What You Should Know About Night Guards

Waking up with jaw pain or headaches can be frustrating, and in many cases, it may be due to teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. The good news is that night guards provide an effective solution to protect your mouth and teeth and relieve discomfort. 

These dental appliances can be store-bought or custom-made to fit your bite, reduce the impact of grinding, and prevent long-term dental issues. If you’re looking for a reliable way to protect your teeth, our custom night guards in Matthews, NC, can be a great investment.

Understanding Your Night Guard Needs

If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity, you might benefit from night guards. These dental appliances also referred to as mouth guards, shield teeth from excessive wear resulting from grinding or clenching. They also provide relief for those experiencing jaw discomfort due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

Mouth guards are recommended for different reasons, but they’re commonly used in sports such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer, or boxing. They also come in handy during activities with a high fall risk, like ice skating, biking, or gymnastics. It’s important to note that wearing a night guard can prevent long-term dental complications and improve oral health. Our dentists in Matthews, Dr. Patel and Dr. Alston, can help determine if a custom-fitted night guard is a suitable treatment for you.

What Are Night Guards For?

Night guards serve multiple purposes beyond preventing tooth grinding. They can also be used for sports protection and addressing sleep-related concerns.

1. Sports

Athletes who participate in contact sports should wear sports mouth guards, as these protect teeth from sports-related injuries. If you engage in sports like football, hockey, soccer, wrestling, or boxing, mouth guards can significantly reduce the risk of having chipped or knocked out teeth. Wear a properly fitted sports mouth guard to absorb impact and protect your teeth and gums.

2. Bruxism

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that leads to jaw pain, tooth fractures, or worn enamel. Custom sleep appliances can help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. Thankfully, these appliances do more than help with bruxism; they also help reduce the effects of TMJ disorders. You can wear mouth guards for teeth grinding and clenching both during the day and at night. Custom sleep appliances act as a protective barrier, preventing direct contact between the upper and lower teeth.

3. Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring may benefit from custom sleep appliances. These oral appliances work by repositioning the jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open during sleep. While they’re not a cure for sleep apnea, they can provide relief for those who experience mild symptoms. Our dentists can assess whether this type of device is suitable for your needs.

Ways to Get Night Guards

There are ways to obtain night guards, but the most effective ones are custom-made by a dentist. Night guards and mouth guards can be purchased over the counter, as they’re available at many stores. Store-bought night guards are cheaper but often bulky and may not provide a secure fit. You can choose from the stock or boil-and-bite night guards, but note that they’re not appropriate for treating sleep apnea.

On the other hand, custom-made night guards are available and considered the best fit. Your dentist takes precise impressions of your teeth to create the night guard, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Our custom night guards in Matthews offer superior durability and effectiveness compared to store-bought alternatives.

Individuals concerned about the cost of night guards should rest assured, as Fine Arts Dentistry accepts many dental insurance plans offering partial and full coverage for night guards. Note that coverage varies depending on your provider and plan, so it’s important to check with your insurance company or speak with our dentist in Matthews for details.

Caring for Your Night Guard

To expand the lifespan of your night guard, proper care is important. Here are ways to care for your night guard:

• Avoid exposure to extreme heat, like hot water or direct sunlight.
• When not in use, keep your mouth guard in a sturdy, vented plastic case.
• Rinse it with cool water and clean it with a brush and soapy water after each use.
• Keep the mouth guard out of reach of pets or kids.
• Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, and bring it to your dentist for inspection.

Get Custom Night Guards in Matthews, NC

If you experience jaw pain, teeth grinding, or other dental concerns, a well-fitted night guard can provide significant relief. Our custom night guards in Matthews offer superior comfort and protection, reducing the risk of long-term damage. Working with a dentist for night guards ensures that your appliance is crafted to your specific needs. A professional evaluation is the best way to determine the right type of night guard for you. Schedule an appointment with us to get started on protecting your smile.