Do You Need a Custom Night Guard? Benefits, Costs, and Alternatives

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If you wake up with a sore jaw or notice other symptoms of tooth wear, you may be a bruxer—someone who clenches teeth at night. This habit over the years may cause a lot of dental problems ranging from loss of dental enamel to gum problems. Probably the best solution to prevent this is using a custom night guard, which is made to fit your mouth’s dental structure. Now the question arises: Is a custom night guard good for you? In this blog post, let’s discuss some of the benefits, costs, and alternative options available to buyers before making the decision.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a phenomenon that leads to discomfort, especially in the jaw and head area. These symptoms can be eliminated by using a custom night guard as it takes pressure off the jaw muscles. It is very helpful for many people, as they manage to reduce jaw pain and even morning headaches when using a custom night guard.

Factors that may increase your chances of developing bruxism include:

  • Age
  • Personality Type
  • Intense Emotions
  • Certain Medications And Substances
  • Other Health Conditions
Teeth Grinding
Teenage boy grinding his teeth

What is a Night Guard, and How Does It Work?

A night guard is a dental appliance used to protect teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep, which is also referred to as a dental guard. There are several kinds of night guards, including over-the-counter options; however, custom night guards are made to fit your particular mouth, providing a tailor-fit that enhances comfort and functionality.

Night guards prevent the upper teeth from grinding against the lower teeth while also distributing the pressure evenly. This helps alleviate symptoms associated with bruxism, such as jaw pain, headaches, and worn teeth. However, why is this custom night guard different, and why might it be worth the investment?

What Are the Benefits of a Custom Night Guard?

Perfect Fit and Comfort

A custom night guard is designed to precisely fit your unique dental structure. Unlike over-the-counter night guards, which are bulky and not well designed for comfort during sleep, custom night guards fit the mouth well, minimizing the chances of falling off or causing irritation in the middle of the night. This level of comfort may result in better compliance since a guard will feel comfortable in the user’s mouth.

Enhanced Durability

These custom night guards are normally fabricated using high-quality materials recommended for use at night when grinding is expected. There are options for a soft, hybrid, and a hard night guard, so you can decide which material is best suited to the bruxism situation. Soft guards are ideal for light grinding, while hard guards are more durable for those who have worse grinding habits. A custom night guard is a long-term protective investment, and with appropriate care, it may last for a long time, possibly even years.

Protection against Dental Damage

With its ability to relieve pressure during grinding, a custom night guard minimizes the wear and tear that results in costly dental work. After some time, the constant abrasion by the grinding can erode the enamel, compromise the integrity of the teeth, and may even cause cracks or fractures.

Reduction of Jaw Pain and Headaches

Bruxism is a condition that leads to discomfort, particularly in the jaw and head. A custom night guard can alleviate these symptoms by reducing the pressure on the jaw muscles. This dental appliance is quite useful for many individuals, as they often notice a reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after wearing a custom night guard.

Improved Sleep Quality

Grinding will cause sleep interruptions even when the person is not fully conscious of it. The pain associated with bruxism can make you wake up often and thus disrupt your night’s rest. A custom night guard not only protects your teeth from grinding but also ensures a more restful night’s sleep by reducing pain and discomfort.

Women sleeping
Women sleeping peacefully

How Much Does a Custom Night Guard Cost?

The costs of the custom night guards depend on factors such as the materials, thickness, and the dentist offering the service, and they usually cost between $200 and $1,000. Though it may seem like a big investment, just think of the amount of money that you will save from the necessary dental procedures due to worn enamel, cracked teeth, or other damage caused by grinding.

Dentists also provide a form of credit for the procedure, and some dental insurance plans may also provide coverage for an individually fabricated custom-fit night guard, particularly if bruxism is a medically diagnosed condition.

Best Alternatives to Custom Night Guards for Grinding

Though custom night guards are very effective, they may not be easily accessible or expensive. Here are some night guard alternative options that could be considered:

Dental Splints

Night guards look almost like dental splints, but there is a difference in their construction. They are not as large as the fixed ones and can be used during the day. Dental splints are designed in specific ways, as they are made to fit the specific teeth that need to be protected from grinding, while a person should be able to bite as commonly as they want.

