Nightguards for Grinding – Barnegat, NJ
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Does your jaw often feel sore in the morning? It could be a side effect of bruxism, which can cause you to grind and clench your teeth while you’re asleep. Not only can bruxism cause serious discomfort, but it can also result in significant dental damage if it isn’t addressed in time. Fortunately, the team at NU Dental of Barnegat can help you keep your smile safe with a preventive device known as a nightguard. To find out whether a nightguard in Barnegat is right for you, call our office today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose NU Dental of Barnegat for Nightguards for Grinding?
- Expertly Personalized Oral Appliances
- Team That Treats Patients as Individuals
- Welcoming, Modern Dental Office
What’s Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition where you grind and clench your teeth without consciously meaning to. It can happen while you’re awake, but many people experience it while they’re asleep and unable to stop it. Over time, frequent grinding and clenching can gradually wear down the enamel protecting your teeth, leaving them more susceptible to damage. On top of that, bruxism can put a lot of pressure on the jaw joints and ultimately lead to chronic jaw pain.
There’s a good chance that you’re suffering from bruxism if:
- You’ve noticed that your jaw often feels sore when you wake up.
- Your teeth look more worn-down than you remember.
- You’ve been suffering from dull headaches in the morning.
- Your teeth have become unusually sensitive, causing you to experience discomfort whenever you eat something hot or cold.
How Do Nightguards Work?
A nightguard is a type of oral appliance that is meant to be worn when you go to bed. Its main purpose is to prevent the upper and lower arches of teeth from making direct contact with each other while you’re asleep. This can go a long way toward reducing your discomfort while also keeping your smile safe from the long-term consequences of bruxism.
It should be noted that you can often buy nightguards at the store. However, an over-the-counter nightguard won’t be designed for your specific smile; consequently, it may not fit correctly and could even fall out during the night. At our practice, we offer professional nightguards that are designed based on highly accurate impressions of the patient’s mouth. This helps ensure that the final appliance fits as comfortably as possible and offers better protection against bruxism.
The Benefits of Nightguards
By wearing a nightguard for bruxism, you reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your enamel. In the long run, this can significantly decrease your risk of suffering from a cracked or otherwise damaged tooth that might require costly treatment. Furthermore, nightguards can be highly effective for alleviating jaw pain and lowering your chances of developing a TMJ disorder.