Dental night guards are protective oral appliances worn during sleep to prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) and teeth clenching. Made from durable materials like hard acrylic or soft flexible plastics, night guards create a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing wear, chipping, and fractures.

They also help reduce jaw muscle tension and can alleviate symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and neck tension associated with grinding and clenching during sleep.

You may need a night guard if you experience:

• Morning jaw pain or stiffness
• Frequent headaches upon waking
• Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Indentations on your tongue or cheek tissue
• Disrupted sleep or partner complaints about grinding sounds
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Earaches without ear problems

Many people grind their teeth unconsciously during sleep, so regular dental checkups can help identify signs of bruxism even when symptoms aren't obvious. Dr. Preston can examine your teeth for wear patterns and assess your jaw muscles for signs of tension.

There are three main types of night guards:

Custom-made professional night guards: Created from impressions of your teeth and offer the best fit, comfort, and durability.

Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards: Can be softened in hot water and molded to your teeth at home, offering moderate protection at lower cost.

Stock night guards: Come pre-formed in standard sizes but often provide poor fit and limited protection.

Custom professional guards are recommended for regular use as they provide superior comfort, protection, and longevity compared to over-the-counter options.

Hard night guards: Made from rigid acrylic materials and are most effective for severe teeth grinding, providing maximum protection against tooth wear and damage. They're more durable and longer-lasting but may require an adjustment period for comfort.

Soft night guards: Made from flexible materials like silicone and are more comfortable initially, making them suitable for mild grinding or clenching. However, some people may chew on soft guards, potentially worsening grinding habits.

Dual-laminate guards: Combine both materials with a soft inner layer for comfort and hard outer layer for protection, offering a compromise between comfort and durability.

Custom night guards are made through a multi-step process:

• Initial consultation: Includes examination of teeth, jaw, and discussion of symptoms
• Dental impressions: Taken of your upper and lower teeth to create accurate molds
• Laboratory fabrication: Impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where technicians create the guard using specialized materials and equipment
• Delivery: The completed guard is returned to Dr. Preston for fitting and adjustments
• Final fitting: Involves trying on the guard, making necessary adjustments for comfort and proper fit, and receiving care instructions

The entire process typically takes 1-2 weeks from impression to delivery.

Night guard costs vary significantly based on type and provider:

• Custom-made professional night guards typically cost more than over-the-counter options but provide superior fit, comfort, and durability
• Over-the-counter guards range from very affordable stock options to moderately priced boil-and-bite varieties
• While custom guards have higher upfront costs, they often provide better long-term value due to their durability and effectiveness

Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for night guards when medically necessary for treating bruxism. Factors affecting cost include materials used, laboratory fees, geographic location, and complexity of the case.

The lifespan of night guards varies by type and usage:

• Custom hard night guards: Typically last 5-10 years with proper care, making them the most durable option
• Soft night guards: Usually last 1-3 years as the material wears down more quickly
• Over-the-counter guards: Typically need replacement every 6 months to 2 years depending on quality and grinding severity

Factors affecting longevity include severity of grinding, material quality, proper care and cleaning, and regular dental checkups for monitoring. Signs that replacement is needed include visible wear, cracks, loose fit, or persistent symptoms returning despite regular use.

Initial discomfort with night guards is normal and typically improves within 1-2 weeks as you adapt to wearing the appliance. Custom-fitted guards are generally much more comfortable than over-the-counter options because they're precisely made for your teeth and bite.

Common initial experiences include:

• Increased saliva production
• Slight speech changes
• Awareness of the guard in your mouth

Most people adapt quickly and find the relief from grinding symptoms outweighs any initial adjustment period. If significant discomfort persists beyond two weeks, contact Dr. Preston for adjustments, as proper fit is crucial for comfort and effectiveness.

Proper night guard care includes:

• Rinse with water immediately after removal each morning to remove saliva and debris
• Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner, avoiding toothpaste which can be abrasive
• Soak weekly in denture cleaning tablets or antimicrobial solution to eliminate bacteria and odors
• Store in the provided case when not in use to prevent damage and contamination
• Keep away from heat sources which can warp the material
• Inspect regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or damage
• Bring to dental appointments for professional evaluation and cleaning

With proper care, night guards remain hygienic and functional for their intended lifespan.

While night guards are designed for sleep use, they can sometimes be worn during the day if you clench your teeth while awake. However, daytime wear may affect speech and eating, so it's not always practical for all activities.

Some people benefit from wearing guards during:

• Stressful periods
• Work activities that trigger clenching
• Driving or computer work

If you need daytime protection, discuss with Dr. Preston whether your night guard is appropriate for extended wear or if a separate daytime appliance would be better. Daytime clenching often requires different treatment approaches including stress management and behavior modification.

Night guards don't stop the grinding habit itself but protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching. They create a barrier that prevents tooth-to-tooth contact, reducing wear, chipping, and fractures.

Many people experience reduced grinding intensity when wearing a guard, possibly due to improved jaw alignment and muscle relaxation. Night guards also help break the unconscious grinding pattern for some people over time.

However, addressing underlying causes like stress, sleep disorders, or bite problems may be necessary for comprehensive treatment. Night guards are primarily protective devices that preserve your teeth while other treatments address the root causes of bruxism.

Night guards can help manage some TMJ (temporomandibular joint) symptoms, particularly those related to muscle tension from grinding and clenching. They may reduce:

• Jaw muscle fatigue
• Morning jaw stiffness
• Associated headaches by preventing excessive muscle contraction during sleep

However, TMJ disorders have various causes, and night guards aren't appropriate for all types. Some TMJ conditions may require different treatments like bite adjustment, orthodontics, physical therapy, or specialized TMJ appliances.

