Nightguards for Bruxism – Plano, TX
Shield Your Smile from Bruxism Related Damage
Bruxism is a dangerous oral health condition that causes you to subconsciously grind your teeth. Unfortunately, because it often occurs while you’re asleep, it can be extremely difficult to stop and often requires dental intervention to prevent from worsening.
At Antoon Dental, we proudly offer custom nightguards to both help prevent tooth grinding and to protect your teeth and gums from it when it occurs. Here’s a closer look at how Dr. Antoon can help safeguard your smile with the help of a nightguard!
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is an oral health condition that affects over 30 percent of the world. Though it is frequently caused by stress, it can also be the result of a misalignment of the bite. Unfortunately, because it often occurs while you sleep, it can be very difficult to stop on its own. In fact, in many cases patients don’t even realize they have it until their dentist notices signs of damage and excessive wear during their regular preventive dental exam.
Some common signs to look out for include excessively worn, chipped, or cracked teeth, unexplained jaw stiffness or soreness, and waking with a headache.
How Do Nightguards Work?
A bruxism nightguard was designed to serve two equally important purposes: first, it alleviates some of the pressure your teeth and jaw put on your other teeth when grinding your teeth, helping to create a safe space for all that biteforce. Second, it also protects your teeth from the excessive wear and damage caused by teeth grinding. With regular use, you may even clench your jaw and grind your teeth less frequently as you adjust to a more comfortable resting position.
The Benefits of Nightguards
There are numerous benefits to wearing a nightguard, such as:
- Protects your teeth from chips, cracks, and excessive wear.
- Alleviates jaw pain and tension.
- Prevents tension headaches.
- Reduces your risk of developing TMJ disorders.
- Protects your existing dental work including dental crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
- Reduces snoring by keeping your airways open.
Nightguards are small, discreet, comfortable, and can be easily cleaned. In fact, you don’t have to wear them exclusively at night- you can also wear them during the day if you grind your teeth in stressful situations like traffic or while working out. Furthermore, they can also save you money by preventing the need for costly dental repairs and restorations due to grinding damage.