Nightguards for Bruxism – Crown Point, IN
No More Clenching & Grinding
Whatever you may have thought, bacteria isn’t the only major threat to your oral health. Your smile will also suffer if you tend to grind your teeth while asleep. With that said, we at Ornelas Family Dentistry have just the solution for this issue: nightguards for bruxism in Crown Point! These oral devices will stop your bedtime clenching, preventing further harm to your grin. Just keep reading to learn more about them, or book a consultation today!
What’s Bruxism?
Before we get into nightguards themselves, you should know the basics about bruxism. What follows won’t make sense to you otherwise.
Bruxism refers to the habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, whether consciously or not. It typically occurs at night while a person is asleep, but patients can also face it during the day. Either way, the habit is a dangerous one that can wear down your enamel, make your teeth crack, and even cause jaw pain. Those who suffer from it should see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment.
If you don’t know whether you have bruxism, check yourself for symptoms. The condition’s most obvious signs include the following:
- Headaches or facial pain, especially in the morning
- Sore jaw muscles
- Pain when eating
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
Of course, only a dentist like Dr. Ornelas will know for sure if you have bruxism. Make sure to consult one before you decide on treatment.
How a Nightguard Works
If Dr. Ramsay diagnoses you with bruxism, she’ll likely suggest you get a custom nightguard. The latter would quickly and effectively handle your bruxism.
A nightguard is a type of mouthguard that stops your teeth from touching. When worn over your smile’s top arch, it acts as a barrier and prevents nighttime clenching and grinding. These effects largely stem from the nightguard’s durable plastic material, which can withstand the force of your bite.
At our office, the process of getting a nightguard is fairly simple. We’ll first examine your mouth and determine how bruxism impacts your smile. Based on our findings, we’ll then take impressions of your teeth and send them to a local dental lab. Dental technicians will use those materials to craft a customized oral appliance, one that’s designed based on our specifications. Once the final nightguard is ready, you’ll return to our office and confirm the device’s fit.
The Benefits of Nightguards
With one of our practice’s custom nightguards, you’d enjoy the following benefits:
- More Comfort – Unlike store-bought nightguards, custom nightguards are designed to fit your mouth exactly. That means they offer a more comfortable fit.
- Reduced Jaw Pain – By preventing nighttime grinding, a nightguard reduces the pressure on your jaw’s muscles. It follows that you’d have less intense jaw pain.
- Oral Protection – Since a nightguard stops your teeth from grinding, it protects your tooth enamel from harmful wear and tear.
- Cost-Effectiveness – Untreated bruxism can cause harsh oral issues that require costly care. Therefore, a custom nightguard can save you money in the long run.