It's important to have TMJ symptoms properly diagnosed before treatment, as the wrong appliance can sometimes worsen symptoms. Dr. Preston or oral specialist can determine if a night guard is appropriate for your specific TMJ condition.

Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) can have multiple causes:

• Stress and anxiety: The most common triggers, often leading to unconscious jaw tension during sleep
• Sleep disorders: Like sleep apnea can contribute to grinding episodes
• Bite problems: Misaligned teeth may cause the jaw to seek a more comfortable position through grinding
• Medications: Particularly antidepressants, can increase grinding tendency
• Substances: Caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs can trigger or worsen bruxism
• Personality traits: Like competitiveness or hyperactivity are associated with higher grinding rates
• Medical conditions: Affecting the nervous system may also contribute

Understanding the underlying cause helps determine the most effective treatment approach beyond just protective night guards.

Yes, children can use night guards when appropriate, though pediatric bruxism is often managed differently than adult cases. Many children grind their teeth during developmental phases and may outgrow the habit naturally as their bite and jaw develop.

Considerations for pediatric night guards:

• Custom night guards for children require more frequent replacement due to ongoing dental and jaw growth
• Dr. Preston will typically monitor childhood grinding and recommend guards only when there's significant tooth wear or other symptoms
• Soft guards are often preferred for children due to comfort and safety considerations
• Addressing underlying causes like stress, sleep issues, or breathing problems is particularly important in pediatric cases

Regular follow-up is essential to monitor dental development and adjust treatment as needed.

Untreated teeth grinding can lead to serious dental and health problems:

• Severe tooth wear: Can expose dentin and pulp, requiring extensive restorative treatment
• Tooth damage: Teeth may chip, crack, or fracture, potentially necessitating crowns, root canals, or extractions
• TMJ disorders: Chronic jaw muscle tension can cause persistent pain and limited jaw movement
• Chronic pain: Ongoing muscle strain leads to frequent headaches, neck pain, and shoulder tension
• Sleep disruption: Quality may deteriorate due to grinding episodes, affecting overall health and daytime function
• Dental work failure: Existing fillings, crowns, or veneers may fail prematurely under grinding forces
• Facial changes: Muscles may enlarge from overuse, changing facial appearance

Early intervention with night guards and appropriate treatment prevents these complications and preserves long-term oral health.

Adjusting to a night guard takes patience and consistency:

• Start by wearing the guard for short periods while awake to get accustomed to the feeling
• Practice speaking and swallowing with the guard to build familiarity
• Use relaxation techniques before sleep to reduce any initial anxiety about wearing the appliance
• Keep water nearby as increased saliva production is normal initially
• Be consistent with nightly wear to speed adaptation - sporadic use prolongs the adjustment period
• Focus on the benefits like reduced morning jaw pain and headaches to stay motivated

Most people adapt within 1-2 weeks of regular use. If significant discomfort persists, contact Dr. Preston for adjustments rather than discontinuing use, as proper fit is essential for both comfort and effectiveness.

You should not eat while wearing your night guard as this can damage both the appliance and your teeth. The guard isn't designed to withstand chewing forces on food and may crack or break. Food particles can also get trapped, promoting bacterial growth and bad odors.

Drinking water while wearing a night guard is generally acceptable and may even be helpful if you experience dry mouth. However, avoid other beverages, especially sugary, acidic, or hot drinks that could damage the guard material or promote tooth decay by trapping liquids against teeth.

Always remove your night guard before eating or drinking anything other than water, clean your teeth if necessary, and replace the guard afterward.

If your night guard doesn't fit properly, contact Dr. Preston promptly for adjustment. Poor fit can cause discomfort, ineffective protection, and potentially worsen grinding problems.

Common fit issues include:

• Guards that are too loose and move during sleep
• Too tight and cause pressure points or pain
• Have rough or sharp edges that irritate gums or cheeks
• Interfere with proper bite closure

For custom guards, Dr. Preston can make adjustments to improve fit and comfort. Multiple adjustment appointments may be necessary to achieve optimal fit. Never attempt to adjust a night guard yourself using tools or heat, as this can damage the appliance and void any warranty.

Several alternatives and complementary treatments exist for teeth grinding:

• Stress management: Through counseling, meditation, or relaxation techniques addresses psychological triggers
• Botox injections: In jaw muscles can reduce grinding intensity for some patients
• Orthodontic treatment: Or bite adjustment may help when misalignment contributes to grinding
• Sleep disorder treatment: Particularly for sleep apnea, can reduce grinding episodes
• Lifestyle modifications: Like reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress can help
• Biofeedback devices: Can train patients to recognize and reduce grinding
• Medication adjustments: May be necessary if drugs contribute to bruxism

However, these treatments often work best in combination with night guards, which provide immediate protection while addressing underlying causes. Dr. Preston can help determine the most appropriate treatment combination for your specific situation.

Night guard replacement frequency depends on several factors:

• Hard acrylic custom guards: Typically last 5-10 years with proper care and may only need periodic adjustments
• Soft guards: Usually require replacement every 1-3 years due to material wear and compression
• Over-the-counter guards: Need replacement every 6 months to 2 years depending on quality and grinding severity

Signs that replacement is needed include:

• Visible wear patterns
• Cracks or holes in the material
• Loose or improper fit
• Persistent odors despite proper cleaning
• Return of grinding symptoms

Regular dental checkups allow professional evaluation of guard condition and effectiveness. Some patients with severe grinding may need more frequent replacements regardless of guard type.