Waking up with a sore jaw or aching teeth is annoying and painful. For individuals who clench or grind their teeth at night, such symptoms usually indicate long-term dental issues. This condition can silently damage your jaw and teeth over time.
If you’ve ever asked whether there’s a way to stop it, then the answer is a big “YES.” Mouth guards and night guards in Livonia are made to shield your teeth and ease pressure off your jaw while you sleep.
Understanding how these devices function can assist you in making the right choice for your dental care and prevent severe damage in the future.
What Does a Night Guard Do?
A night guard is a clear plastic appliance that is placed over your teeth, serving as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth during sleep. This is meant to decrease pressure from clenching or grinding. It also eliminates direct contact that can wear away or crack your enamel.
Night guards are of varying forms. There are some that are soft and pliable, while others are more rigid and sturdy. A dentist can make one tailored to your mouth. This makes it better fitting and more effective.
How Teeth Grinding Damages Your Smile
Teeth grinding during sleep, or bruxism, can lead to a variety of issues. These include:
- Worn teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Cracked or chipped enamel
- Pain in the jaw muscles
- Morning headaches
Without a night guard, the damage accumulates gradually. It can cause significant dental work, such as crowns, root canals, or tooth loss, after a while. Having your teeth protected by a dental night guard can prevent these problems before they occur.
Can a Night Guard Relieve Jaw Pain?
We often ask questions like, will a night guard help with jaw pain? Most often, yes. When you clench and grind your teeth, your jaw muscles remain contracted during the night. This puts pressure on your jaw joint, also referred to as the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
A well-fitting night guard causes your jaw to relax. It prevents the muscles from overworking, which can minimize morning soreness. This also reduces the risk of TMJ disorders developing. Some people even find relief from neck and shoulder pain related to jaw tension.
Is a Night Guard the Same as a Sports Mouthguard?
No, they are not the same. A sports mouthguard is made to protect your teeth from sudden impact, like in football or boxing. It is usually thicker and covers more of your mouth.
A night guard, on the other hand, is made for long wear while you sleep. It is thinner and designed to stop damage from grinding. Always ask your dentist which one is right for your needs.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard?
Store-bought night guards may seem easier, but they often don’t fit well. A poor fit can make it uncomfortable to wear. Some might even cause more damage if they shift around at night.
Custom guards from a sleep guard for teeth grinding specialists are made using a mould of your teeth. They stay in place better and are more durable. They also reduce pressure more evenly across your teeth and jaw.
What Are the Benefits of Night Guards?
Night guards do more than just protect your teeth. They also:
- Prevent jaw strain and tightness
- Help stop enamel wear
- Lower the chance of cracked fillings
- Reduce morning headaches
- Help you sleep better without discomfort
These benefits can improve both your dental and overall health.
Comparing Store-Bought vs. Custom Night Guards
| Feature | Store-Bought Guard | Custom Dental Night Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | One-size-fits-all | Made to fit your mouth |
| Comfort | May be bulky | Comfortable, snug fit |
| Durability | Wears out quickly | Long-lasting |
| Protection level | Basic | High |
| Recommended by professionals | Rarely | Yes |
How Long Should You Wear a Night Guard?
Night guards are meant to be worn every night. The more consistent you are, the more protection they offer. Most guards last between 1 to 5 years, depending on the material and how much you grind.
Your dentist will check your guard during regular visits and let you know when it needs to be replaced. Taking care of it by cleaning it daily and storing it properly helps it last longer.
Do Night Guards Work for Everyone?
Night guards work well for most people who grind their teeth or suffer from jaw tension. But they are not a cure for all dental issues. If your grinding is caused by stress, your dentist might suggest other treatments, like stress management or physical therapy for your jaw.
Still, night guards remain one of the most effective tools to prevent long-term damage from grinding.
Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Teeth
Wearing a night guard is one of the simplest ways to avoid serious dental problems. It protects your enamel, reduces jaw stress, and helps you sleep better. Book an appointment with Majestic Dentist today to get started with a custom night guard designed for your comfort and protection.