At Smile On Westbury in Westbury, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep and the impact it can have on your overall health. However, for individuals who suffer from teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, a condition known as bruxism, sleep can become disrupted and oral health can be compromised. To address this issue, we offer custom-made night guards, also known as occlusal guards or bite splints.
A night guard is a dental appliance made of a soft, flexible material that is worn over the teeth during sleep. It is custom-fitted to your mouth to provide a comfortable and secure fit. Night guards are designed to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into direct contact, reducing the damaging effects of teeth grinding or clenching.
Preventive Dental Care
The primary function of a night guard is to protect your teeth against the harmful effects of teeth grinding and clenching. These parafunctional habits can exert excessive force on the teeth, leading to wear, fractures, and even tooth loss. Night guards act as a cushioning barrier, absorbing the forces generated during grinding or clenching, and protecting your teeth from damage.
Teeth grinding and clenching can place significant strain on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ disorders can cause symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and facial discomfort. Night guards help alleviate these symptoms by preventing the excessive pressure and tension on the jaw muscles and joints, promoting relaxation and reducing pain.
Teeth grinding can wear down the protective enamel layer of the teeth, exposing the underlying dentin, which contains sensitive nerve endings. As a result, individuals may experience increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. Night guards help prevent further enamel wear and protect against tooth sensitivity, allowing for a more comfortable eating and drinking experience.
If you have dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, the excessive forces generated by teeth grinding or clenching can place these restorations at risk of damage or failure. Night guards provide a protective barrier, reducing the stress on dental restorations and increasing their longevity.
By wearing a night guard, you can enjoy a more restful sleep without the interruptions caused by teeth grinding or clenching, helping you wake up refreshed and energized. Night guards are also a cost-effective preventive measure against tooth damage, jaw pain, and the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future — making them a wise investment in your long-term oral health.
If you suffer from teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, a custom-made night guard from Smile On Westbury in Westbury can help protect your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. Our dental professionals specialize in providing custom-fitted night guards that offer maximum comfort and protection. By wearing a night guard, you can prevent tooth damage, alleviate jaw pain, reduce tooth sensitivity, and enjoy a more restful sleep. Contact Smile On Westbury in Westbury today to schedule an appointment and experience the benefits of a custom-made night guard.
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