Grinding Your Teeth at Night? We Can Help!
Do you wake up often with a sore jaw or pounding headache? If so, you may be unknowingly grinding and clenching your teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. Cream City Dental is pleased to offer custom night guards to safeguard your oral health and enhance your quality of life. Contact our Wauwatosa practice to get the needed relief!
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching that usually occurs during sleep. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Sleep bruxism can be caused by various factors, including genetics, stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, an abnormal bite, some medical conditions, and the use of certain medications. It is often linked to sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
The consequences of untreated bruxism can be severe, ranging from worn, flattened, chipped, fractured, and severely damaged teeth to tooth sensitivity, damaged restorations, and gum recession. It can also lead to facial pain, persistent headaches, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Night Guard
Night guards, also known as occlusal guards, are oral appliances that fit over your teeth, similar to retainers. These protective mouthguards offer a highly effective way to address the effects of bruxism on your oral and overall health by preventing the teeth from coming in contact with one another.
At Cream City Dental, we create night guards from impressions of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The protective oral appliances act like shock absorbers, providing protection for the chewing surfaces of your teeth as well as any restorations.
While night guards may not stop teeth grinding altogether, they relieve the symptoms of bruxism, like headaches, jaw pain, and TMJ discomfort.
What Are the Types of Night Guards?
There are various types of night guards you can purchase over the counter, including the stock and boil and bite varieties. Stock mouthguards come ready to wear but are often bulky and uncomfortable and do not provide a good fit. Boil and bite guards are more customizable by placing them in hot water and molding them to your teeth. However, they are usually bulky and uncomfortable and rarely provide the needed protection for your smile.
The best and most protective mouthguards are those custom-made from impressions of your teeth. We create your high-quality mouthguards from a comfortable and durable material that provides the perfect fit and unmatched protection for your smile.
Caring for Your Night Guard
Taking care of your custom night guards is essential for their longevity and effectiveness. We recommend cleaning them daily with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or denture cleaner. We also recommend rinsing them thoroughly before and after each use and storing them in their protective case when you’re not wearing them to prevent damage. Don’t forget to bring your night guards with you to your routine dental check-ups so we can ensure they continue to safeguard your smile.
Night Guards Near Me in Wauwatosa, WI
If you notice any signs of bruxism, contact Cream City Dental to schedule a consultation. Dr. Ibrahem may recommend a custom night guard to protect your smile and relieve any uncomfortable symptoms. We invite you to call us at 414-476-4777 to schedule your appointment or request one online today.