Night Guard for Teeth

If you’re one of the many people who grind their teeth at night, you may be interested in nightguards. Nightguards are custom-fitted dental appliances to help protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding. They are made of soft plastic and fit over your upper and lower teeth. They can help reduce pain and inflammation and help prevent tooth erosion and TMJ disorder.

If you’re interested in getting a nightguard, make an appointment with Tencza & Pugliese Dental today! We can fit you for a nightguard and discuss the cost.

What is a Nightguard?

A nightguard is a type of dental appliance worn while sleeping. The purpose of the nightguard is to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching, which can damage the tooth enamel and lead to other dental problems. The nightguard also prevents the teeth from rubbing against each other, which can cause pain in the jaw joint and muscles. A soft nightguard is made of a soft material that conforms to the teeth’ shape and should be worn on both upper and lower teeth. They can be purchased over-the-counter or custom-fit by a dentist. It is essential to clean the nightguard regularly to prevent bacteria from building on it.

Who can benefit from nightguards?

• If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), nightguards can help protect your teeth from damage. Severe teeth grinding can lead to broken teeth and poor sleep. Nightguards can also help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with nighttime teeth grinding.
• If you have TMJ disorder, nightguards can help prevent the teeth from grinding against each other, worsening the condition. Protect your lower and upper teeth and jaw with a nightguard.
• A sports mouthguard is perfect if you play sports and need to protect your teeth. Sports mouthguards can protect you from serious sports injuries and broken teeth.

How much do nightguards cost?

Nightguards vary in price depending on the type of nightguard. Over-the-counter nightguards typically cost between $25 and $100, while custom-fit nightguards may cost $200 to $500. Many dental insurance plans will cover part or all of the cost of a nightguard. So protect your mouth from grinding and clenching, and get a good night’s sleep.

Getting Fitted For a Mouthguard

If you’re interested in getting a nightguard, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. During the appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth with medical impression kits and send it to a dental lab. The dental lab will use the molding to create a custom-fit nightguard for you. Once the nightguard is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office to have it fitted and adjusted as needed. 

Do mouthguards protect your mouth just from teeth grinding?

Mouthguards can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, but they can also prevent the teeth from rubbing against each other, which can cause pain in the jaw joint and muscles. Mouthguards are also often used to protect the teeth from damage during contact sports. So if you play sports and need to protect your teeth, a mouthguard is a perfect solution.

How long will my nightguard last?

With proper care, your nightguard can last for many years. However, it’s essential to clean your nightguard regularly with soap and water and avoid chewing on it or using it as a toothpick. You should also bring it with you to your dental appointments so that your dentist can check for wear and tear. If you notice any damage to your nightguard, replace it as soon as possible. Also, if your teeth shift over time, you should speak to your dentist about getting your guard remolded.

If you suffer from jaw pain, jaw soreness, your teeth hurt, have sleep apnea, suffer from teeth grinding, or have an abnormal bite, you may need to be fitted for a hard nightguard. Contact our office and make an appointment today at 610-258-4101.