Most night guards are fitted for the upper teeth since this tends to provide the most benefit to patients. However, there are some special circumstances that can make a lower guard make more sense. Your guard will be fitted and molded to your teeth for your comfort and to prevent changes in your bite.
What type of night guard is best?
Hard night guards are made to be the strongest and most durable type of night guard available. Depending on the chosen thickness, a 3mm thick hard night guard is designed for patients who grind their teeth on a regular nightly basis.
How do I choose a night guard?
Night guards are typically made of a soft yet durable material, such as silicone or plastic.
Why Choose a Night Guard?
Irritated or sensitive gums.Sensitive teeth.Discomfort and pain along cheekbones and jaw.Headaches and/or ear pain.“Popping” or “locking” jaw.
Are there different types of night guards?
Most patients prefer to wear night guards since these don’t have to be worn all day. Depending on the cause of your TMJ, your orthodontist may recommend this or another type of mouth guard. Night guards come in three different choices: soft, hard, and dual laminated.
How thick should a night guard be?
In general, a night guard for bruxism should be between 1 and 3 mm thick. Everyone’s experience with bruxism is different, and as such, your night guard should reflect the uniqueness of your condition.
How long should a mouthguard last?
With proper care, your custom mouthguard’s longevity could last as long as three to five years! However, due to general breakdown from usage, a good rule of thumb is to replace your mouthguard each year.
Why are mouth guards only for top teeth?
You Only Need a Mouth Guard for Top Teeth
For example, boxers wear mouth guards that cover both the upper and lower teeth. This is because they’re more likely to receive blows to the jaw.
What kind of night guard is best for TMJ?
Hard night guards are made of a hard acrylic material and are best for those with severe TMJ pain or grinding issues.
What is the difference between hard and soft night guard?
Hard night guards allow the lower teeth to slide around freely when the lower jaw is in motion. The problem with soft night guards, commonly found at local drug stores, is that they exacerbate bruxism because the jaws naturally want to chew soft things.
What is a soft night guard?
A soft night guard is made of a soft material — it’s pliable rubber that is more flexible than the other two options. This type of night guard is typically used for people with mild bruxism or for people who clench but don’t grind their teeth.
Are thicker mouthguards better?
Ultimately, your mouthguard should be thicker in the impact zones — the areas in front of the teeth and under the molars — providing more protection, while being thinner or having no material in areas where protection isn’t needed — behind the back of the front teeth and the roof of the mouth.
Why is a night guard so thick?
These guards are a full 3mm of thickness between the chewing surfaces of the teeth, so you can expect complete protection no matter how serious your condition is. However, due to their thickness, the thicker guard may take some initial “getting used to” and most often requires some adjustments.
Should my teeth hurt after wearing a Nightguard?
Can a Night Guard Hurt My Teeth? Night guards are small trays that you place on your teeth as you sleep. These trays provide a protective barrier to prevent damage from occurring to your teeth. When you wear night guards, they should not cause any pain.
