Nightguards for Bruxism Rockwall
Put a Stop to Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Do you often wake up with a sore jaw or a headache? You might be engaging in bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) while you sleep. Without timely intervention, this issue can cause premature wear on your teeth. Fortunately, our Rockwall team can help. We may recommend that you start using a custom nightguard. Continue reading below to learn more, or contact our friendly team to request a consultation.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term used to describe teeth grinding and clenching. It can happen during the day, but very often, it occurs at night. Therefore, you might not even know that you do it! Bruxism can have a number of different causes, including dental misalignment, stress, and more.
Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate you are a bruxer:
- Your partner has heard grinding sounds from your teeth while you sleep.
- You often wake up with a sore jaw or aching teeth.
- You often wake up with a headache
- You have other symptoms of TMJ disorder, such as neck and shoulder pain.
- Your teeth seem to be wearing down prematurely or are extra-sensitive.
How Do Nightguards Work?
A nightguard is simply an oral appliance, which resembles a mouthguard worn for sports, that is designed for nocturnal use. You just put it in your mouth before you go to sleep, and it will place a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Not only can this prevent bruxism, but it may also help your facial muscles to relax. Custom nightguards tend to be much more effective than those that can be purchased over the counter.
If we determine that you are a good candidate for a nightguard, we will take impressions of your mouth, and then a dental laboratory will fabricate your device. You should wear it consistently in order to enjoy the best results.
The Benefits of Nightguards
Nightguards for bruxism come with some pretty remarkable benefits:
- Protect your oral health. By protecting your teeth, you can reduce your risk of worn enamel, dental sensitivity, and chips and cracks. Preventing such issues can help you save money in the long run.
- Easy treatment. The process of getting a custom nightguard is non-invasive. Plus, these devices are designed to be comfortable enough for nightly wear.
- Improved sleep quality. Both you and your partner may sleep better once your bruxism is under control.
- Lower risk of TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can cause ongoing discomfort and may even permanently damage your jaw joints. A nightguard may help to manage this condition.