Signs You May Need a Nightguard
Several symptoms indicate you might be grinding your teeth at night. Waking up with jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness suggests your muscles have been working overtime while you sleep. Dull headaches, particularly those originating near the temples, often result from nighttime clenching.
Your teeth may show visible signs of wear, including flattened chewing surfaces, increased sensitivity to temperature, or small chips and cracks. Your partner might notice grinding sounds during the night. Indentations on your tongue or cheek tissue from pressing against your teeth also indicate bruxism.
During dental examinations, we look for specific indicators of grinding. Worn enamel, fractured teeth, and enlarged jaw muscles all point to bruxism. If you have existing dental crowns or other restorative work, grinding can damage these investments, making protection even more important.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Nightguards
Store-bought nightguards offer a budget-friendly option but come with significant limitations. These one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite versions rarely provide optimal fit or comfort. Poor fit can cause the guard to shift during sleep, fail to protect all teeth adequately, or create jaw discomfort that disrupts your rest.
Custom nightguards are created from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring they fit your mouth exactly. This tailored fit provides better protection, improved comfort, and greater durability. You’re more likely to wear a comfortable guard consistently, which is essential for effective protection.
The material quality also differs significantly. Custom nightguards use professional-grade materials designed to withstand grinding forces while remaining comfortable. These guards maintain their shape and protective properties longer than drugstore alternatives, making them more cost-effective over time.
Types of Nightguards
Different nightguard designs serve various needs. Soft nightguards offer cushioning and work well for mild to moderate grinding. The flexible material absorbs grinding forces while feeling comfortable against your teeth and gums.
Dual-laminate guards combine a soft inner layer with a harder outer surface. This design provides comfort while offering enhanced durability for more aggressive grinding. The soft interior cushions your teeth while the firm exterior withstands heavy grinding forces.
Hard acrylic guards offer the most protection for severe bruxism. While they may require a short adjustment period, their rigidity prevents teeth from sliding against each other during grinding episodes. We’ll recommend the appropriate type based on your specific grinding patterns and severity.
The Custom Nightguard Process
Creating your custom nightguard begins with taking detailed impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions capture every contour of your mouth, ensuring your guard fits precisely. We’ll discuss your symptoms, grinding patterns, and preferences to determine the best nightguard type for your situation.
Your nightguard is fabricated in a dental laboratory using your impressions as a blueprint. Once completed, you’ll return for a fitting appointment. We’ll ensure the guard fits comfortably, make any necessary adjustments, and provide detailed instructions for use and care.
Most patients adjust to wearing their nightguard within a few nights. Any initial awareness of the appliance typically fades quickly as you become accustomed to it. If you experience ongoing discomfort, we can make modifications to improve the fit.
Benefits Beyond Tooth Protection
Nightguards protect more than just your teeth. By preventing grinding, they reduce strain on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This protection can alleviate jaw pain, clicking sounds, and limited jaw movement associated with TMJ disorders. If you experience TMJ symptoms, our practice also offers specialized TMJ treatment.
Many patients report improved sleep quality after starting nightguard therapy. Reducing muscle tension and pain allows for more restful sleep. Partners also benefit from the elimination of grinding sounds that can disturb their rest.
Protecting your teeth from grinding prevents costly dental repairs. Replacing worn enamel, repairing cracked teeth, or replacing damaged dental work costs significantly more than investing in a quality nightguard. Prevention is always more affordable than restoration.
Addressing Underlying Causes
While nightguards protect your teeth, addressing the root causes of bruxism provides comprehensive care. Stress management techniques, improved sleep hygiene, and addressing sleep disorders can reduce grinding frequency and intensity. We can discuss lifestyle modifications that may help decrease your bruxism.
Certain medications contribute to teeth grinding. If you suspect your medication might be a factor, consult with your physician about potential alternatives. Never discontinue prescribed medications without medical guidance.
For some patients, bite alignment issues contribute to grinding. If misalignment plays a role in your bruxism, we can discuss orthodontic options that may help. Dr. Silva’s advanced training and experience with orthodontic treatments allow us to address these concerns comprehensively.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Nightguard at Floss Lincoln Park
Don’t let nighttime grinding damage your smile and compromise your oral health. A custom nightguard offers effective protection while improving your comfort and sleep quality. Whether you’ve noticed symptoms of grinding or your dentist has identified signs of bruxism, addressing the issue promptly prevents more serious problems.
Dr. Delone Jouja’s patient-centered approach ensures you receive care tailored to your specific needs and concerns. Our practice combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion to make your dental experience positive. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Delone Jouja and Dr. Martha Silva and take the first step toward protecting your teeth and improving your sleep.