Tongue and Lip Exercise

Bruxism can be controlled by tongue and lip exercises suitable for some people. These exercises are done on the facial muscles that are especially around the mouth and could help to stop grinding.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress is one of the causes of teeth grinding. Practicing relaxation activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can also be helpful in treating bruxism. Lowering stress in your life can be beneficial for your health and might help lower the chances of grinding.

Diet and Hydration Changes

Bruxism can also be the result of certain nutritional deficiencies and dehydration. Make sure that you take enough water and observe a balanced diet with the right vitamin and mineral needs. In case of a deficiency, your doctor may suggest that you take supplements.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that has been effective when treating bruxism because it allows the patient to recognize stress, anxiety, or emotional triggers that lead to the condition. These factors can be treated with the help of a therapist, and the frequency of teeth grinding, most likely, will be reduced.

Introducing Smilepath Night Guard

Smilepath Night Guard is a unique dental night guard that assists in preventing teeth grinding or clenching while a person is asleep, which is called bruxism. Designed for comfort and built with high quality, providing a superior level of protection and comfort to guarantee a better night's sleep without compromising the health of your teeth. Our custom-made night guards are well-fitted to solve your problem, offering you better sleep at night.

Smilepath Night Guard
Smilepath Night Guard

Why Choose Smilepath Night Guard?

The Smilepath Night Guards provide an optimal solution for those seeking effectiveness, comfort, and affordability.

  • Safeguard your teeth from grinding or clenching them, especially at night.
  • Perfectly tailored for optimal comfort and performance.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene practices and enjoy restful sleep.

Smilepath offers a range of options suited for different levels of bruxism:

  • Hybrid Night Guards: Dual-layered with a soft interior and hard exterior.
  • Hard Night Guards: For severe bruxism, made of sturdy 2mm PETG material.
  • Soft Night Guards: Recommended for mild grinding, made from 3 mm thick EVA material, which ensures a comfortable and snug fit.

Want a Peaceful Night ’s Sleep?

Our custom night guards are crafted with durable material for nighttime wear. Say goodbye to grinding and hello to comfort!

Order Now!

How To Get a Custom Night Guard?

At Smilepath, the process of getting your custom night guard is as simple as it can be. Just follow these simple steps:

Place Your Order

Order a night guard kit through our website.

Create Your Dental Impressions

Using our at-home impression kit, send us your teeth impressions back to get your device customized.

Receive Your Device

Once done, your device will be delivered to your doorstep. Wear it as prescribed and protect your teeth in the best way possible.

Why Choose Smilepath?

  • Unmatched Customization: Perfect fit to provide comfort and protection.
  • Free Shipping: Available for delivery to any destination in Australia at no additional charge.
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed: Enjoy hassle-free service and enjoyable results.
  • Tracker App: Download the app and track your progress.

Wondering if You Need a Custom Night Guard?

For all the benefits, costs, and alternatives, call us at 1300 404 171 and get expert advice.

For anyone dealing with teeth grinding at night, a custom night guard is the best fit and most comfortable option. Our custom night guards are the best solution for grinding and clenching during sleeping time to protect your teeth. Well-fitting, durable, and affordable, our custom night guards provide comfort while effectively protecting your teeth. The convenience of ordering a customized product right in the comfort of your home and free shipping. It is your time to stop bruxism from damaging your quality of life—place an order for Smilepath Night Guard and wake up with no discomfort!

FAQs

Do night guards need to be custom?

Custom night guards are designed to fit over the teeth and provide better protection than over-the-counter ones.

Is it worth it to get a custom night guard?

Yes, that means better comfort and safety for our teeth and jaws to avoid damage and relentless pain.

How much should a custom night guard cost?

Typically, custom night guards will cost between $300 to $1,000, but we offer affordable, high-quality ones.

  • Alex Chang

    Alex Chang

    Content Contributor

    Tech enthusiast and SmilePath advocate, Alex Chang, combines his love for cutting-edge technology with a commitment to promoting dental well-being. Drawing on...

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  • Dr. Narmeen

    Dr. Narmeen

    Medical Reviewer

    Dr. Narmeen is a dedicated and passionate orthodontist at SmilePath Australia, committed to creating confident smiles through exceptional orthodontic care. With her...

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