Dental Night Guards
What is a Dental Night Guard?
Night Guards, also known as an occlusal splints are removable appliances which are custom made to fit your mouth. Night guards fit over the upper teeth and are designed to protect your natural teeth, crowns and implants from wear or cracking due to clenching or grinding habits (bruxism) while providing relief from muscle tension and painful symptoms in your joint (temporomandibular joint).
What is the difference between a night guard and a mouth guard?
Night guards and mouthguards are both types of dental appliances that are designed to protect teeth, but they serve different purposes and are used in different situations.
A night guard is a dental appliance that is used to protect teeth and jaws from the effects of teeth grinding and clenching while sleeping, a condition known as bruxism. Night guards are usually made of a soft or hard plastic material and are worn over the teeth at night to prevent damage to teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and other related problems caused by bruxism.
On the other hand, a mouthguard is a dental appliance that is designed to protect teeth from injury during sports or physical activities. Mouthguards are usually made of a soft, flexible material and are worn over the teeth during sports or other physical activities to protect them from impact or trauma.
How can I tell if I need a dental splint?
Dental splints can be used for a variety of purposes, including grinding, snoring, and trauma. However, the type of splint used will depend on the specific condition being treated. For example, a splint used to treat teeth grinding (bruxism) is called a night guard or occlusal splint. It is designed to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding or clenching while you sleep.
A splint used to treat snoring and sleep apnea is called a mandibular advancement device (MAD). It works by repositioning your lower jaw slightly forward, which opens up your airway and reduces snoring.
A splint used to treat trauma is called a mouthguard or sports guard. It is designed to protect your teeth and mouth from injury during sports or other physical activities.
While the same splint may not be used for all these conditions, some splints can be used for multiple purposes, it's important to consult with your dentist to ensure that the same splint is suitable for both conditions.
How can I tell if I need a night guard?
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need a night guard to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism:
- Worn or flattened teeth: Teeth grinding and clenching can cause your teeth to wear down over time, and a dentist may be able to detect these changes during a routine dental exam.
- Jaw pain or stiffness: Bruxism can cause pain and stiffness in the jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Headaches: Teeth grinding and clenching can cause tension headaches, especially in the temples and forehead.
- Tooth sensitivity: If you're experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, it may be due to the wearing down of your tooth enamel caused by bruxism.
- Disrupted sleep: If you or your partner notice that you make grinding or clenching noises in your sleep, it may be a sign that you're grinding your teeth.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to speak with your dentist. They can examine your teeth and determine whether a night guard is appropriate for you.