Nightguards
If you wake up most mornings with headaches, jaw tension, and muscle pain, you may need a nightguard. Often, people will clench or grind their teeth at night while they are asleep. Over time, this puts a strain on the jaw and teeth, often leading to worn teeth, chronic headaches, facial pain, and many more uncomfortable symptoms. Thankfully, with the use of custom nightguards, you enjoy a full night’s sleep while protecting your beautiful smile!
What Are Nightguards?
Nightguards are custom-made appliances that you wear at night to protect your teeth. We make them out of a flexible plastic material. This material is long-lasting and can withstand a great deal of pressure. Unfortunately, many people feel uncomfortable wearing nightguards as they sleep. That is why we go above and beyond to ensure each set of nightguards provides a comfortable, unnoticeable fit.
Do I Need a Nightguard?
Nightguards provide a wide variety of oral health benefits. In addition to protecting your teeth and gums as you sleep, nightguards can also guide your jaws into a better resting position. This can lead to improved breathing and a deeper, more relaxing night’s sleep. If left untreated, clenching and grinding can lead to several dental issues.
Symptoms of chronic clenching and grinding include:
- Frequent headaches and migraines
- Tooth wear
- Chipped, flat, or cracked teeth
- Loose teeth
- Chronic pain in the jaw, face, and ears
- Lockjaw
- Tooth sensitivity
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may benefit from sleeping with a nightguard.
Over-the-Counter Nightguards
Although over-the-counter nightguards are available, we generally recommend avoiding them. Most store-bought nightguards are either one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite. Both types can be ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and bulky. Because they are mass-produced, it can be tricky to find one that fits well and provides proper protection.
Because we design professional nightguards here at Semans Family Dentistry, we can guarantee that your appliance will not only fit well but will also provide long-lasting protection.
Caring for Your Nightguard
To keep your nightguard fresh and in good shape, be sure to clean it every morning after use. Once you remove it from your mouth, rinse it with warm water and gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to store it in its case during the day and keep it in a place that is not too hot or cold. If your nightguard becomes damaged or broken, let us know. We will be happy to repair it for you!
To learn more about nightguards and how they can protect your teeth as you sleep, please call us today at (330) 867-4461, send us an email, or schedule an appointment online.