Can my dentist fit me for a night guard?
Pros. Adjustments – If your mouthguard needs adjustments, you can simply make an appointment with your dentist to adjust the guard to fit better. … They will be able to properly assess the type of mouthguard you need and make the right adjustments.
Do night guards need to be fitted?
Changes in your dental structure or alignment mean your old guard won’t fit correctly. You will need to get a new mold made of your teeth and have a new guard created. Your nightguard should fit snug against your teeth without falling out or shifting.
How long does it take to get fitted for a night guard?
How long does it take to make a custom night guard? What does the process entail? Dr. Cooperman says it takes “one week” to make a custom night guard and all that needs to be done is to take “simple impressions that take just a few minutes” during a dental visit.
Can night guards ruin your teeth?
Often, deep grooves will eventually form in the night guard from the force of the grinding. The night guard prevents this same force from causing damage to the teeth. Without a night guard, enamel can be worn down excessively, leading to tooth sensitivity.
Is a top or bottom night guard better?
Upper guards are typically recommended because they don’t remove easily compared to lower teeth nightguard. Dentists favor lower guards because they are often more comfortable and easier to get used to. The ideal night guard should protect all your teeth while not affecting your natural bite.
Can you drink water with a night guard in?
Do not eat or drink (except water) with your guard in. Be sure you floss and brush thoroughly prior to placement as food and bacteria can become trapped between your teeth and guard and increase your risk of decay an stain the guard.
What can I use instead of a night guard?
If mouth guards are uncomfortable or do not help remedy the situation, consider these three alternative options to discuss with your dentist.
- Occlusal Splints. One of the more similar treatments to a mouth guard is an occlusal splint. …
- Botox Treatments. …
- Biofeedback.
How long do over the counter night guards last?
On average, a night guard can last between 5 and 10 years. These times can vary based on the severity of your teeth grinding and whether or not you’re taking other steps to try and prevent it. Discuss your options with your orthodontist for an estimate based on the severity of your case.
Should night guard cover gums?
It’s fine to cover your gums for an hour or two but not 8 hours a night, 7 nights a week. That’s why you can wear your sports mouth guard for a game or practice, but not while you sleep. A night guard only covers your teeth, especially the biting surfaces.
Can wearing a mouthguard make bruxism worse?
What’s more: the design of many night guards causes the posterior teeth to touch the guard’s plastic while the anterior teeth hardly touch the guard or do not touch it at all. The unevenness of tooth contact with the night guard can lead to even more clenching, grinding and TMJ problems.
Why are night guards so expensive?
A custom made nightguard costs roughly ten or so times more than a store bought one. However, even with the added premium, they are still well worth the cost. The reason? Comfort, fit, and reliability of the materials used.
How long should you wear a night guard?
Stick with it for at least 4-6 weeks and make a habit out of wearing it. After this amount of time, it should feel like a normal part of your routine and will seem a lot easier to wear. Put it in right before you go to sleep.