Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, our dentist in South Bend, IN, may recommend that you wear a . Night guards are designed to prevent you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. They're also made out of a durable material that cushions your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from making contact.
Night Guards vs. Sports Guards
It's important to understand that a night guard is different from a sports mouth guard. While they may look similar, they're designed to protect your smile from different types of damage. In general, a sports mouth guard is bulkier because they're designed to absorb the impact of being hit in the face. For example, a mouth guard would help protect a football player the next time they're tackled during a game or practice.
A night guard, on the other hand, has a slimmer design. This allows you to sleep comfortably while wearing your custom night guard. Also, a night guard is generally only worn over the top arch of teeth.
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind and/or clench your teeth at night, often without your knowledge. Over time, bruxism wears away the enamel, which makes your teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to decay. You may also experience headaches, along with jaw and facial pain, in the morning from teeth grinding.
Once your enamel is gone, it’s gone for good. This is why it is vitally important to maintain as much of your natural tooth structure as long as possible. To protect your smile, our South Bend dentist may recommend a . One of the benefits of wearing a night guard appliance is that you should notice an immediate improvement in your quality and quantity of sleep.
Learn if You Qualify for a Night Guard
Ask our , if you're a candidate for a custom night guard. To schedule an appointment, please call Select Dental Associates at (574) 232-8888. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
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