Do Night Guards Really Work? What You Need to Know
Do you wake up with headaches or jaw pain? Or maybe your teeth are gradually wearing down? You may be unaware that you are grinding and clenching your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism. At Cream City Dental in Wauwatosa, WI, we offer custom night guards to prevent the devastating impacts of teeth grinding and clenching on your smile. The question is, do night guards really work?
What Are the Impacts of Bruxism?
Grinding and clenching your teeth, especially during sleep, can cause stress on your teeth and jaws and lead to a host of complications, including the following:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Morning headaches or migraines
- Jaw stiffness or discomfort
- Disrupted sleep
- Neck and facial pain
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards, also known as bite guards or occlusal guards, are custom-made oral appliances you wear during sleep. These protective mouthguards provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, preventing damage from the forces of grinding and clenching. Wearing a custom night guard can help relax your joints and muscles, lowering the risk of TMJ pain. You’ll wake up feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated.
Do Night Guards Really Work?
If you’ve ever wondered whether night guards really help, the answer is yes, especially when they’re custom-crafted for you. A well-fitted, custom night guard cushions your teeth, absorbs the pressure from grinding and clenching and reduces the strain on your jaw muscles. Many patients report significant improvements, including less jaw pain, fewer headaches, and better quality of sleep.
It’s important to remember that while custom night guards protect your teeth from damage, they do not necessarily cure bruxism. Instead, they serve as a protective tool, helping minimize the impacts of grinding and clenching while you sleep. At Cream City Dental, we design custom night guards from impressions of your mouth for optimal fit, comfort, and protection. Our goal is to help you wake up pain-free and preserve your beautiful smile for years to come.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Custom Night Guard?
Wearing a custom night guard offers many benefits, including the following:
- Safeguarding Your Teeth: Custom night guards reduce the risk of cracked, chipped, or worn teeth.
- Relaxing Jaw Muscles: By cushioning your bite, your protective mouthguard can help relax the jaw muscles, easing tension and reducing discomfort.
- Improving Quality of Sleep: Your night guard can minimize disruptions caused by jaw clenching, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
- Reducing the Risk of TMJ Disorders: Night guards can alleviate pressure on your temporomandibular joints, lowering the risk of developing or worsening TMJ problems.
- Saving You Money in the Long Run: Preventing tooth damage now can help you avoid costly dental treatments down the road, such as crowns, root canals, or even tooth replacement.
Night Guards Near Me in Wauwatosa, WI
If you’re battling with bruxism, contact Cream City Dental to schedule a consultation. Dr. Ibrahem and his patient-centered team may recommend a custom night guard to safeguard your smile and improve your quality of life. We invite you to call (414) 476-4777 to schedule your appointment or request one online today.