Table of Contents
-
Understanding About Teeth Grinding
-
Why Use a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding?
-
Types of Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
-
How to Choose the Best Night Guard
-
Do You Need a Custom Night Guard?
-
Botox and Teeth Grinding: Is It a Viable Treatment?
-
Teeth Grinding Splints: How Are They Different?
-
Preventing and Grinding
-
Introducing Smilepath Night Guard
-
Why Choose Smilepath Night Guard
-
Customization
-
High-Quality Material
-
Affordable
-
Guarantee
-
Free Shipping
-
FAQs
Teeth grinding, or bruxism is such a frequent matter that it can profoundly impact teeth and oral health. In any case, grinding the teeth will develop numerous issues, including jaw pain, headaches, and damaged teeth, especially if your bite is crooked. Fortunately, there are some solutions in the form of night guards, which are designed to protect your teeth as well as eliminate the pain caused by bruxism. Here in this guide, we will discuss the best night guards for teeth grinding, how to splint differently from night guards, and why it is critical to select the right guard for effectiveness.
Understanding About Teeth Grinding
Grinding, clenching, or gnashing of the teeth is called bruxism. It can happen when you are awake or asleep, and it generally happens subconsciously. Over time, this condition can cause:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Headaches
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Cracked or chipped teeth
Why Use a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding?
It may be slightly amusing to refer to a device worn at night as a night guard for teeth grinding, but the importance of this appliance cannot be underestimated. A mouth guard for teeth grinding is a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from making contact. It assists in preventing dental problems or deterioration of teeth as well as alleviating the complications of the jaw from the effects of bruxism.
It has to be stated that night guards are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Based on the severity of teeth grinding and personal preference, there are three types of dental guards; over-the-counter guards, custom-fitted guards, and hybrid options.
Types of Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Currently, there are several types of night guards depending on the intensity of bruxism present within an individual. For teeth grinding, there are several types of night guards, which include the following:
Soft Night Guards
Mild bruxism may require soft night guards as when the case is severe, one needs to seek medical help. These guards are soft and are made of very soft material; therefore, they can be worn at night comfortably. They are commonly sold over the counter, which makes them an affordable option. Nevertheless, they may not last long if you suffer from moderate to severe bruxism, which is the clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Best for: Occasional bruxism or grinding and clenching of teeth
Pros: They are easy to find and in the pocket and, at the same time, comfortable.
Cons: Not as long-lasting for hard usage such as grinding.
Hard Night Guard
It is meant for severe bruxism and is usually custom-made by a dentist. These guards are more lasting since they can be made of acrylic, while they will have to withstand a considerable amount of grinding pressure. Custom-fitted teeth guards for grinding teeth at night offer superior protection and comfort but are more expensive than other ordinary teeth guards.
Best for: It may result in severe teeth grinding.
Pros: Very resilient, and it is made to order, so providing better fit = better fit & comfort + better protection.
Cons: Some of them are costly and sometimes need a visit to the dentist to tweak them.
Dual Laminate Night Guards
They are made from two layers of laminated materials, where one part is flexible like the other non-hard guards while the other part is made from hard acrylic to improve the strength of the guards. The inner lining of the teeth is tender and requires gentle treatment, while the outer covering of the teeth is tough and requires tough handling during grinding. This type of guard is particularly beneficial for any person with moderate to severe bruxism.
Best for: Moderate/severe bruxism
Pros: Comfortable on one side, sturdy on the other.
Cons: There is a small difference in cost between soft guards and hard guards, with the former being slightly cheaper than the latter but more expensive than custom hard guards.
Boil-and-Bite Night Guards
Boil and bite night guards are made in a semi-custom manner. These are made from the material known as thermoplastic that becomes soft when boiled in water. They effectively chew to make an impression of their teeth on the softened material to obtain a mold. Another kind of this guard is boil-and-bite, and it is cheap and comfortable but not as accurate as custom guards.
Best for: Teeth grinding is normally a result of mild to moderate factors.
Pros: It is easy to mold, cheap, and only requires semi-custom fitting.
Cons: Can be large; does not offer a form-fitting design.
How to Choose the Best Night Guard
In selecting a night guard, therefore, seek advice from a dentist who can monitor your case and recommend the right night guard to use depending on the symptoms displayed. The following factors are critical criteria to consider when choosing a night guard:
Fit and Comfort
A study reveals that; “pain from the night guard usually implies that the physical therapeutic effect of the night guard is not occurring." When considering available options in the night guard category concerning usability and levels of comfort, one should start with the evaluation of the available options for an ideal fit. Comfortability is a function of fit and in connection with it together with the product style, shape, and material that makes up the night guard. These remain some of the factors that one should take into account whenever he or she is in the process of elimination to select the right product.
Material
There are usually “three [material texture] choices [for night guards]: They include, “soft, hard, and dual-laminated.” . According to an orthodontist, soft night guards usually employ lab-made material known as “soft acrylic material," hard night guards employ “a copolyester material or acrylic,” and the dual-laminated night guards are usually made from both copolyester and EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).
Airway Protection
Buy a night guard that will not interfere with the breathing passage.
