Nightguards
People who clench and grind their teeth have a condition called “bruxism”. These patients often wake up with headaches, jaw pain, and facial muscle discomfort. Often patients who have bruxism have been told by family & friends that they make grinding noises with their teeth when they sleep. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to worn, cracked, and broken teeth that can lead to tooth loss.
If you feel you may have bruxism, a bitesplint or nightguard is typically the therapy of choice. Nightguards are typically worn on the upper teeth and are made of an acrylic material that serves as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth as you sleep. Though the acrylic is a hard material, it is softer than enamel and wears over time. This prevents damage to the teeth from grinding on the acrylic.
Commonly asked questions
At Monette Dentistry we have the ability to digitally design and print our nightguards in our office, which allows us to have full control over the design and fabrication of the splint. This reduces wait time and makes for easy replacement in the event your nightguard is lost or broken. Dogs love to chew nightguards!
Q: How is a nightguard made?
Nightguards are custom fabricated for every patient, and when delivered to the patient the bite is adjusted so the splint feels even in the patient’s mouth. Bitesplints do require adjustments over time, which are covered by the original purchase cost. The longevity of a bitesplint is dependent on each patient’s situation, however a good lifespan is 7-10 years.
Q: Why is a nightguard so costly, and how long will it last?
Absolutely! If you are not ready to make the commitment to a professionally fabricated bitesplint there are over-the-counter options available to you at your local pharmacy. A pharmacy grade nightguard is made from a rubber-like flexible material and will function as a protective barrier for your teeth. Patients should be aware that flexible nightguards often stimulate clenching and grinding behaviors, which may exacerbate joint and muscle pain over time.
Q: Can’t I just get one from my pharmacy?