Do I Need a Custom Night Guard?
Our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, may recommend a custom night guard if you grind and/or clench your teeth in your sleep. A night guard is an oral appliance that prevents the upper teeth from making contact with the lower teeth. That way, you’ll bite down on the protective material of the night guard instead of your enamel.
Here’s what else you need to know about getting a custom night guard.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
It’s not uncommon for patients to not know that they grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. That’s why it’s important that you don’t skip an appointment for preventive care. During your visit, Dr. Nichols will be able to detect , such as worn tooth enamel.
Call our office immediately if you recognize the following symptoms:
- Waking up with jaw pain
- Tired or tight jaw muscles
- Dull headache starting in the temples
- Pain that feels like an earache but there’s nothing wrong with your ears
- Waking up with tooth pain or sensitivity
- Worn tooth enamel
- Unexplained chipped or cracked teeth
- Damage to fillings, crowns, and other restorations
- Unexplained sleepiness during the day
- Jaw joint clicking when you open and close your mouth
- Biting the insides of your cheeks
The sooner you call our office, the sooner Dr. Nichols will be able to determine what’s causing your symptoms. If you have , he’ll recommend that you wear a teeth grinding guard while you sleep.
While we can’t cure bruxism, we can protect your teeth from any future grinding and clenching. Also, a custom night guard will fit much better than anything you could buy over the counter.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
You’ll need to schedule two appointments with our office. During your first visit, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab that will be making your night guard.
When you return for your second visit, your appliance will be ready to pick up. But before you leave, Dr. Nichols will check the fit of the night guard to ensure it’ll be comfortable and effective.
If your night guard is uncomfortable, you may unconsciously remove it while you’re asleep. Then, you may notice your night guard either in your bed sheets or on the floor when you wake up.
You shouldn’t have this problem with a custom bruxism guard because it won’t be uncomfortable. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep—without grinding your teeth!
If you’re hesitant about getting a night guard, please remember that it’s much easier to replace plastic than it is to replace a tooth. It’s also much less expensive.
Book a Night Guard Consultation
Dr. Michael Nichols is an experienced . He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our dental practice. To request an appointment, please call Nichols Family Dentistry at (616) 333-8496. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.