Night Guards Morrisville, NC
Tooth grinding can trigger jaw pain and restless slumber. A night guard can help if you struggle to stop grinding or clenching your teeth. Customized night guards adapt to your dental needs and mouth shape. Night guards gently cushion your jaws during sleep and prevent dental damage.
Dental night guards are available at TTH Family Dentistry in Morrisville, Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Chapel Hill and Durham. Each custom-fitted mouth protector is designed to ease bruxism symptoms, a condition that results from tooth grinding. Over time, bruxism can lead to chipped teeth and jaw misalignment. Night guards help prevent these troublesome dental problems. Call us at (919) 388-3719 to schedule an appointment.
Mouth Guards vs. Night Guards
Many patients wonder about the difference between mouth guards and night guards. These devices indeed serve a similar purpose. Mouthguards protect teeth during physical activities like football or boxing. Dentists often recommend mouthguards to athletes and active adults.
Night guards protect against bruxism, or grinding and clenching the teeth during sleep. Nighttime teeth grinding can cause severe dental damage. Over time, grinding one's teeth can destroy the enamel and trigger gum erosion. Without treatment, the damage can progress, and some patients may need dental surgery. Night guards can help protect bruxism patients from permanent dental damage.
How Often to Wear Your Night Guard
It is vital to wear a night guard consistently to protect against tooth damage. Wearing a night guard on an irregular schedule offers minimal protection. Most patients can expect to wear their devices every night.
Night Guards and Braces
Even patients with braces can still benefit from a night guard. Modern night guards fit over braces and other dental appliances. Our team creates a custom-fitted night guard that works alongside any other dental treatments.
“Night guards can help protect bruxism patients from permanent dental damage.”
Night Guards as a Dental Treatment
Bruxism
Bruxism is a common condition that affects up to 10% of Americans. People with bruxism unconsciously grind their teeth or clench their jaw. Often, this tooth-grinding occurs during the night. As a result, many people with bruxism are unaware that they have the condition.
Over time, bruxism can lead to serious dental problems. Night guards help protect the teeth by easing pressure in the jaw. These devices also guard the teeth against chips and uneven wear patterns that often result from jaw clenching.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull. Nighttime grinding or clenching often lead to TMJ disorders, including stubborn headaches and neck pain. Night guards are a simple method for preventing or treating TMJ problems.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea develops when patients stop breathing for brief periods during the night. Airflow may become blocked due to the placement of the jaw and tongue. Night guards can align the jaw, relieving some sleep apnea symptoms and preventing life-threatening health complications.
“Night guards help protect your teeth by easing pressure in the jaw.”
Benefits of a Night Guard
Clenching and grinding can destroy the tooth enamel. Patients may be at a higher risk for cavities, tooth sensitivity, or gum erosion during their lifetime. People with bruxism can also develop unsightly chipped teeth or muscle tension.
These symptoms can lead to cosmetic dental issues and have a significant impact on the quality of life. Many people who grind their teeth report headaches, neck pain, and restless sleep. Night guards may allow affected individuals to sleep more soundly.
“Night guards may allow affected individuals to sleep more soundly.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Night Guards in Morrisville, NC
Choosing a Night Guard
Night guards are available over-the-counter. While these options can be cost-effective, they may not deliver results. Premade night guards don't always fit properly, and they can be uncomfortable. Over-the-counter night guards are also less durable.
Custom-fitted night guards are built to last, and they adapt to the patient's unique needs. Custom night guards can even adapt to braces or other dental appliances. These devices work alongside existing dental or orthodontic treatments.
Modern night guards are made from translucent acrylic, and they are designed to be discreet. There is no need to be self-conscious about a clunky or unattractive appliance. Patients can choose the material for their devices. Our team creates each custom night guard to each patient's specifications.
“Custom-fitted night guards are built to last, and they adapt to the patient’s unique needs.”
Caring for Your Night Guard
Taking care of one's teeth allows the night guard to provide optimal protection. Patients should make sure to brush and floss before inserting the device. They should also take care to clean it before and after each use.
