A nightguard is a device that provides full coverage over your teeth to protect them from the trauma of grinding and clenching. Nightguards are made of acrylics and hard plastics. They can be made to cover your upper arch or your lower arch, your dentist will explain which would be best for you. Nightguards are a form of protection for your teeth. They do not prevent the grinding and clenching, but rather provide a layer of protection so that you don’t wear your enamel down. Nightguards are prescribed to prevent tooth movement. Examples would be: as a form of retention after having orthodontics done, or to protect teeth that are mobile from advanced periodontal disease. The full coverage nature of the nightguard holds your teeth in the correct position in your mouth while you sleep and does not allow them to move.
An extremely large number of people grind, gnash, and/or clench their teeth while sleeping. Many people are unaware that they are doing this. It is sometimes thought that grinding will occur during periods of stress. We believe now that while stress may enhance your periods of grinding, it is not the only cause.
While you are asleep, your teeth will come together about two to four times during seven to eight hours of sleep. When there are irregularities in the chewing surfaces of your teeth, an automatic reflex occurs (by grinding) to eliminate a spot where it is too high. Your neuro-muscular system steps into high gear and extends extreme pressure through the muscles of the mouth and jaw to grind away your teeth in a never ending battle which does nothing but cause aches and pains.
Night guards prevent you from grinding your upper and lower teeth surfaces against each other, so those unconscious efforts to correct the irregular chewing surfaces on your teeth are completely thwarted and therefore there is NO MORE GRINDING.
Please contact at Gums and Smiles Family Dental in Leander, Texas 78641 to our dental professionals.
