Nightguards
Patients often don’t realize any potential dental hazards associated with sleeping. However, while asleep, many people are clenching and grinding their teeth without even noticing it.
Night grinding, or bruxism as dentists commonly refer to it, can lead to a variety of side effects and dental health issues like damaged teeth, jaw pain and in more severe cases, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
At Ron Mamrick DDS, Dr. Mamrick and the team can help you protect your teeth during sleep with a custom-made nightguard. This dental guard covers your teeth at night to prevent clenching, grinding and tension in the jaw.
What are Bruxism Symptoms?
If you are grinding your teeth at night, you may notice symptoms during the day such as jaw pain, a dull headache, broken teeth or worn and cracked teeth. Although the causes of bruxism are not certain, several factors may be involved.
Stressful situations, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth may be responsible.
If left untreated, bruxism can cause long-term oral health problems like a misaligned bite, damaged teeth or complications from temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This is why it is imperative to invest in a custom-made, proper-fitting nightguard.
How Does a Nightguard Treat Bruxism?
A custom-made nightguard fits over the upper and/or lower teeth and prevents contact between them. It helps relieve some of the pressure of grinding or clenching, which can damage delicate jaw joints.
“Boil-and-bite” nightguards that are sold over-the-counter are not recommended as in many cases they can cause increased bruxism due to their soft material.
What are the Benefits of a Custom-Fit Nightguard?
A properly designed and fitted night guard will allow the muscles to relax by allowing your jaw joint to remain fully seated while being worn. That is why, at Ron Mamrick DDS, recommend getting a custom-made nightguard that is designed for your specific need.
During your next dental exam, Dr. Mamrick and the team can take a look at your teeth and determine any particular areas impacted by bruxism.
Looking for a Nightguard in Midlothian and the Surrounding Richmond Area?
At Ron Mamrick DDS, our team specializes in preventative dentistry solutions for both children and adults. Call our office at (804) 423-1600 to discuss nightguards and your options for diagnosis and treatment of bruxism.
