Real Dentistry Explain Why You May Need Dental Night Guards

A nightguard is a device placed in the mouth on top of the teeth to help with grinding and clenching. In most cases, guards cover only your upper teeth. But sometimes, if you wear braces or have another dental appliance, yout dentist can make a guard for your lower teeth, as well.

 

If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to ask a qualified dental professional if you are suffering from a condition called bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects about 10 to 15 percent of adults, according to the American Dental Association. There are several ways to alleviate the effects of bruxism, and one of the most common, which your dentist may recommend, is a night guard. This is an appliance typically worn while sleeping through the night, which is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. To use the appliance, you simply boil it, let it cool for a few seconds and then gently bite into it to shape it to your own teeth.

 

Night guards are also available through Real Dentistry, and guards of this type tend to be of a higher quality and superior fit, as they are made in a special laboratory from an impression of your mouth carefully taken by the dental professional at Real Dentistry. This is generally a more expensive device than one purchased over-the-counter, but can be more comfortable to wear.

 

Sometimes the patient does not know he or she is a bruxer. A sleeping companion will alert them of the habit or a dentist will see the wear facets and suggest the presence of the condition. Regardless of how the condition  is identified, the patient will require treatment; and the most common management option requires the wearing of a night guard.

 

We know how important dental care is, and Real Dentistry want you to have access to realistically priced, efficient, and authentic local dentistry – for your whole family. They provide a full range of services including hygiene checkups, restorative treatments, and cosmetic dentistry, so for more information on family dentistry, free dental care for under 18s and restorative dentistry please go to www.realdentistry.co.nz .