What’s a Night Guard?
A night guard is a type of mouthguard commonly used for patients who suffer from bruxism, dental clenching, or grinding. Bruxism often occurs in the early stages of sleep, causing excessive damage to the teeth. It can also happen during waking hours; however, they stop easily once the patient becomes aware of it.
Who Needs a Night Guard?
People who suffer from bruxism are advised to use a night guard. Bruxism is a serious condition that can cause significant harm to teeth over time. That’s why we recommend night guards as a preventive measure to help avoid extensive dental treatment in the future.
The Good News
The good news is that at York Orthodontics, we provide custom dental night guards for free! So, don’t hesitate—reach out to us here for a free consultation and quote.
Different Types of Night Guards
You may be surprised to learn that there are different types of night guards. Therefore, it’s important to consider certain factors when choosing the right one. You should look at aspects such as the severity of your symptoms, the materials used in night guards, and more. However, your dentist or orthodontist is the best person to guide you in selecting the most suitable type. Here are different types:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Night Guard:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Night Guard: You can easily find these at local pharmacies or sporting goods stores. Since they are not made of durable materials, they are inexpensive. They typically come in boil-and-bite models or a one-size-fits-all design.
Custom Dental Night Guard
Custom Dental Night Guard: This type is made in a professional laboratory and tailored to fit the specific needs of each patient. They’re made using an impression of the patient’s mouth, providing superior comfort and durability. Custom-made night guards are also divided into four main categories:
Soft
They’re typically made from soft plastic and are ideal for individuals who grind their teeth. The disadvantages of this type is its relatively short lifespan, as wearers may be tempted to bite down on the soft texture even more.
Hard
This type is made of acrylic or tougher plastic, making it less flexible than soft ones. It’s ideal for patients who grind their teeth heavily. A drawback is that it may need to be replaced if it doesn’t fit properly or if a patient undergoes a procedure that may cause changes to their dental structure.
Dual Laminated
This night guard has the best of both soft and hard types. It is soft on the inside for comfort, but it has a hard acrylic shell on the outside for protection. This mix gives the patient both comfort and strength.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic night guards soften when rinsed with warm water, allowing them to adjust and mold perfectly to your teeth for a comfortable fit. They are made from materials that are free of MMA and are non-allergenic.
The Price of Night Guards at York Orthodontics
The good news is that we provide night guards for Free at York Orthodontics. For more information and to book your Free consultation, please feel free to reach out to us.
FAQ
To clean your night guard, rinse it with lukewarm water after each use. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently scrub it, and let it air dry completely before storing it in a case. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the material.
A night guard is designed to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep, while a retainer is used to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. In the debate of night guard vs. retainer, the key difference lies in their purpose: night guards prevent damage from grinding, while retainers keep teeth from shifting.
If it’s fitted correctly, it will not harm the bite and can actually add comfort to the teeth.
