Night Guards/ Mouth Guards
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding, clinically known as bruxism, typically occurs during sleep and can be significantly aggravated by stress or anxiety. Chronic grinding and clenching of the teeth can erode the tooth enamel (the protective outer layer) and may lead to a range of oral and overall health issues. If you wake up each morning with sore, sensitive teeth or a stiff jaw, you might be unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth through the night, a condition that is more common than many realize. Fortunately, a custom-fitted night guard can provide effective protection and relief.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a protective dental appliance worn over the teeth while you sleep. This specially designed oral appliance prevents your upper and lower teeth from making contact, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of grinding and clenching. While it does not eliminate the habit, the night guard supports proper jaw alignment, allowing your muscles to relax and promoting more restful sleep. In addition to improving sleep quality, night guards help protect against costly dental damage such as cracked teeth, worn fillings, and excessive enamel erosion.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a protective dental appliance worn over the teeth while you sleep. This specially designed oral appliance prevents your upper and lower teeth from making contact, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of grinding and clenching. While it does not eliminate the habit, the night guard supports proper jaw alignment, allowing your muscles to relax and promoting more restful sleep. In addition to improving sleep quality, night guards help protect against costly dental damage such as cracked teeth, worn fillings, and excessive enamel erosion.
Why Should You Consider a Night Guard?
1. Protect Your Teeth: Teeth grinding can cause significant wear and tear on your enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity, cracks, and even tooth loss. A night guard helps shield your teeth from this damage.
2. Relieve Jaw Pain: Clenching your teeth puts pressure on your jaw muscles, potentially causing discomfort, tension, and even conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. A night guard can help alleviate this strain.
3. Prevent Headaches: Many people who grind their teeth at night also suffer from morning headaches. By reducing the stress on your jaw, a night guard can help lessen the frequency and severity of these headaches.
4. Improve Sleep Quality: Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can interrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling unrested. By wearing a night guard, you may experience better quality sleep.
How Do We Create Your Custom Night Guard?
The process of obtaining a custom night guard involves two visits to your dentist.
1. Consultation and Measurements: We’ll begin with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw. We’ll discuss your symptoms, such as jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth, to determine if a night guard is the right solution for you. If a night guard is recommended, we will take precise 3D scan of your teeth to create a guard that fits comfortably and securely.
2. Fabrication and Fitting: Our skilled dental team will have the night guard custom-made in a professional dental laboratory, ensuring that it fits your teeth perfectly. Once the night guard is ready, we’ll ensure it fits well and comfortably.
How Do We Create Your Custom Night Guard?
The process of obtaining a custom night guard involves two visits to your dentist.
1. Consultation and Measurements: We’ll begin with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw. We’ll discuss your symptoms, such as jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth, to determine if a night guard is the right solution for you. If a night guard is recommended, we will take precise 3D scan of your teeth to create a guard that fits comfortably and securely.
2. Fabrication and Fitting: Our skilled dental team will have the night guard custom-made in a professional dental laboratory, ensuring that it fits your teeth perfectly. Once the night guard is ready, we’ll ensure it fits well and comfortably.
Mouth Guards – Protect Your Teeth During Sports and Physical Activity
A mouth guard is a dental appliance worn over your teeth to protect them from injury during sports and other physical activities. Whether you play contact sports like rugby or basketball, or engage in activities such as martial arts or skateboarding, wearing a mouth guard is essential for safeguarding your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Why Should You Wear a Mouth Guard?
- Injury Prevention – Mouth guards protect both hard (teeth and jaw) and soft (lips, cheeks, gums) oral tissues by absorbing and redistributing impact forces. They help prevent injuries such as lacerations, facial fractures, jaw joint damage, tooth loss, and concussions.
- Protection for Dental Work – Mouth guards safeguard teeth and dental restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, implants) from damage caused by impact, preventing fractures, dislodgement, or other harm to existing dental work.
- Comfort and Confidence – Custom-fitted mouth guards offer a secure, comfortable fit, with minimal interference to speech or breathing, allowing athletes to perform confidently and competitively.
Why Should You Wear a Mouth Guard?
- Injury Prevention – Mouth guards protect both hard (teeth and jaw) and soft (lips, cheeks, gums) oral tissues by absorbing and redistributing impact forces. They help prevent injuries such as lacerations, facial fractures, jaw joint damage, tooth loss, and concussions.
- Protection for Dental Work – Mouth guards safeguard teeth and dental restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, implants) from damage caused by impact, preventing fractures, dislodgement, or other harm to existing dental work.
- Comfort and Confidence – Custom-fitted mouth guards offer a secure, comfortable fit, with minimal interference to speech or breathing, allowing athletes to perform confidently and competitively.
Why Choose Tooth Care Pukekohe?
At Tooth Care Pukekohe, we offer custom-made night guards and mouth guards designed to fit your unique dental structure. These offer superior protection and comfort, allowing you to perform at your best without worrying about your dental safety. We’re here to help you protect your teeth and improve your overall oral health!