3808 W Riverside Dr Suite 408 Burbank, CA 91505-4325 Call us today! (818) 748-9998

The Uses of Night Guards

Posted on 8/15/2024 by Toomin & Bieber

Close up of a simple mouth guard being held up by an excited white woman

Night guards are clear plastic mouthpieces made to fit over your top or bottom teeth. Wearing a night guard can help with many different dental health issues. This article discusses how night guards help protect your teeth and treat problems like grinding, TMJ, and enamel loss. It covers the main reasons your dentist may suggest you wear a custom night guard.

Protect Teeth From Grinding

Night guards cushion teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching. This harmful habit can lead to fractures, chips, soreness, and rapid wear. Guards shield teeth from these effects during sleep.

Reduce Symptoms of TMJ

Night guards can relieve TMJ by calming jaw muscles that move excessively, especially at night. TMJ guards reposition the jaw slightly to take pressure off the temporomandibular joints. This reduces pain and discomfort.

Prevent Tooth Enamel Loss

Grinding erodes tooth enamel over time. Night guards act as a barrier to help preserve enamel thickness and prevent sensitivity. Protecting enamel will maintain healthy, strong teeth.

Lessen Tooth Sensitivity

Guards stop teeth that have exposed dentin tubules from rubbing against each other. Direct contact worsens nerve sensitivity. Biting on a night guard minimizes this irritation.

Aid Oral Appliance Therapy

If you use a mandibular advancement device for sleep apnea, wearing it with a night guard prevents tooth wear. The guard absorbs force from the lower jaw being pulled forward.

Help Heal Clenching Injuries

Guards allow overused jaw muscles strained from repeated clenching to rest and recover. This facilitates healing and reduces discomfort in the muscles.

Improve Sleep Quality

Wearing guards while you sleep prevents awakening from teeth grinding. Uninterrupted sleep provides better rest, which is vital to health. Discuss sleep issues with your doctor.

Relieve Bruxism

Night guards effectively manage bruxism, or involuntary grinding due to stress or sleep pattern issues. Protecting teeth lets you maintain the habit without damage.

Consult our dentist to see if a custom night guard is recommended in your situation. These easy-to-use devices prevent many oral health problems.

Respected As A Patient

I continue to be impressed with every aspect of dental care and service at your office. Everyone is wonderful and makes me feel important, valued, and respected as a patient; everything is explained in detail.
-Shelley D.

Get in Touch!

PHONE
(818) 748-9998

EMAIL
support@smileburbank.com

LOCATION
3808 W Riverside Dr Suite 408
Burbank, CA 91505-4325

Call for Appointment
(818) 748-9998

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

About Our Dentists - Burbank, CA • Toomin & Bieber Dentistry
ALearn more about our exceptional dental practice in Burbank, CA. Click here to visit Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry now!
Toomin & Bieber, 3808 W Riverside Dr #408, Burbank, CA 91505-4325 ^ (818) 748-9998 ^ smileburbank.com ^ 9/14/2024 ^ Page Phrases: burbank dentist, dental office, dentist burbank ca, dental office in burbank ca