- Dental Services
- Preventive Dentistry
- Night Guard
Preventive Dentistry
Night Guard (hard and soft)
Many patients are completely unaware that they may be damaging their teeth from grinding them while they sleep. During a dental exam, the dentist can detect tooth wear and cracks commonly caused by tooth grinding. The patient sometimes notices a sore jaw in the morning if they have been grinding their teeth.
A night guard is a custom fitted oral device that resembles a retainer and is designed to protect the teeth while you sleep. They are useful for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep.
If left untreated, chronic grinding and clenching can wear the teeth prematurely, can cause cracks in the teeth, and can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, neck and ear pain and headaches.
Custom-made night guards are most effective because they are molded to fit your teeth perfectly. They are made to fit over the lower or upper teeth to absorb the impact created by clenching and grinding.
There are two types of night guards: hard and soft. Soft night guards usually are made in the dentist’s office, while hard night guards often are processed in a dental laboratory. Both help combat wear that occurs when patients clench or grind their teeth.
A soft night guard typically is made of silicone or some other malleable plastic. A consultation with Dr. Anderson can determine which type is best for each individual patient.
Getting fitted for a night guard typically takes two appointments. An impression of the teeth is taken during the first appointment and is used to create the appliance. A follow-up appointment is required to ensure the fit is accurate and to make any minor adjustments that may be needed.
