Night Guards

A night guard is a main category of mouthguards often used for patients demonstrating bruxism. Bruxism is the medical term for clenching and teeth grinding. Bruxism can occur while asleep and awake. On the other hand, these are conventional-fitted dental implants that are commonly made of soft or hard plastic. They act as a wall absorbing the pressure and anticipate direct contact between the lower and upper teeth, thus minimizing damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). 

Meanwhile, these are mainly used to manage bruxism, which can lead to cracked or worn teeth, jaw pain and headaches. These instruments help to protect your teeth from the impact of grinding and clenching. They also reduce the effects of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. You can also wear this kind of mouth-guard anytime, day or night. During your consultation at Butternut Family Dentistry, we’ll examine your teeth and determine what is the best guard suitable for you.

Types of Night Guards

Numerous kinds of guards are available in the market. When choosing the best option, remember to check the material quality and consider factors such as the severity of your symptoms. 

Over The Counter (OTC)

This type of guard can also be found in your local pharmacies or clinics, as well as local drug and sports supply stores. Over-the-counter guards are not known for being made with durable materials, so you can expect them to be less expensive. This kind of guard typically comprises one-size-fits-all guards and boil-and-bite models.

Custom Made Guards

These are commonly made in professional laboratories or large platforms. That is why custom-made night guards are tailored to fit all types of patients, mainly depending on the impressions of their mouths. They are very comfortable for the patients and durable.

Soft: These are made for patients who grind their teeth hard. They are made of smooth plastic, making them quite flexible. However, the disadvantages of using a soft guard include the possibility of a shorter life span.

Hard: This is a mouthguard made of inflexible acrylic material. 

As well as hard plastic. Hard guards are also designed to protect teeth from the damaging impacts of Bruxism. These are recommended for patients who grind and clench their teeth harder than usual.

Dual Laminated: Dual laminated guards combine the benefits of soft and hard night guards. The inside is made of smooth plastic, and the outer wall is made of hard acrylic. The combination of soft and hard guards provides durability and comfortability.

Thermoplastic: Thermoplastic guards are made of a material that becomes more pliable when heated frequently by soaking in hot or warm water.

How Do Night Guards Work?

Night guards mainly protect your jaw and teeth from the damage caused by bruxism, also known as teeth grinding or clenching, which happens while you sleep.

They also act as a protective wall between your teeth. Meanwhile, you unintentionally grind or clench your teeth at night or day while wearing a guard rather than direct tooth-tooth contact; the night guard absorbs and disperses the force exerted by your jaw. Meanwhile, it prevents tears and wear on your teeth, decreasing the risk of fractures, chipping, and excessive wear.

Night Guards Care and Maintenance Tips

Clean It Regularly

 Wash your custom guard with hot water before and after each use to remove bacteria and microbial plaque. During cleaning, use a soft toothbrush to scrub it. Avoid using a toothbrush, as it can be too bright and cause scrapes where bacteria can grow.

Deep Clean Weekly

 After a week, clean carefully and deeply. You can also use a denture cleaning solution, mild dish soap, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. However, don’t use alcohol-based cleaners, as they can damage the quality of guards.

Dry It Properly

After cleaning your guards, dry them completely and carefully before storing them for bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a night guard do?

These instruments protect teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching and may also decrease the impacts of TMJ disorders.

What is the downside of wearing a night guard?

Meanwhile, ensuring it’s neat and clean is a great idea if you put anything in your mouth. On the other hand, many people don’t clean their guards before wearing them each night. This lack of regular practice often results in bacterial growth, bad breath, and infections.

What is the best type of night guard?

The choice between the upper and lower guards depends on the bruxism pattern. If you experience clenching, an upper guard is often a good choice. On the other hand, a lower guard may provide more comprehensive protection.

How Can I use my night guard every night?

Initially, you should try your guard every night when you sleep. Most people sleep 6 to 8 hours, so that’s how long it stays in. Any time you wear your mouthguard, it may save your teeth from cracks and wear.

How can I take care of night guards?

Dish soap or castile soap is the best non-abrasive cleanser for your guard. To prevent bacterial growth, it is important to allow your guard to dry fully before storing it.