Dr. Todd Anderson may recommend a night guard to help protect your teeth while asleep and ensure you rest easily. This oral appliance is a simple way to prevent tooth damage and help you maintain your oral health.
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards are a special type of mouth guard used to prevent tooth damage and tooth grinding while you sleep. They are custom-made using advanced imaging technology to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring a comfortable fit as well as maximum protection. Night guards work by preventing your upper and lower arches of teeth from touching, redistributing the forces of grinding and clenching to prevent tooth damage and wear from occurring. A night guard may be recommended on its own or in combination with relaxation exercises or other therapies to provide the best benefits for your oral health.
When Are Night Guards Recommended?
Night guards are typically recommended to help manage bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. While grinding and clenching can occur at any time, it is very common at night. This means that most people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of their condition because it occurs while they asleep. Common signs of bruxism include:
- Broken dentures or other oral appliances
- Chronic jaw, facial and ear pain
- Earaches and ear ringing
- Excessive tooth wear, including worn tooth enamel that exposes the inner layers of the tooth
- Frequent tension headaches and migraines
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Indentations on the side of the tongue
- Sore jaw joints, often leading to or contributing to TMJ disorders
- Tension and pain in the head, neck and shoulder muscles
- Tooth damage, such as chipped, flattened or cracked teeth
- Waking up with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
Schedule A Consultation
We invite you to call Absolute Dental Care at 417-725-4746 today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist and learn more about night guards in Nixa, Missouri.Night guards in Nixa, MO, help protect your teeth and smile from damage while you sleep! Call to make an appointment with our experienced dentist.