Night Guards
in Phoenix, AZ
Do you sometimes wake up with a headache or feel exhausted throughout the day? You may be unaware that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, with impacts on your oral health and overall well-being. At Stonecreek Dental Associates, we offer protective night guards to improve your quality of sleep and safeguard your health. Contact our Phoenix practice to get started today!
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What Is Bruxism and What Are Its Impacts on Your Oral and General Health?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching. Many people suffer from it without even knowing. It often happens during sleep, but some patients also grind and clench their teeth during the day. The repeated forces of grinding and constant pressure can place stress on your teeth and lead to complications, including the following:
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Uneven tooth wear
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Morning headaches and frequent migraines
- Jaw soreness and stiffness
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Ear, face, and neck pain
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems
The causes of teeth grinding and clenching are not fully understood. However, they may occur due to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. Risk factors for bruxism include age, stress, family history, certain medications, and some medical disorders.
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards, also known as bite guards or occlusal guards, are removable oral appliances that provide a protective barrier between the top and bottom teeth, preventing the devastating effects of chronic teeth clenching or grinding. At Stonecreek Dental Associates, we not only consider the alignment of your teeth when designing a custom night guard, but also factor in the position of your jaw and joints. We customize your protective mouthguard to ensure it provides optimal support for your bite, muscles, and jaw.
While night guards don’t necessarily keep you from grinding or clenching your teeth, they help prevent damage to your tooth surfaces. They also provide relief from the symptoms of bruxism and enhance your quality of sleep, promoting better health. Most patients wake up feeling more rested, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
What Are the Other Indications for Night Guards?
Even if you don’t grind your teeth in your sleep, wearing a night guard or an occlusal guard can offer numerous benefits. Think of it as a shield that protects your teeth for an extra 8 hours a night as you sleep. Moreover, if you have a high-stress job or tend to clench your teeth when focusing or driving, you can wear your mouthguard during the day for protection.
What Are the Benefits of Custom Night Guards?
Wearing a custom night guard offers many benefits, including the following:
- Precise and Secure Fit: Custom night guards fit snugly over your teeth, providing the best possible protection for your smile.
- Comfortable to Wear: Because your custom night guard is made from digital impressions of your mouth, it is more comfortable than any store-bought options.
- Balances the Forces of Your Bite: Your custom night guard helps evenly distribute the pressure across all your teeth, reducing the risk of chips, fractures, and enamel wear.
- Protects Dental Restorations: If you have fillings, crowns, bridges, or veneers, a custom night guard can protect your restorations from damage caused by constant grinding and clenching.
- Prevents Tooth Sensitivity: Wearing a night guard can prevent tooth enamel wear, which may otherwise lead to increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Reduced Symptoms of Bruxism: By cushioning your teeth and preventing forceful clenching, your custom night guard can significantly relieve jaw tension, reduce TMJ discomfort, alleviate morning headaches, and improve your quality of sleep.