Nightguard for Bruxism – Teeth Grinding

Has someone told you that you grind your teeth while you sleep, or do you wake up with a sore jaw? Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common but detrimental disorder that can damage your smile without proper general dentistry. While you can control teeth grinding or jaw clenching when you are awake, it is hard to stop when you are asleep. At Curtis Family Dentistry, we can create a customized dental nightguard to protect your teeth and limit the annoyance teeth grinding can cause for your sleep partner. When you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, you are putting excessive pressure on them. Your jaw muscles are extremely strong. Without food to chew, the pressure when you grind, or clench, is put directly on your teeth. The pressure can cause fractures and wear down the enamel. This can lead to cracked teeth that need repair, sensitivity and other dental problems that you want to avoid.

Protection from Teeth Grinding

A customized nightguard can help protect your teeth and reduce the sound of teeth grinding when you sleep. We design your nightguard from an impression made from your teeth, ensuring it will fit comfortably and offer the best protection. You can still get a good night’s sleep, and so can your partner, while protecting your teeth from unnecessary damage. There are cheap mouthguards you can buy, but they are made as a one-size-fits-all device, which tends to be bulkier and less comfortable. Customized nightguards offer a better fit and will last longer, which make them a better choice. The money you save on dental repairs is worth the investment in a nightguard that will prevent tooth damage from bruxism.

What Type of nightguard is best?

The type of nightguard you need will vary based on your unique needs. There are several options designed to help improve your symptoms and ensure your comfort. Ultimately, the best nightguard for you will be the one that reduces your bruxism and is comfortable enough for you to wear nightly with little to no jaw discomfort.

Should I Brush My Nightguard Every Night?

Yes! It’s important to care for your nightguard properly to ensure bacteria and plaque do not grow in the device, posing health risks. You can care for most nightguards by brushing them each time you take them out. Rinse your device under warm water, apply a mild, unscented soap, and brush thoroughly but gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Your doctor will provide details on exact care methods for your device, including any deep cleaning techniques you may need.

Are Custom Mouthguards Expensive?

While custom mouthguards are more expensive than one-size-fits-all mouthguards available over the counter, they offer superior protection and comfort. Many insurance plans will cover custom nightguards for bruxism at least in part, so remember to check with your insurance provider for more details. If you don’t have insurance or are underinsured, we invite you to explore our financial page to learn more about the payment options available at our office.

Contact Curtis Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment to get fitted for a dental nightguard at our office in Mooresville or Troutman. We accept many insurance plans and are always welcoming new patients.