Do you suffer from the involuntary grinding of your teeth or experience jaw clenching during sleep? If so, you’ll want to learn about our custom night guards.
Facts About Teeth Grinding
Why would you need a guard? Here are some common causes and facts:
- Bruxism: According to the American Sleep Association, bruxism, the “formal” term for teeth grinding, affects approximately 10% of adults and 15% of US children.
- Sleep Disorders: The National Sleep Foundation reports that nearly 1 in 4 people with obstructive sleep apnea also grind their teeth at night.
- Stress and Anxiety: If you carry a decent amount of stress and/or anxiety, then you may grind. The Mayo Clinic suggests that stress and anxiety can increase the risk of bruxism with about 70% of grinding cases being attributable to this emotional state.
- Teeth Damage: If you grind all the time then this can lead to a variety of dental health issues, including tooth wear, cracks, and fractured teeth. People who grind their teeth can have up to 3x more tooth wear than those who don’t constantly clench.
Benefits of Custom Night Guards
Getting mouth guard has many benefits, including:
- Protecting Your Teeth: The best and biggest benefit is the protection they offer your teeth against the wear and tear from daily or nightly grinding and clenching. This will help you in the future to prevent tooth fractures, loosening, and even tooth loss.
- Pain Prevention: Some patients experience head, neck, and jaw aches when they don’t use a custom guard. Having that barrier between your teeth can help alleviate the jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort.
- Improved Sleep Patterns: By reducing discomfort and jaw tension, the night guard can give you a better night of sleep.
The Night Guard Procedure at Warshauer & Santamaria
At our Boston dental office, getting a custom night guard is straightforward and painless:
- Consultation and Mold Impressions: During your initial dental exam, we’ll discuss your symptoms and inspect the condition of your teeth. If a night guard is deemed the best solution, we take impressions of your teeth.
- Fabrication Process: We send your impressions to our dental lab where your custom night guard is created to perfectly fit your teeth.
- Fitting Appointment: Once it is ready, we’ll bring you back in for a fitting. We’ll ensure it’s comfortable and make any necessary adjustments.
Alternatives to Custom Night Guards
While night guards are the most recommended solution for bruxism, alternative treatments are available. These include behavior therapies to change grinding habits, stress management techniques, and in some cases, dental procedures to correct bite issues.
Why Choose Us for Your Custom Night Guards?
Keep in mind, regular dental cleanings and checkups are crucial to maintaining good oral health.
However, for conditions like bruxism, a custom night guard from Warshauer & Santamaria could be the key to preserving your smile and ensuring your comfort.
Feel free to reach out to us today to schedule a consultation. We’re excited to support your journey to optimal oral health and the peace of mind that comes with it.
Previously recognized as “Best Dentist”