Should You be Wearing a Nightguard?

Nightguards are special types of bite splints made to wear while you’re sleeping. Like professionally fitted athletic mouthguards, it’s fabricated from an impression of your teeth to hug your mouth like a glove. This special fit keeps it securely in place overnight, not to mention more comfortable to wear than an over-the-counter stock appliance.

But who needs to be wearing nightguards? Our Wantrina South dentists recommend them in situations like:

A Recent Smile Makeover.

Did you just get cosmetic veneers or a few porcelain crowns? You’ll want to protect them from unnecessary wear and the risk of chipping. Investing in a nightguard is a smart piece of insurance to have on hand.

History of Bruxism.

Extensive teeth clenching and grinding can wear your teeth out prematurely. Bruxism also contributes to broken dental work, TMJ disorder, and migraines. There are special mouthguards available for bruxism that’s linked with sleep apnoea and snoring.

When You Wake Up with Headaches.

Some people clench their muscles in the face and around the jaw while they sleep. In the morning, they feel pain that shoots through their jaw and into their forehead. Migraine headaches are common, too. This situation is usually attributed to sleep apnoea or bruxism. Wearing a guard can reduce muscle tension by preventing the jaws from fully engaging when you sleep.

TMJ Disorder.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJD) causes jaw pain, muscle fatigue, headaches, and limited range of motion when you’re opening and closing your mouth. Wearing a splint or guard can lessen the symptoms of TMD.

Get Your Custom Nightguard Today

Call our Wantrina South dentists for a quick impression and consultation. We’ll have your mouthguard or bite splint ready within a matter of days. Studfield Dental Group is open on Saturdays and Sundays, too!