Night Mouthguards
Albany, OR
Night Mouthguards in Albany provided by Dr. Jeffrey Carl & Dr. Austin Brunson at Jeffrey Carl DMD
 Night mouth guards are essential in preventing the attrition of teeth from grinding and clenching, a condition called bruxism. Night mouth guards can be used by people of all ages who may have bruxism. Bruxism is quite common, and often, patients do not realize it is happening. Occasional grinding may not be as risky. However, extreme bruxism causes severe damage to the teeth and jaw structure and lifestyle and behavioral problems like grogginess and irritation. We can help you improve the quality of your sleep at Jeffrey Carl DMD.
Mouth Guards for Bruxism
Bruxism is commonly presumed to be caused by stress, anxiety, and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Sleep apnea and snoring, bite abnormalities, and damaged or crooked teeth, similarly cause one to grind their teeth at night. Bruxism is harmful as it causes aesthetic changes to the teeth and face due to attrition. Bruxism also causes fractures to the teeth, and since it's a forceful action, it may cause teeth to loosen. Bruxism also causes harm to the TMJ and neck muscles leading to severe pain. The teeth wear down, and one could lose their teeth and have persistent migraines due to bruxism.
Night mouth guards, or dental guards, are customized orthodontic appliances that act as barriers between the bottom and upper teeth. When you clench the jaw or grind the teeth at night, the guard acts as a barrier, lightening the tension and cushioning the teeth and jaw muscles. They help prevent pain from clenching and help protect the enamel of the teeth. For night mouth guards to be effective, they must be custom fit to your teeth to prevent your bite alignment from shifting. They also help you save money that would have been used in therapeutic procedures if the teeth get damaged.
Soft night guards are the most congenial and adaptable of all night guards. They treat mild and infrequent cases of bruxism. They are made of soft rubber that patients with severe bruxism could easily chew on. Dual laminate night mouth guards treat moderate cases of teeth grinding and are hard on the exterior while the interior is soft. Hard mouth guards are the other the third type of night guards and they are the most durable. They help prevent shifting in teeth and require some time to get used to. Hard night guards need to be custom-made in the lab through impressions made of the teeth. Custom-made night guards offer the best protection against bruxism as they are specifically made to fit one's dental structure.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
Patients with other dental prostheses like bridgework or braces could benefit widely from custom-made night guards. Caring for your mouth guard ensures it serves you for a long and does not interfere with the healing process. Ensure not to bend, as plastic warps. Do not expose your mouth guard to sunlight or hot temperatures, and examine the mouth guard regularly for damage. Night mouth guards should be stored in a holed container to allow air circulation. This helps prevent bacteria growth and damage. Mouth guards should be cleaned after every use during brushing and flossing. Be sure to bring your mouth guard with you to your regular dental checkups for examination. Please book an appointment with us via (541) 918-2361 or visit us at Jeffrey Carl DMD to inquire and get your custom made night guard to help you sleep better.
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