Life is pretty stressful, which is why it’s no surprise that so many people grind their teeth in their sleep. If you tell your dentist that you’re dealing with this problem, they’ll probably recommend that you get a dentist-crafted nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
You might wonder why you would invest in a professionally crafted nightguard when you could just buy one at the store, or even just go without. Here’s why it’s a good idea to invest in something of quality.
Why Do I Need a Nightguard?
Grinding your teeth puts them under an incredible amount of pressure, and doing it chronically can lead to a host of serious health effects. Over time, this can wear down your enamel or cause cracks in your teeth. In some cases, your teeth could get shorter over time.
Moreover, grinding also puts an incredible amount of pressure on your temporomandibular joints, the joints that connect the jaw to the rest of your face. This can lead those joints to become misaligned, which can cause discomfort when you open or close your mouth.
If you’ve made a habit out of grinding your teeth at night, it’ll be nearly impossible to stop it on your own. You need to protect your teeth from the consequences of that, and a nightguard is the best way to do it.
Why Should I Have My Dentist Make My Nightguard?
You can get over-the-counter nightguards at any store or pharmacy. They’ll either be a one size fits all mouthpiece, or will use heat to mold themselves to the teeth. These nightguards are made of low-quality materials and are a less-than-perfect fit for your teeth, increasing the chances that they’ll fail.
When your dentist crafts you a nightguard, on the other hand, they’ll be able to use much more precise modeling tools to get one perfectly suited for you. They’ll take an impression of your teeth and then send the results off to a lab, where the guard will be designed to ensure that there won’t be any slipping while you sleep. They’ll also fine-tune how much material they use on the nightguard to your needs, ensuring that you’ll be able to sleep comfortably.
If you grind your teeth, there isn’t any substitute for a nice nightguard. You’re going to be wearing it every night, so why not get one that’s suited well to you?
About Our Practice
At Smile More Dentistry, treating our patients well is at the center of everything we do. From the moment you step into our dental office, you’ll feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. Our incredible dentists will take the time to understand your individual needs and to create a custom treatment plan suited specifically to you.
If you have any questions about nightguards, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (845) 675-1512.