Grinding and clenching the teeth is a chronic condition with which many people suffer. It is basically involuntary because most people do not realize they are doing it. It is commonly done at night and does a lot of damage to teeth. That condition is called Bruxism. Another condition, commonly known as TMJ, affects the temporomandibular joint of the jaw. Those who suffer with that condition experience a tightening of the jaw muscles at night. Night guards to protect the teeth are part of successful treatment for both conditions. For the TMJ, a guard helps to lessen the force of the joint.
Bruxism can cause a lot of damage to teeth, the gum line, and the bite. Grinding wears down the enamel of the teeth, leads to sensitivity, can break teeth, and collapses the bite over time. It also causes headaches, tissue loss, and pain in the jaw. Custom Dental Night Guards are made to cover the top teeth in a hard polymer to eliminate the effects of teeth grinding. An impression is made of the teeth, and a guard is made to suit the mouth of the patient. A perfect fit is needed to properly protect the teeth, and hold the guard securely in place. There are over-the-counter guards that can be purchased, but they will not protect teeth well. The initial low pricing is what makes them appealing to many patients, but the overall costs are far more expensive than a custom guard.
Custom Dental Night Guards are designed to last, and provide maximum protection. They are made of harder materials, and have a better fit. Cheap guards can be temporarily modified to fit by boiling them and biting them while they are still warm. That creates a mold of the teeth, and then hardens as it sets. The problem with those is that the shape will not hold long-term. Humidity, heat, and saliva will soften the guard quickly. That means it may slip out of place during the night, and will have to be replaced frequently. The softer material still allows enamel to wear down, and the bite to become uneven. It is a temporary fix that can cause more damage, rather than prevent it. A custom guard from the dentist office, such as Lewis Family Dentistry, for example, will protect teeth, fit properly, and remain in place all night long. You can also visit them on Facebook for more information.
