your problem and whether an extra-durable night guard is required, speak with your dentist.