A night guard is a dental appliance specially prepared by dentists. Its purpose is to protect the teeth against the effects of clenching, grinding, or pressing during sleep at night. The night guard is designed to fit properly in the mouth and is customized to match the patient’s teeth.
What Is the Purpose of a Night Guard?
One of the main benefits of a night guard is reducing the effects of clenching, grinding, or pressing of the teeth and jaw muscles during sleep. Repeated occurrence of these issues can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and other problems. In addition, a night guard also prevents jaw misalignment. By wearing a night guard, both the teeth and jaw are protected against these problems.
What Are the Types of Night Guards?
Since a night guard is a custom-made appliance, it can be produced from different materials and in various types:
Hard Night Guard: Made of hard plastic, it is more resistant to wear. However, because it has the same thickness on all surfaces, it may not provide perfect fit with the opposing teeth.
Occlusal Splints (3D Night Guards): Today, more commonly used night guards are occlusal splints produced with special computer software and 3D printers. These provide precise fit for the teeth and jaw and are specifically designed to achieve the most effective results.
Night guards are prepared only for one jaw. The difference between a standard night guard and a splint night guard is that a regular night guard has the same thickness throughout, while a splint night guard is customized and has different thicknesses in different areas.
How to Use a Night Guard?
Using a night guard is quite simple. Here are step-by-step recommendations for proper use:
- Cleaning: Before use, wash your hands thoroughly and rinse the night guard with water.
- Insertion: Place the guard in your mouth so it fits snugly over your teeth. Make sure it sits properly on the upper or lower teeth as intended.
- Comfort: The guard should feel comfortable in your mouth. If there are any excess parts causing discomfort, consult your dentist for adjustments.
- During sleep: The guard should be worn throughout the night and removed in the morning.
- Morning cleaning: After removing it in the morning, clean the night guard gently without damaging it and follow your dentist’s recommended cleaning methods.
GWhat Should You Pay Attention to When Using a Night Guard?
- Cleaning: Clean and maintain the night guard regularly. Dirt or bacterial buildup can reduce its effectiveness.
- Insertion and removal: Learn the proper way to put in and take out the guard. Ask your dentist for guidance if needed.
- Check-ups and maintenance: Visit your dentist at the recommended intervals to have the guard checked. If you notice any damage or changes, contact your dentist immediately.
Although night guards are not typically harmful, improper use or poor fitting can cause some side effects such as sensitivity, jaw pain, or changes in bite alignment. These effects are usually temporary and tend to decrease with regular use. If you experience any persistent discomfort, consult your dentist. You can also check reviews from other night guard users to learn about different experiences.
Night Guard Prices
The cost of a night guard can vary depending on several factors, including the dental clinic, the dentist’s experience, the material of the guard, and the preparation process. A night guard is an important investment in protecting your health and preventing dental problems. For more detailed pricing information, you should consult your dental clinic.