Bruxism is a dental condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth while you sleep. If left untreated, you may end up with worn tooth enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, morning headaches, and other symptoms. If this describes your situation, our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, may recommend that you wear a night guard.

Here’s what you need to know about getting a custom night guard.

What’s a Night Guard?

A custom night guard is an oral appliance that you wear while you sleep. This provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. That way, you won’t be able to grind or clench your teeth while you sleep. The device also gives your jaw muscles a cushioning effect as its presence lightens the tension put on the jaw and prevents pain in the area as well as tooth enamel loss.

While over-the-counter night guards are available, they often fall short in terms of effectiveness and comfort. Let’s be honest, if your mouth guard for teeth grinding is uncomfortable, you won’t want to wear it. Even if you make the conscious choice to wear the device, you may unconsciously remove it while you sleep if it’s uncomfortable.

A night guard crafted specifically for you, on the other hand offers:

  • Superior fit: Custom night guards are tailored to your bite, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit that stays in place throughout the night.
  • Durability: Made from high-quality materials, a custom bite splint is designed to withstand the pressures of bruxism and last longer than generic options.
  • Personalization: A custom night guard can be adjusted to suit your specific needs, addressing jaw alignment or treating TMJ pain.

Do I Have Bruxism?

Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without even realizing it. However, there are subtle signs that may indicate the need for a night guard, or bite splint. If you frequently wake up with discomfort or notice head and neck pain throughout the day, it could be due to nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

To get an official diagnosis, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with our local night guard dentist.

Potential warning signs of bruxism include:

  • Worn tooth enamel
  • Cracked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Tooth pain
  • Jaw pain when you wake up
  • Headache when you wake up

How Do I Get a Custom Night Guard?

In general, it’ll take two appointments for you to get your bruxism night guard. During your first visit with us, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. A few weeks later, your personal oral appliance will be ready to pick up inside our Kalamazoo, MI, dental office. We’ll check the fit before you leave so you’ll be able to breathe and sleep comfortably.

All in all, a night guard helps you save money in the long run by preventing further damage to your smile. It costs considerably less than emergency dental care and tooth repair. If you suspect you have bruxism, call our office to learn how a night guard for teeth grinding can help.

How is a Night Guard Different From a Sports Guard?

In general, a sports mouth guard is made out of a thicker material that’s designed to absorb the impact of being hit in the face. A night guard, on the other hand, is designed to prevent your upper and lower teeth from making contact while you sleep so you can avoid the damaging effects of bruxism.

Each type of guard has a different purpose, which is why they’re not interchangeable. To get a night guard, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with us to ensure a comfortable appliance that won’t interrupt your sleep.

Request an Appointment With Dr. Bandos

Dr. Katherine Bandos is an experienced dentist in Kalamazoo, MI. As such, she’d be more than happy to help you manage your bruxism symptoms so you can get a good night’s sleep. To request an appointment, please call Kalamazoo Smiles today at (269) 353-3700. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.