How Do Night Guards Protect Your Smile?

If you grind and clench your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism, our team at Cream City Dental is here to help. Dr. Ibrahem may recommend a custom night guard to prevent nighttime wear and tear. Here’s all you need to know about night guards and how they protect your smile.

What Is Bruxism and What Are Its Causes?

Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching, which often happens during sleep, so you may not be aware of it. The causes of this destructive condition are not fully understood. However, it may result from psychological, physical, and genetic causes, including age, stress, a family history, tobacco use, sleep apnea, certain medications, and some medical disorders.

Signs of nighttime grinding and clenching can present in different ways, including worn or sensitive teeth, chips or fractures, and damaged dental restorations. Some people wake up with headaches, tired facial muscles, a sore jaw, or even an unexplained earache associated with jaw tension. Frequent grinding can also disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired during the day.

What Is a Night Guard?

Night guards, also known as occlusal guards, are removable oral appliances you wear over the top or bottom teeth during sleep. These protective guards create a barrier between the top and bottom teeth, helping protect your teeth and dental restorations from the effects of bruxism. They can also reduce the strain on your jaw joints and muscles, helping enhance your comfort and improve your quality of sleep.

Why Choose a Custom Night Guard?

You’ve probably seen boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all stock mouth guard varieties at the drugstore. While they may seem like a quick solution, a custom night guard offers numerous advantages, including the following:

• A More Precise Fit: Your night guard is created from impressions of your teeth, providing a more precise, secure fit.
• Better Comfort: Custom guards are designed for your mouth, so they are less likely to feel bulky or awkward while you sleep.
• Less Shifting: Unlike some over-the-counter options, a custom night guard is less likely to move out of position during the night.
• Durable Protection: Custom night guards are made from strong, high-quality materials designed to withstand the forces of grinding and clenching.
• Protection Tailored to Your Smile: Because the appliance is made specifically for you, it can provide more reliable protection for your natural teeth and dental restorations.

Is a Night Guard a Cure for Bruxism?

A night guard is not a cure for bruxism. Instead, it works by protecting your smile from the repeated pressure and friction that can occur while you sleep.

By placing a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth, your custom night guard can help minimize tooth wear, lower the risk of chips and fractures, and protect crowns, fillings, implants, and other dental restorations. It may also ease strain on the jaw muscles and joints, easing your discomfort. Our goal is to protect your oral health while helping you manage the long-term effects of grinding and clenching.

Custom Night Guards Near Me in Wauwatosa, WI

If we see signs of bruxism during a routine preventive exam or if you have been alerted by a family member that you grind and clench your teeth in your sleep, Dr. Ibrahem and his patient-centered team at Cream City Dental may recommend a custom night guard. Our protective oral appliances can help prevent the impact of bruxism on your smile and improve your quality of sleep.  We invite you to call 414-476-4777 to schedule an appointment or request one online today.