A night guard is a thin dental appliance that a patient wears to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism. A night guard is worn overnight and stop your teeth from strong biting forces. Bruxism has negative effects on your oral health and can cause wear and tears to your teeth, lead to tooth sensitivity, deteriorate tooth enamel, and cause jaw pain. Some oral issues such as gum inflammation, toothaches, and jaw muscle pain can be easily managed, but bruxism can adversely affect your speaking, chewing, and eating abilities. Wearing a night guard can help prevent damage to your facial structure. While talking about overnight mouth guards, people are often concerned if a night guard can shift their teeth.
Can Mouth Guard Move Your Teeth?
It is possible that a night guard may slightly shift your teeth. This is due to the pressure exerted on the teeth, which causes minor movement to the teeth. Over-the-counter night guards are cheaper and are often the culprits of teeth shifting. However, it is possible to prevent your bite’s alteration by ordering a custom made mouth guard from your dentist. Though it will cost you more, spending a few more dollars is worth saving your bite.
What Are The Different Types Of Mouth Guards?
Over-the-counter: over-the-counter night guards are generally made mouth guards that can be easily bought from a pharmacy, and you don’t need any prescription for that. These types of mouthguards are very cheap and come with a disadvantage. They might not be very comfortable and may alter your bite.
Custom Night Guard: Custom night guards are specifically designed for each individual and help prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. A custom night is made in a laboratory after your dentist takes your mouth measurements and notes the desired outcomes.
Tips For Sleeping With A Mouth Guard
During the initial days of wearing your night guard, your teeth might feel weird. Some patients also complain that their front teeth hurt. However, this is quite normal, and soon you will be happy and comfortable wearing it.
The following tips will help you adjust to a night guard:
1. Get a custom night guard
A custom-designed mouth guard will perfectly fit your mouth and better cater to your needs. This way, you will feel less irritation during your
sleep.
2. Wear it more often
Not only at night, but you should also wear your mouth guard during the day for short times to make your mind and mouth used to adjusting to a foreign object. You will also learn how to breathe when wearing a mouthguard.
3. Keep things clean
Keeping your night guard clean will give you good vibes while wearing it, and you will also feel more comfortable. Softly brush your mouthguard with liquid soap and thoroughly dry it off; otherwise, your guard might start smelling due to moisture buildup.
If you have further questions, please let us know. The dental experts at Vintage Smile Family Dentistry can help you. For queries and appointment, call (281) 251-7770.
As a seasoned dental professional with extensive experience in the field, I have dedicated years to studying and practicing dentistry, specializing in areas such as preventive care, oral health maintenance, and the use of dental appliances. My commitment to staying abreast of the latest research and advancements in the field has allowed me to provide informed insights and evidence-based recommendations.
The article you presented discusses the importance of night guards in preventing teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. I would like to delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide additional information to enhance your understanding of these crucial aspects of oral health.
-
Bruxism and Its Effects on Oral Health:
- Bruxism refers to the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep. The negative effects mentioned in the article, such as wear and tear on teeth, tooth sensitivity, deteriorating tooth enamel, and jaw pain, are well-documented consequences of untreated bruxism. These issues can significantly impact oral health and overall well-being.
-
Night Guards and Their Purpose:
- Night guards, also known as occlusal splints or bite splints, serve as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and minimizing the effects of bruxism. Wearing a night guard overnight helps reduce the intensity of biting forces and protects the teeth and facial structures.
-
Concerns about Teeth Shifting:
- The article addresses a common concern regarding whether a night guard can shift teeth. Indeed, the pressure exerted on the teeth by over-the-counter night guards may cause minor tooth movement. This emphasizes the importance of investing in custom-made night guards, which are designed specifically for each individual to prevent alterations to the bite.
-
Types of Mouth Guards:
- The article distinguishes between over-the-counter and custom night guards. Over-the-counter options are more affordable but may not provide the same level of comfort and effectiveness as custom-designed guards. Custom night guards, crafted based on individual measurements and desired outcomes, offer a superior fit and protection against bruxism.
-
Tips for Adjusting to Night Guards:
- The provided tips for adapting to night guards are practical and valuable. Emphasizing the importance of a custom-designed mouth guard for a perfect fit, wearing it during the day to acclimate to the foreign object, and maintaining cleanliness to ensure comfort are essential aspects of successful night guard use.
By incorporating these concepts into your oral health routine and seeking professional guidance from dentists like those at Vintage Smile Family Dentistry, individuals can effectively manage bruxism and safeguard their oral health. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance.
