Mouthguards Our teeth are an incredibly important, yet occasionally overlooked, aspect of our health. To have healthy teeth, it is well known that you must brush your teeth, floss, and keep up with periodic dental exams. Reducing smoking and drinking are also generally well-known aspects of dental care, as well. While these are measures that we can take during the day, there are other dental occurrences that take place when we are asleep, too. Some people may wake up with a sore face, a headache, or just feeling unrested. There is a great chance that these adverse experiences are the result of dental struggles during the night. The prime solution is a nighttime mouthguard, provided by our team here at Viva Smiles Family Dental.What Are Nighttime Mouthguards, and How Do They Work?Nighttime mouthguards are plastic devices that conform to the shape of one's bite in order to create a barrier that protects your teeth and jaw as you sleep. There are common three types of mouthguards. Stock mouthguards tend to be thicker and less form-fitting but are the most economical option. Boil and bite mouthguards are better shaped to the mouth and are a quite common type of mouthguard. Finally, custom mouthguards are shaped with high precision to your mouth, are the most comfortable, and provide the best fit. There are also three types of durability for nighttime mouthguards. There are soft mouthguards, which are less durable, but more comfortable (especially for those who experience only mild jaw clenching or teeth grinding). Dual laminate guards are hard on the outer shell, but soft on the inner lining, where the teeth are. They tend to be thicker, and a little less comfortable, but are durable, and the softness inside helps a lot. The last type are hard mouthguards. These are good for more intense jaw clenching or grinding, as well as for TMJ discomfort. Hard mouthguards are made from acrylic and are incredibly durable. While they can take some time to get used to, they are also fully customized by our care specialists. The Preventative Care Benefits of Using MouthguardsNighttime mouthguards are a form of preventative care. By mitigating the contact of teeth grinding and clenching at night, certain adverse effects can be bypassed or eliminated. Mouthguards can prevent unintentional fractures from occurring while you sleep. Tooth grinding and clenching can create hairline fractures over time, or with a hard enough clench or grind. By using a mouthguard, the teeth no longer make contact and are protected by the barrier absorbing any force applied by the jaw. No tooth wearing or fracturing means no tooth repairs are needed. Headaches in the morning can be a result of jaw clenching or grinding. Little attention goes to the effects starting the morning off with a headache can have on the rest of your day. Waking feeling well-rested and without headache can reduce stress and help put your mind at ease. Nighttime clenching and grinding can leave very unpleasant effects the morning after or can seriously alter your tooth's structure. Our professionals can help you get peaceful rest while ensuring your teeth are protected. For any questions regarding nighttime mouthguards or teeth clenching and grinding, please do not hesitate to contact our team here at Viva Smiles Family Dental at (512) 863-9555. |
