The Hidden Cost of Not Wearing a Night Guard
At Highrise Dental, we are proponents of prevention rather than addressing dental problems after they develop. If you grind and clench your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism, Dr. Perno may recommend a protective night guard to safeguard your smile. Our custom oral appliances are created from impressions of your teeth, delivering a comfortable fit and the best possible protection.
What Is Bruxism and What Are the Causes?
Bruxism is characterized by habitual teeth grinding or clenching that most often occurs during sleep, and many people deal with this condition night after night without ever realizing it. The main causes are stress, anxiety, a misaligned bite, sleep apnea, and certain medications.
The pressure on your teeth and jaw from grinding and clenching is often far more force than they're exposed to from chewing. Over time, the repeated strain can take its toll on your teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles.
What Are the Impacts of Bruxism?
Unmanaged bruxism can lead to many complications, including the following:
- Tooth Wear, Chips, or Fracture: The forces of grinding and clenching can lead to tooth wear, chips, or cracks that may need dental crowns, veneers, or other restorations.
- Damaged Restorations: The excessive grinding forces can damage dental restorations, such as dental crowns, veneers, fillings, and dental implants, compromising their strength and longevity.
- Gum Recession and Sensitivity: The continuous pressure of teeth grinding can cause your gums to recede and your enamel to thin, leading to increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Tension Headaches and Facial Pain: Bruxism can lead to pain radiating to your head, neck, and shoulders, leading to frequent morning headaches.
- Sleep Disruptions and Daytime Fatigue: Bruxism is often linked to sleep disorders, leading to frequent sleep interruptions and chronic daytime fatigue.
- Jaw Pain: Grinding and clenching night after night can strain the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), leading to severe pain, sensitivity, popping or clicking, and limited jaw movement.
What Is a Night Guard and How Does It Help?
A night guard, also known as an occlusal guard or bite guard, is a removable mouthguard worn over the top or bottom teeth to provide cushioning and absorb the forces of grinding and clenching, essentially acting as a protective shield. This helps reduce the pressure on your teeth and jaws, preventing the devastating impacts of chronic teeth grinding and clenching.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
While there are many over-the-counter night guard options available at your local drugstore, these one-size-fits-all varieties are often bulky and rarely fit your mouth right. The awkward fit can lead to sleep disruptions and may even shift your bite.
At Highrise Dental, we create custom-fitted night guards from digital impressions of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit and the best possible protection for your smile. Most patients adjust quickly and enjoy better sleep and comfort almost right away.
Night Guards Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
If you wake up with jaw soreness or frequent headaches, or notice your teeth look flatter than they used to, talk to Dr. Perno and his team at Highrise Dental about a custom night guard. We use the latest technology and materials to create high-quality oral appliances that offer superior protection for your smile and enhance your quality of life.
Are you ready to get started? We invite you to call us at 602-230-1161 to schedule your appointment or book one online today!