Do you suffer from frequent headaches in the middle of the night or have difficulty sleeping due to jaw pain? You may suffer from bruxism, the medical term for grinding your teeth. Many people clench their teeth in their sleep, resulting in pain and discomfort.
To help reduce your symptoms of bruxism and restore your sleep schedule, a night guard may be needed. If left untreated, you could damage your teeth as a result of the grinding. To ensure the safety of your teeth, contact our dentists in Scottsdale, AZ, at Advanced Dentistry so that we can provide the care you need for optimal oral health.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental device that serves to prevent your teeth from grinding together. Closely resembling a mouth guard, night guards differ in that they are custom-made to fit your mouth specifically.
While it is true that you can buy guards over the counter, they are not nearly as effective as prescribed night guards. On the contrary, store-bought guards are made of rubbery compounds that actually cause you to grind your teeth even more.
With our night guards, you can look forward to comfort and effectiveness in the protection of your teeth. Our dentists near you will make a mold of your teeth and send it to a technician who will custom craft your night guard.
The Dangers of Bruxism
Consistent grinding can lead to all kinds of concerns. Over time, the enamel on your teeth wears down, causing your teeth to become thin and weak. Thus, it will be more susceptible to breaking. Cracks can form in your teeth, resulting in tooth loss.
Your gums are likely to be affected, as well. Persistent grinding and clenching can cause your gum tissue to recede around your teeth. If this is allowed to continue for too long, you may need advanced dental care to treat your damaged teeth.
Depending on the condition of your teeth, dental crowns may be able to restore their form and function. More severe cases, however, may require a root canal or a complete extraction. At this point, partials, full dentures, or dental implants may be needed to restore your teeth.
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation for custom made night guards near you.