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Has your partner or roommate ever told you that you grind your teeth in your sleep? Do you wake up in the middle of the night with a sore jaw? If so, nightguard dental care might be the answer. Bruxism is the medical term used to describe teeth grinding and clenching during the night. Besides wearing off your teeth, bruxism causes damage to your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities. Wearing a nightguard can provide relief from bruxism and allow you to maintain healthy teeth. If you experience the symptoms of bruxism, seek help from a professional at Lovett Dental by calling 832-804-7427.
There are three types of nightguards:
These are over the counter nightguards. They are inexpensive and come ready to wear. Dentists do not recommend their use because they are bulky and make breathing difficult.
These mouth guards are made from thermoplastic protectors, and they offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are easy to use. You first put the mouth guard in hot water to soften, then place it in your mouth. You can then use your finger and tongue pressure to shape it around your teeth.
Dental laboratories design and make these types of nightguards. They use an impression of your teeth to mold a nightguard that suits your needs.
By looking at your teeth, a dentist can determine whether you need a nightguard. Sometimes you may not realize that you suffer from bruxism. Some of the signs that your dentist will look for include flattened or fractured teeth, morning headaches, and broken restorations. Pain and sensitivity may also accompany these signs. If you have these symptoms and signs, consider looking for a nightguard.
You can buy a nightguard at your local drug store or visit your dentist for professional nightguard dental care. The nightguards at your local drug store are not the best since they may be uncomfortable and come out at night while grinding. Professional dentists in Houston can recommend the best nightguard, depending on the severity of your bruxism.
If you ignore your bruxism symptoms, it may lead to severe dental problems that require expensive procedures to fix. For instance, bruxism can lead to root canals. People who grind their teeth also cause enamel erosion, which increases the risk of developing cavities. Jaw clenching subjects your jaws and teeth under massive force, which leads to jaw and muscle pain. The best preventive measure for these problems is to wear a nightguard. A one-time investment in nightguards can protect you from a lifetime of expensive dental procedures.
The cost of a nightguard depends on the material used and the specifications of the appliance. Often, the cost of getting a nightguard is far less than treatments used to correct the damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching. If your dentist recommends a nightguard for your teeth, they will provide you with an estimate of your cost. Your dental insurance can also cover all or part of the cost required.
You will want your nightguard to last long. Given their function, you cannot prevent the wear and tear of nightguards. However, there are ways you can take care of them to extend their lifespan. Ensure you clean your nightguard and the case regularly with warm water. Store them in a dry container and away from children. It is also essential to bring your nightguard to your dental appointments so that your dentist can check if it is still working well.
If you are suffering from bruxism, our expert dentists can provide you with the best nightguard dental care. At Lovett Dental, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the smile you want. Some of our other dental care services include:
Let us help you maintain your dental health. Call Lovett Dental today at 832-804-7427, or contact us online to schedule a consultation with us and learn more about nightguards.
Lovett, Splendid & Haven Dentistry
Dental Offices in TX
