How Mouth Guards Help Prevent Damage from Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

1. Protect Teeth from Wear and Tear

Grinding your teeth can cause enamel erosion, resulting in sensitive teeth, fissures, and tooth loss in extreme situations. Mouth guards create a barrier between upper and lower teeth; minimizing or eliminating the pressure of grinding and preventing direct contact between them . This helps maintain the enamel and avoids any long-term effects on the mouth.

2. Reduce Jaw Pain

Bruxism can cause tenderness, rigidity, and at worst, TMJ disorders in the jaws. When you wear a mouth guard, there is less pressure applied to your jaw, lessening the reduction of pain and discomfort. The mouth guard acts as a protector and disperses the grinding force preventing concentration stress within the area of the jaw muscle.

3. Improve Sleep Quality

The worst part of bruxism is that it commonly happens at night, and it can affect your overall sleep quality. Major signs of teeth grinding include waking up feeling dazed or experiencing headaches. It can help minimize the occurrence of headaches caused by teeth clenching.

4. Prevent Tooth Damage

Cracked teeth or tooth fractures called "craze lines" are the results of teeth grinding. Mouth guards act as a protective appliance that prevents direct and forceful contact of the teeth, thus preventing further grinding. This can avoid future expensive dental procedures, such as painful and uncomfortable cavities or fractures of the teeth.

5. Helps with Bruxism in Children

Children may experience stress or anxiety, which can lead to bruxism. Mouth guards may be helpful when designing for a long-term dental issue. Preventing any harm from teeth grinding is even more crucial for children, whose jaw and teeth are still developing.

1. Custom-Made Mouth Guards

Your dentist uses an impression of your teeth to create custom mouth guards. These give the best fit, comfort, and protection since they are crafted to fit your mouth size and shape. Custom-made mouth guards are often the most costly but are most advisable for cases of severe bruxism.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards

Boil-and-bite mouth guards are less expensive than other types since they are easy to mold. They are made from a thermoplastic material that melts when boiled to alter its shape and fit on your teeth by biting down. They fit better than stock mouth guards, but they are not as accurate as custom-made options.

3. Stock Mouth Guards

Stock mouth guards are the cheapest and can be easily fitted, but they are also the most uncomfortable. These mouth guards are readily shaped and can be used right out of the package. They tend to be bulky and have the potential to move while you sleep, which may make them less effective at preventing teeth grinding.

4. Night Guards for Bruxism

Night guards are meant for people who clench their teeth at night. They often contain softer material to alleviate pressure and guard against tooth wear impact. Patients with bruxism use these at night to prevent further teeth grinding at night.

Comfort

A mouth guard should fit comfortably in the mouth, neither too tight nor too loose. If it is too big or does not fit, it could be uncomfortable or even aggravate bruxism.

Material

Look for a mouth guard made from durable materials that can withstand grinding pressure. Custom-made options are crafted using the very best quality products readily available.

Budget

Custom mouth guards are more costly than the other types; however, they offer excellent protection. A boil and bite or stock mouth guard may be a better option if you’re on a tight budget.

Reduce Stress

Stress is a major cause of teeth grinding, finding ways to relax can help. Activities like meditation, yoga exercises, and shallow breathing can help minimize tension and prevent nighttime teeth grinding.

Correct Misaligned Teeth

If misaligned teeth are caused by bruxism, orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners may help correct the issue.

Avoid Stimulants

Do not consume caffeine, alcohol, or smoke as these substances cause muscles to contract and will make grinding worse during sleep.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Going to bed at a fixed time and ensuring that everything is set for sleeping can also minimize the chances of teeth grinding.

Custom Fit

Our mouth guards are specially molded to the size and shape of your teeth, thus creating a perfect fit.

High-Quality Materials

Smilepath mouth guards are designed from quality medical-grade materials that can handle pressure from grinding and clenching.

Pain Relief

They also aid in easing jaw pain and the future development of diseases related to TMJ due to bruxism.

Improve Sleep Quality

These mouth guards prevent excessive grinding, enabling you to have better and more quality sleep hence rising rejuvenated.

Easy to Use

Smilepath mouth guards are easy to use and require no complex fittings, so they are perfect for everyday usage.

Perfect for All Ages

Simple and effective, our mouth guards are ideal for adults and kids suffering from bruxism.

Affordable Pricing

Compared to conventional braces, Smilepath is more affordable on clear aligners.

Convenient At-Home Treatment

Take advantage of virtual consultations for a doctor-free, hassle-free treatment solution.

Custom-Fit Aligners

Individualized for your dental problem, allowing for comfortable and effective treatment.

Expert Support

Get professional advice from licensed orthodontists at various stages of your treatment.

Discreet Treatment

Clear aligners are transparent and barely noticeable, thus preferred by adults and teenagers.

Quick Results

Achieve noticeable changes in a short time, generally within half a year.

Flexible Payment Plans

Smilepath has flexible payment solutions, ensuring you can pay for our services within your range.

No In-Person Visits

Take advantage of virtual consultations for a doctor-free, hassle-free treatment solution.

Comfortable Experience

With their smooth edges and customized fit, the aligners are made to be comfortable.

Proven Success

Smilepath has had a high success rate in helping thousands of consumers straighten their teeth.