An orthodontist might recommend wearing a night guard if you have bruxism. The device prevents you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. Also known as an occlusal guard, a night guard is a custom-made removable device that fits between the lower and upper sets of teeth. The appliance provides a cushion that prevents you from wearing down your teeth and repositions your jaw to be in a more natural position.
There are two main reasons why an orthodontist might recommend a night guard. These are:
The top reason why an orthodontist might recommend a night guard is teeth grinding. Medically termed bruxism, teeth grinding eventually leads to damaged teeth, tension headaches, and jaw pain. During these episodes, the upper and lower sets of teeth grind against each other, eroding their structures.
Most people who grind their teeth are not aware of their condition. The behavior typically occurs involuntarily and unconsciously, usually during sleep. It is often discovered by dentists who notice damage congruent with teeth grinding during examinations.
When left unchecked, teeth grinding can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The TMJs are the sliding, hinge-like joints that attach the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. Issues with these joints can lead to chronic pain around the face, neck, and jaw. Bruxism has also been linked to sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea, which both negatively impact your general health.
Night guards can be quite effective at mitigating the effects of teeth grinding that occurs during sleep. It is an effective and safe solution that provides a cushion between the lower and upper sets of teeth. It also helps to prevent the jaw from shifting during sleep, protecting against temporomandibular joint disorders.
While night guards are mostly used to protect teeth against the effects of teeth grinding, they can also be used to address some types of obstructive sleep apnea. Wearing one to sleep prevents the soft tissues of the mouth from obstructing the airway during sleep, alleviates the workload of jaw muscles, and shifts your jaw forward during sleep, making it easier to breathe as you sleep. It can be used as a standalone treatment for sleep apnea or combined with a CPAP machine.
Night guards are made from impressions made by having patients bite down on molds. These molds are sent to technicians at a lab where night guards are made. It usually takes them about two weeks to make the appliance and get it back to the dentist. Patients come back for a second appointment when their devices are ready and then learn how to properly insert, remove, and clean them.
Night guards are designed to allow patients to breathe comfortably during sleep while protecting their teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism. They also help to prevent the costly dental bills it would take to restore the type of damage caused by teeth grinding over time.
Notice any symptoms of teeth grinding or sleep apnea? You might need a nightguard. Call or visit our Laguna Hills clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orangecoastortho.com or call Orange Coast Orthodontics at (949) 860-1231 for an appointment in our Laguna Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Night Guards in Laguna Hills, CA.
An orthodontist strikes a balance between the least intrusive and the most effective treatments. For jaw misalignment, treatment almost always requires a combination of different measures. Here is what you need to know about how an orthodontist corrects this particular orthodontic problem.The nature and severity of orthodontic problems vary from person to person. Some people…
If you are told your child needs braces, but you do not like the idea of traditional metal braces, you might consider ceramic braces as another option. To help determine if these are the right option for your child, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about alternative ceramic braces.One of the main…
Are you searching for an "orthodontist near me"? Read on to learn more. Having crooked or unevenly spaced teeth is not just an aesthetic issue. For many, the most noticeable change is in their level of self-image. Your teeth alignment makes it easy for plaque to build up, which in turn increases your risk of…
Curious about orthodontic treatment? Read on to learn more. Straight teeth and properly aligned jaws make for a healthy and functional smile. Many people are lucky to have naturally straight teeth, but others require orthodontic intervention to correct overcrowding, gaps, or misalignment. In some cases, orthodontic therapy can extend far beyond repositioning the teeth in…
An orthodontist strikes a balance between the least intrusive and the most effective treatments. For jaw misalignment, treatment almost always requires a combination of different measures. Here is what you need to know about how an orthodontist corrects this particular orthodontic problem.The nature and severity of orthodontic problems vary from person to person. Some people…
If you are told your child needs braces, but you do not like the idea of traditional metal braces, you might consider ceramic braces as another option. To help determine if these are the right option for your child, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about alternative ceramic braces.One of the main…