Night guards are the best way to prevent premature tooth wear and tear from teeth grinding (bruxism) at Tuttle Family Dentistry. Not only that, but another benefit of night guards is that they can also help prevent bruxism-related health issues like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). To learn more and find out if a nightguard is right for you, contact Tuttle Family Dentistry for an appointment now. We proudly serve Colorado Springs!
If you notice yourself grinding your teeth at night or your sleeping partner tells you they can hear you grinding your teeth, you are likely a good candidate for a night guard. With a night guard, you can prevent premature tooth wear and damage, which is very common in people who grind their teeth for an extended period of time without getting treatment.
If you are experiencing jaw issues, headaches, or pain, you may be a good candidate for a night guard. Teeth grinding can result in problems with your jaw muscles and joints. This is because your jaw is not meant to be clenched and under stress for extended periods of time. However, a properly-fitted night guard will relieve tension, reduce grinding, and help to resolve these issues, which could otherwise cause a lot of pain and discomfort over your lifetime.
To begin, you’ll come into our office to get fitted for your night guard. Dr. Tuttle or Dr. Colt will take digital impressions of your teeth using a special hand-held scanner. Then, they will send this information to a dental lab, where your night guard will be made.
Our partner lab will design a night guard that’s perfectly fitted to your teeth, based on the scans taken by Dr. Tuttle or Dr. Colt.
Usually, night guards only cover the upper teeth. They are made with a strong plastic exterior, and a soft, cushioned interior. The strong plastic prevents tooth damage from grinding, while the softer interior keeps your teeth comfortable at night.
Then, you’ll come back to our office in a few weeks to pick up your night guard, and you’ll begin wearing your night guard whenever you sleep. This protects your teeth and keeps your smile healthy.
When you wake up in the morning, you should immediately remove your night guard and brush it, then lay it on a clean surface to dry, and put it back into its case once it dries. You should also brush your teeth at this time.
Beyond this, all you have to do is deep clean your night guard once a week. The simplest way to do this is to buy over-the-counter denture cleaning tablets. Put your night guard in some water, drop in a denture tablet, and let it work according to the packaging instructions.