Nightguards and Mouth Guards
Do you clench or grind your teeth at night? Are you afraid of damaging your teeth because you play a sport? At Ever Care Dental, we believe that prevention is the first step to excellent dental health. Part of that prevention includes offering nightguards and mouth guards to our patients to prevent unnecessary wear and trauma to your teeth.
What Is Bruxism?
Nightguards are designed for the specific purpose of treating nocturnal bruxism. Bruxism is the term used to describe excessive grinding or clenching of your teeth. While most of us experience bruxism to a certain degree at some point in our lives, unless a partner tells you that you are grinding your teeth, you may never realize it until your symptoms become problematic.
What Are the Symptoms and Complications of Bruxism?
Bruxism can cause numerous dental complications and conditions if not addressed. Fortunately, Dr. Elaine Gonzales is experienced at treating mild to severe bruxism with non-invasive appliance intervention therapy.
Bruxism can cause:
- Worn or damaged teeth
- TMJ disorders (jaw disorders)
- Facial and neck pain
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Earaches
- Tinnitus
How Can a Nightguard Help?
A nightguard provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Because nightguards are made of acrylic, they are softer than your dental enamel and can help to prevent damage to your teeth from clenching or grinding at night by creating a buffer.
At our Flatiron District dental office, we make nightguards by taking impressions of your teeth and creating a model so that our dental lab can craft a custom nightguard just for you. Custom nightguards are more comfortable and effective than the over-the-counter variety because they stay in place and are less bulky. Your custom nightguard can also help to reduce your symptoms and promote a better night’s sleep.
Protective Mouth Guards
We frequently see examples of trauma that could have been prevented by taking basic precautions. If you or your child plan to enroll in a sport, it is a good idea to have a custom mouth guard made in our office. Mouth guards are designed specifically to prevent damage due to trauma from an activity or sport.
Custom mouth guards are smooth and comfortable to wear. Because they are designed just for you, they stay securely on your teeth and are easy to take in and out. That means they provide a lot more protection than the over-the-counter mouth guards. We believe the more comfortable we make your mouth guard, the more likely you are to wear it.
Call to Schedule an Exam
Whether you need a nightguard to protect your teeth while you are sleeping or you need a mouth guard to protect your teeth while playing a sport, Dr. Elaine Gonzales and our entire team at Ever Care Dental can create a custom preventative appliance to help keep your teeth healthy and safe.
