Night Guards
Night Guards in Seattle, WA
Teeth grinding and clenching is a common oral health problem that can have negative effects ranging from mildly annoying to very painful. If you grind your teeth when you are stressed, sleeping, or you don’t even realize it, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the symptoms of teeth grinding and clenching, including wearing a custom mouth guard. Before scheduling your consultation with the compassionate team at Junction Dental in Seattle, here’s what you should know about how a night guard could benefit you.
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What is an Occlusal Guard?
Occlusal guards, also known as mouth guards or night guards, are devices that are worn to manage the effects of bruxism, or prolonged teeth grinding or clenching. In many cases, people who have been diagnosed with bruxism don’t even realize they are grinding or clenching their teeth. Instead, they notice the effects of teeth grinding, such as tooth sensitivity, waking up frequently during the night, headaches, and jaw pain. No one knows exactly what makes some individuals grind their teeth, but there are factors that could increase your chances of developing bruxism. These include:
- Stress
- Sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders
- Certain medications
How Does a Night Guard Work?
Over time, bruxism can cause the enamel of your teeth to wear away and can lead to dental problems, including pain. Wearing a custom mouth guard at night can protect your teeth by alleviating the pressure and friction that occurs when your grind or clench your teeth. Likewise, a night guard can absorb some of the pressure that’s placed on your jaw, which can help manage headaches, earaches, and jaw pain caused by teeth grinding.
Why Would Somebody Wear a Night Guard?
If your dentist diagnoses you with bruxism, a custom mouth guard can help treat your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Along with preventing dental concerns from developing as a result of untreated teeth grinding, wearing a mouth guard could help you sleep better and treat head, jaw, and tooth pain.
Benefits of Custom Mouth Guards
If you grind or clench your teeth, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Luckily, wearing a custom mouth guard provided by your dentist may be able to help. Some benefits of using a custom mouth guard include:
- Protecting your teeth’s enamel from wearing away
- Preventing dental problems from occurring, such as tooth sensitivity or damage
- Alleviating headaches, earaches, and jaw pain caused by bruxism
- Helping you get a better night’s sleep
If your dentist does determine that you’re a good candidate for a custom mouth guard, be sure to care for it properly to ensure that it stays in good condition. Here are some tips to keep your mouth guard in tip-top shape:
- Keep it in its storage case when you’re not wearing it
- Keep it somewhere high away from pets (dogs love to chew them!
- Rinse it with warm water after you remove it from your mouth
- Follow the dentist’s instructions for when to wear it
- Never eat anything while wearing it
Night Guard Cost
Your dental insurance may cover the cost of your custom night guard. Please contact our Seattle Dental office to learn more about what your dental insurance includes.
Junction Dental: The Best Choice for Night Guards
You don’t have to live with the uncomfortable symptoms of bruxism forever. With a custom mouth guard, you can protect your teeth, improve your sleep, and feel better. The trusted team at Junction Dental is ready to help you manage your teeth grinding and clenching symptoms in as little as one convenient, comfortable dental appointment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.