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.
We design custom dental guards specifically for your mouth. Our doctors take the time to ensure a proper fit so that you don’t have to worry about 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.
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 mouth properly. The guard will protect all your dental structures 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. Issues like dental damage, worn down teeth, or even a TMJ disorder.
A TMJ disorder can be 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 using a custom night guard that you will wear 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
Oral appliance therapy is using a night guard to treat TMJ disorders or chronic jaw pain. With oral appliance therapy, the night guard will hold your jawbone in a healthy resting position as you sleep. This ensures that you wake up with a fully rested and restored jawbone.
Creating an oral appliance is a fairly simple process. First we will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory. They will fabricate the appliance at the lab, then send it to us. Then you will try them on to ensure proper fit.
Night Guards FAQs
Read through our frequently asked questions about night guards to learn more about them. This effective treatment for teeth grinding is available at our dental office in Towson, MD.
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 contact sports injuries, 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. They can become worn down more quickly and do 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 because of grinding or clenching. However, there is a small risk that they can cause dental problems. For instance, it can cause changes in your bite or lead to tooth movement if the dentist does not adjust your night guard correctly.
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 your mouth before sending you home.
Can a night guard cause sleep apnea?
No evidence exists confirming 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 or an ill-designed night guard can cause discomfort, which could potentially interfere with sleep. Work with your dentist to ensure that your night guard fits properly and meets your specific needs.
Book an appointment for a night guard in Towson, MD, today. 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.