Begin by rinsing the night guard with clean water. Then brush the device using your toothbrush and toothpaste. Once the night guard is in place, patients should not consume anything except plain water. They should also try not to expose the night guard to heat, either. Hot water or direct sunlight can warp the material.
Contact our team if the device gets lost or becomes damaged. Using a damaged or poorly fitted device can risk your oral health. We can arrange for a replacement night guard.
“Patients should make sure to brush and floss before inserting the device.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What conditions do night guards treat?
Q. What are some benefits of a night guard?
Q. Why should I choose a custom-fitted night guard?
Q. How do I take care of my night guard?
People Also Ask
Q. Who is a good candidate for a mouth guard?
FAQ
Q. What is bruxism?
A. Bruxism results from tooth grinding or clenching. Symptoms can include:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Jaw pain or jaw locking
- Headaches or facial tension
- Jaw clicking or popping
Our team can usually diagnose bruxism by examining your teeth and jaw muscles. A night guard can ease bruxism symptoms.
Q. When should I see a dentist if I suspect that I have bruxism?
A. If you notice symptoms of bruxism, notify your dental team right away. The sooner you receive treatment, the better. Untreated bruxism can cause significant dental damage. A night guard helps protect your teeth from chips, cracks, and uneven wear.
Q. How can I choose the right night guard?
A. Our dental team can help you review your options. While over-the-counter devices may seem tempting, custom-fitted devices offer added protection. We can order a customized night guard that meets your dental needs.
Q. Do over-the-counter night guards work?
A. Over-the-counter appliances may provide some protection, but they often fit poorly. Many patients find these devices clunky and uncomfortable. Custom-fitted night guards are designed with your unique needs in mind.
Q. How long does it take to create a custom-fitted night guard?
A. Our team can take impressions of your teeth during a routine office visit. After the impressions are complete, the team sends them to a dental lab. It usually takes about two weeks to have your night guard created and shipped.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Scan here to view this page, Night Guards, on mobile
Definition of Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Millions of Americans struggle with tooth grinding and clenching. These problems can lead to jaw pain, tooth misalignment, and restless slumber. A customized night guard protects your teeth and helps you enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Do not let conditions like bruxism destroy your oral health. Let TTH Family Dentistry in Morrisville help you choose a night guard. Call us at 919-388-3719 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2021
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2021
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2021
About our business and website security
- TTH Family Dentistry was established in 2012.
- Better Business Bureau (Rating A+). View BBB Business Review
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Wake County, Alamance, Orange, Guilford and Durham County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Morrisville, Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Chapel Hill and Durham
- National Provider Identifier Database (1841341633). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to TTH Family Dentistry on mobile
Back to top of Night Guards
Related Posts
Signs You May Need An Emergency Dentist Visit
You can have an emergency dentist visit with your general dentist. Knowing when you may need urgent dental care will prevent the dental problem from worsening. It will also relieve your pain and discomfort. If you want to know if you may need an emergency dental visit, here are the signs to watch out for.Persistent…
Tips For Comfort And Secure Attachment For New Dentures
Dentures help some people regain their smiles without surgery. Breaking them in is important. It is the period of making your prosthesis a part of your life. Learning how to wear your dental prosthesis is important. If you want to find out how to maintain a secure and comfortable attachment for your dentures, here are…
Why Endodontic Therapy Is So Important For An Infected Tooth
Endodontic therapy is a treatment capable of removing infection in a tooth. This root canal therapy can also protect the treated tooth from future bacterial infections. You can get this treatment from your general dentist. If you want to know why endodontic therapy is vital for an infected tooth, here are the details.The general dentist…
Take-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Options From Your General Dentist
An in-office teeth whitening treatment is quick and effective. You can get it from your general dentist or cosmetic dentist if you have the time to schedule one. Otherwise, you can choose the take-home version of it. If you want to know more about the take-home professional teeth whitening options, here are the details.These are…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call TTH Family Dentistry on mobile