Protect Your Smile and Sleep with Custom Nightguards
Do you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth during the night? You may not think too much about it, but this poor oral habit can damage your teeth and restorations. At Blunn Creek Family Dentistry in Austin, Texas, we offer custom nightguards to protect your smile. These custom-made appliances can be used as a part of treatment for several conditions, including bruxism and TMJ disorders.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a medical term that describes chronic teeth grinding or clenching. Bruxism is involuntary and can happen at night or during the day. If you experience bruxism while you are awake, you grind your teeth without realizing it. For sleep bruxism, you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping. You won’t be aware of it, but your bed partner may hear the grinding noises.
Your jaw muscles are incredibly strong. When you have bruxism, you exert hundreds of pounds of pressure with no cushioning between them. Repeated night after night, this intense force can lead to:
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Damaged crowns, fillings, and veneers
- Tense jaw joints, leading to TMJ-related symptoms
- Gum recession
While these problems can be treated with fillings, crowns, and root canals, prevention is the best option. A night guard is one of the simplest and most effective options for managing bruxism-related damage.
How does a nightguard manage bruxism?
A nightguard is a removable appliance worn during sleep. A night guard prevents the upper and lower teeth from contacting directly. Not only do nightguards prevent contact, but they also distribute the grinding forces evenly, reducing their impact. This also helps your jaw joints relax, reducing TMJ-related symptoms.
Why does a custom nightguard matter?
It’s easy to be tempted by over-the-counter night guards available online or at your nearest drugstore. While store-bought night guards are cheap and convenient, it is best to see Dr. Kunjumary “Mary” Kolathu for a custom night guard.
Here are the reasons.
- Perfect fit: A custom night guard is fabricated after precise scans of your teeth and gums. That ensures your appliance is made specifically for your smile, providing a custom fit.
- Durability: Doctor-provided nightguards are made from materials that are resilient to the nightly grind. They can last several years with good maintenance.
- Comfortable experience: A custom fit ensures your appliance feels like a part of your dentition. That means you can breathe and even speak without restrictions.
- Superior protection: Your mouthguard stays in place at all times, providing the protection you need as you grind and clench your teeth.
What are the benefits of bruxism treatment?
Treating bruxism offers profound benefits for your comfort and oral health. Here’s a closer look.
- Restful sleep: Treatment means you and your partner can enjoy quieter, more restful nights.
- Energized daytime: Better sleep helps you wake up feeling refreshed and confident to take on the day.
- Protect your teeth: Treatment shields your teeth from excessive wear, cracks, and fractures caused by constant clenching.
- Protect your restorations: It safeguards crowns, veneers, fillings, and implants from premature damage and costly repairs.
- Prevent TMJ-related symptoms: Ease pressure on your jaw joints to help minimize headaches, facial pain, and jaw stiffness.
Ready to experience the protective benefits of custom nightguards?
Don’t let teeth grinding affect your health and quality of life. A nightguard is a simple appliance that provides powerful protection for your smile. Ready to get started? Dial (512) 788-9282 and schedule a consultation with Blunn Creek Family Dentistry for a customized nightguard. It’s time to enjoy more restful, worry-free nights.
