If you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), you know how destructive it can be to your teeth. Over time, the constant grinding can wear down your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. It can also cause pain and sensitivity in your teeth and jaw. In severe cases, it can even lead to TMJ disorders. Fortunately, a way to protect your teeth from the damage of bruxism is by wearing a night guard.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental appliance that is worn over the teeth during sleep. It is used to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching, leading to tooth wear and pain in the jaw muscles. Night guards are typically made of soft, pliable materials such as acrylic or silicone. They are custom-fitted to the teeth and fit snugly over the biting surfaces.
Night guards are an effective way to deal with teeth grinding. Sometimes night guards are also called TMJ mouth guards, as they deal with TMJ disorder too. Night guards are available through dental offices and online retailers. They are also sometimes covered by dental insurance plans.
What Are The Advantages of Using a Night Guard?
- Prevention of tooth wear: Teeth grinding can cause the wearing down of tooth enamel, leading to sensitive teeth and an increased risk of tooth decay. Wearing a night guard protects the teeth from this wear and tear.
- Reduced jaw pain: Bruxism can sometimes cause pain in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ). This pain can be reduced by wearing a night guard, which helps cushion the jaw and prevent excessive movement.
- Improved sleep: Teeth grinding often occurs at night and can cause disruptions to sleep. Wearing a night guard can help reduce the noise of teeth grinding and give you a better night's sleep.
If you are considering using a night guard, be sure to talk to your dentist first to ensure that it is the right option for you.
Night Guard Options for Braces
When you have braces, finding a mouthguard that will protect your teeth from damage while still being comfortable to wear is essential. There are two main types of braces night guards: custom-made and stock.
- Custom-made night guards: A boil and bite mouthguard is a good option for people with braces because it's made of a soft, pliable material that conforms to your teeth.
- Stock night guards
Your orthodontist will work with you to determine which type of night guard is best for you based on your individual needs. Wearing a night guard is important in protecting your smile during orthodontic treatment.
Can You Wear a Night Guard over Braces?
You may wonder if you can also wear a night guard if you have braces. The answer is YES; you can wear a night guard with braces. In fact, wearing a night guard can help to protect your teeth and gums from damage caused by teeth grinding.
However, a few things to remember when choosing a night guard for braces. First, you will need to ensure that the night guard comfortably fits your braces.
Second, you will want to choose a night guard made from a durable material that can withstand the pressure of teeth grinding.
Finally, you will want to talk to your orthodontist about the best way to clean and care for your night guard. With a little bit of planning, you can easily find a night guard for teeth grinding with braces that will work with your braces and help to protect your teeth.
How to Wear a Night Guard with Braces
If you have braces, you may need to wear a night guard to protect your teeth from damage. Here’s how to wear a night guard with braces:
- Choose the proper night guard. There are two main types of night guards: full coverage and partial coverage. Full coverage guards are larger and cover all of your teeth, while partial coverage guards only cover the front teeth. You should talk to your orthodontist to figure out which type of night guard is right for you.
- Clean your night guard before each use. Be sure to rinse your night guard with water before putting it in your mouth. You can also brush it with toothpaste to remove any build-up of plaque or bacteria.
- Put the night guard in place. Start by holding the night guard against your teeth and biting down gently to form an impression. Then, place the night guard in your mouth and bite down firmly to keep it in place. Make sure that the front edge of the night guard is positioned just behind your front teeth.
- Wear the night guard for the recommended amount of time. Most orthodontists recommend wearing a night guard for at least six hours per day. However, you may need to wear it for longer periods of time if you have a history of clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Clean your night guard after each use. Be sure to rinse your nightguard off with water after each use. You can also brush it with toothpaste to remove any build-up of plaque or bacteria. Store your nightguard in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it.
Best Night Guards for Braces
For many people, the thought of wearing braces is enough to discourage them from seeking treatment for their dental problems. Braces are not an obstacle to wearing night guards. There are only some key points to consider while using a night guard with braces. Here is a list of the most popular types of night guards for braces.
Sporting Smiles Night Guards
Here are the main types of Sporting Smiles Night Guards: soft grinding, hard grinding, and dual laminate. Soft grinding guards are made of a material that is designed to absorb the impact of teeth grinding.
Hard grinding night guards with braces are made of a harder material that is designed to protect the teeth from damage. Dual laminate guards are made of two layers of material, with a softer layer on the inside and a harder layer on the outside.
Flexible, super hard guards are made of a flexible material that is designed to be worn over the teeth. All these types of guards are available in various sizes and colors. Sporting smiles reviews focus on the high quality and modern technology used in creating these guards.
Pro Teeth Night Guards
Pro Teeth Night Guards offers two different types of night guards – hard hybrid ultra and soft customized versions. Both are easy to order online and come with a 60-day guarantee. Whether you need a hard or soft night guard.
Pro Teeth Night Guards is one of the best night guards for braces in the market right now. Pro teeth guard reviews show that it is easy to apply and quick to get used to.
Smile Brilliant Night Guard
Smile Brilliant is the perfect answer if you’re looking for a complete dental night guard for braces and a whitening kit. The Night Guard Kit comes with everything you need to keep your smile looking its best – custom-fitted trays for at-home teeth whitening, a water flosser for advanced oral care, and a set of detailed instructions. The process is straightforward.
Remi Custom Night Guard
Remi is a professional-grade custom night guard that provides superior comfort and protection for teeth. It is made from a soft, flexible material that conforms to the shape of your teeth and is custom-fitted to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. The guard also includes a built-in shield that helps to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching.
Other Ways to Stop Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a common condition that affects people of all ages. While it is often harmless, teeth grinding can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and damage to the teeth. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to stop teeth grinding.
Medications
The most common type of medication prescribed for teeth grinding is a muscle relaxant. This medication works by relaxing the muscles in your jaw, which decreases the clenching and grinding forces.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stop the grinding. However, this is typically only recommended if other treatments have failed.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a treatment that uses sensors to measure muscle activity and give feedback to help people learn to control their muscles. This can be helpful for reducing grinding your teeth, which can be the cause of headaches and other disorders.
Biofeedback can help you become more aware of your muscle activity and learn how to relax your muscles. This can lead to less teeth grinding and fewer headaches. Biofeedback is usually done with the help of a trained therapist. If you are interested in biofeedback, talk to your doctor or a therapist who is trained in this treatment.
Stress management
Stress is a common trigger for Bruxism, or teeth grinding. When people are under mental or emotional stress, they may unconsciously clench their jaws or grind their teeth. While Bruxism can occur at any age, it is most common in adults and children who are experiencing stress. Over time, Bruxism can cause a number of oral health problems, including tooth damage, gum recession, and jaw pain. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments for Bruxism.
Relaxation therapies, such as yoga and meditation, can help people to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Counseling can also be beneficial for people struggling to cope with stress. By managing stress levels, you can reduce the risk of Bruxism and protect your oral health.
FAQ
Answer: Yes. A dental guard can be worn with a retainer. However, it is important to ensure that the dental guard fits appropriately, so it does not cause discomfort or injury.
Answer: You can definitely wear a night guard with Invisalign. In fact, wearing a custom-made night guard is one of the best ways to protect your teeth while you're wearing Invisalign. A night guard will help keep your teeth from shifting out of alignment during the treatment process, and it will also help to reduce the likelihood of tooth grinding (bruxism).
Answer: The amount of time you should wear a night guard after braces are removed will vary depending on the orthodontist who treated you and the type of night guard they prescribed. Typically, most people will only need to wear their night guard for a few hours each night. However, it's best to consult your orthodontist for a more specific recommendation.
