Dental night guards are extremely useful for treating a wide range of dental concerns. Our office will often recommend them to patients who have a history of teeth grinding. We may also recommend night guards as oral appliance therapy for patients with TMJ disorders.
Custom dental guards are designed specifically for your smile. Our doctors take the time needed to ensure a proper fit so that you don’t have to worry about any slippage or discomfort while you sleep. Learn more about our custom night guards below.
Night Guards in Towson, MD
Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nate Dancykier are experienced general dentists in Towson, MD. They are here to help you address any and all of your dental concerns. Night guards are an excellent oral appliance that we regularly provide to our patients to treat a wide range of dental concerns.
We make our night guards custom to your smile to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Better than over-the-counter solutions, our night guards do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to your dental care. Instead, we take the time to ensure that your night guard fits your smile properly so that all of your dental structures are protected while you sleep.
Treatment For Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is an extremely common dental concern. Patients of all ages can experience teeth grinding. When you grind your teeth together in your sleep, this puts you at risk for developing long-term issues like dental damage, worn down teeth, or even a TMJ disorder. A TMJ disorder can be very painful and severely affect your quality of life.
Our dentists will look for signs and symptoms of teeth grinding during your routine dental appointments. However, if you suspect you have been grinding your teeth, mention this during your appointment. We will treat your teeth grinding with a custom night guard to be worn while you sleep. The night guard will protect your smile while you sleep and ensure that you do not cause damage to your dental structures.
Oral Appliance Therapy
The use of a night guard to treat TMJ disorders, or chronic jaw pain, is also known as oral appliance therapy. With oral appliance therapy, the night guard is designed to hold your jawbone in a healthy resting position as you sleep. This ensures that you wake up with a fully rested and restored jawbone. Having an oral appliance made is a fairly simple process. All we need to do is take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory where they will be fabricated. Then we will try them on to ensure proper fit.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a night guard and a mouthguard?
A night guard and a mouthguard are both types of dental appliances. However, they serve different purposes. A night guard is a dental device patients wear mostly during sleep to prevent teeth grinding and reduce overall damage. It covers the lower part of the jaw and contacts the upper teeth. On the other hand, a mouthguard is a dental device that protects the teeth from injuries caused by contact sports, such as boxing or hockey. It covers the whole mouth and fits over both the top and bottom teeth.
Do you need a prescription for a night guard?
You can get a prescription from your dentist for a night guard. However, some night guards are available without a prescription at most pharmacies. If you choose to see a dentist for a night guard, they will be able to fit you for the correct size and type that is suitable for you.
What type of night guard is best for clenching?
Several types of night guards can be effective for clenching, but a hard acrylic night guard is the most common. This type of night guard is custom-fit to the patient’s teeth and provides a hard surface that can withstand the forces of clenching. Soft night guards or over-the-counter night guards may not be as effective for clenching, as they can become worn down more quickly and may not provide as much protection. Consult a dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best type of night guard for your needs.
Will the night guard be comfortable enough to let me sleep?
The comfort level of a night guard can vary from patient to patient. Your night guard should not cause any major discomfort or interfere with sleep if a dentist properly fits and adjusts them. The guard should contain a soft material on the inside that won’t irritate your gums or teeth. Additionally, the outer layer should be hard to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. Speak with your dentist if you experience any discomfort or difficulty sleeping with your night guard.
Can night guards damage teeth?
Night guards are generally safe and effective for protecting teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching. However, there is a small risk that they can cause dental problems. For instance, if a dentist does not fit or adjust your night guard correctly, it can cause changes in the bite or lead to tooth movement. Additionally, if you do not clean a night guard regularly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and cause oral infections. Your dentist should ensure that the night guard properly fits and adjusts.
Can a night guard cause sleep apnea?
There is no evidence that a night guard can cause sleep apnea. In fact, a night guard may be beneficial for individuals with sleep apnea. It can help to keep the airway open and prevent the collapse of the soft tissue in the throat. However, a night guard that fits poorly fitted or ill-designed night guard can cause discomfort, which could potentially interfere with sleep. It is important to work with a dentist to ensure that your night guard fits properly and meets your specific needs.
Book an Appointment for a Night Guard in Towson, MD
If you suspect you grind your teeth, our dentists can perform a simple examination to confirm this. An oral appliance can protect the teeth from damage and prevent a painful TMJ disorder from developing. Please schedule a consultation with our doctors to learn more about how a custom night guard can help you maintain your dental health.