Smile-Friendliness
Having the wrong night guard may result in the misalignment of teeth, a condition that may certainly lead to the emergence of crooked teeth. This is especially true in patients’s adolescent developmental stages in their lives. Different materials of the night guard provide a dramatic difference in the extent to which it will help enhance your smile, on which a dentist can give more information.
Do You Need a Custom Night Guard?
If you have more than ordinary discomfort resulting from teeth clenching, including headaches, joint pains, or tooth decay, making a custom night guard is a worthy investment. Your dentist would recommend the kind of guard will need and then order one that fits the exact nature of your bite. Custom guards are relatively costly; nonetheless, they can be covered by dental insurance, and they have longer durability compared to store-bought ones.
Botox and Teeth Grinding: Is It a Viable Treatment?
Among them, the use of Botox for teeth grinding has recently become widespread. A chemical known as Botox, mainly administered to alter the appearance of the face, affects muscles; In this case, the masseter muscles, which control the chewing of foods. This reduces the pressure exerted when you grind your teeth and also pain from your jaws, which may lead to other destructions on your teeth.
- How Does It Work? Botox makes the jaw muscles less forceful, and thus they are not able to apply much pressure when clenching or grinding.
- Duration: The outcomes of Botox for bruxism reveal signs that last for three to six months.
- Pros: Decreases the tension in muscles of the jaw area and pain, non-surgical
- Cons: It is only suitable for short-term use and is often needed repetitively, the expenses are pretty high.
In as much as Botox does not solve for teeth guard for grinding teeth at night, it can be used alongside night guards when need be.
Teeth Grinding Splints: How Are They Different?
Teeth grinding splint another is solution regarded as being similar to the night guards. However, there is a slight difference between the specialty of braces and splints. Though night guards serve as a barrier between your teeth so that the teeth grinding cannot occur, a splint helps to realign your jaw and hence drops muscle tension and TMJ strain.
Appliances are used where a patient has an abnormal bite aside from bruxism. As compared to normal night guards they are bulkier and can take a longer time to get used to.
- Best For: The misalignment problems of the jaw, TMJ diseases, and severe bruxism
- Pros: Some of the functions of bite correction are to correct misaligned teeth, and reduce tensions in the jaw.
- Cons: It is costly and may cause discomfort in the beginning.
Preventing and Grinding
Aside from wearing a night guard for teeth grinding, there are additional steps you can take to reduce the severity of your bruxism.
- Manage Stress: Stress and anxiety are likely to cause teeth grinding depending on the severity of the situation. That is why one should practice relaxation activities such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise helps to take the pressure off, and therefore bruxism will not be likely to occur.
- Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene: A regular sleep schedule can also play a big role in decreasing the rate of teeth grinding during the night; one should establish a night sleeping schedule and make sure they stick to the schedule by sleeping for all the required hours.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: These are the two substances that tend to worsen bruxism and therefore should be taken in limited quantities, especially at night.
Introducing Smilepath Night Guard
Smilepath introduces the best night guard for teeth grinding and clenching. Individuals seeking comfort during sleep can opt for Smilepath Night Guard and experience a peaceful sleep. The night guard is worn on the teeth to prevent the upper and lower teeth from grinding together. Our night guard is composed of high-quality material to provide ultimate protection during sleep.
Why Choose Smilepath Night Guard
Smilepath brings the best night guard for teeth grinding. Here is why you should opt for Smilepath Night Guard and experience a restful sleep.
-
Customization
Our night guards are customized to meet each individual’s requirements.
-
High-Quality Material
Smilepath Night guards are composed of premium quality materials which include durable, BPA-free components that help with long-lasting and safe usage.
-
Affordable
Experience ultimate comfort during sleep with the Smilepath Night Guard. Moreover, the night guard does not have to burden your pocket. Parallel to a comfortable fit, our night guards are affordable.
-
Guarantee
Smilepath offers customer satisfaction by providing quality assurance and a hassle-free process.
-
Free Shipping
We deliver your customized night guard to your doorstep for a seamless process.
Clenching of teeth is a very prominent problem that should not be ignored as it may cause a long-term effect. Investing in a teeth guard for grinding teeth at night is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth, jaw, and overall health. Whether you opt for an over-the-counter solution or a custom-fitted guard from your dentist, the key is to choose a guard that suits your specific needs.
It is important, therefore, to contact a dentist to know the most appropriate night guard or treatment for the case. The correct intervention measures will also protect your teeth and guarantee you sound sleep without any discomfort.
FAQs
A night guard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth and makes them unable to grind against each other, thus reducing tooth damage, jaw pain, etc., which are associated with bruxism.
Because of the variety of the materials used and frequency of usage, the over-the-counter night guards can last from 6 months to 2 years. Customized night guards that have been made of sturdy materials can serve while protecting the teeth for up to several years.
Yes, but it is advised to consult an orthodontist to get a custom-fitted night guard since you have braces on. Standard guards may not sit well and may even hamper your treatment program.
Yes, botox for teeth grinding relaxes the jaw muscles, reducing clenching and grinding. At times it’s paired with a night guard for optimal coverage of the mouth and teeth. However, the effects are temporary, typically lasting 3–6 months.
Australia
New Zealand
Malaysia
English
Portuguese
English
English
English
English
English
Canada