St. Lawrence Dentistry is deeply committed to preserving your dental health and enhancing your smile’s beauty.
Many patients face the effects of teeth grinding, known medically as “bruxism”. This involuntary habit can lead to severe dental issues, including tooth loss, dental abfraction, tooth mobility, and recession of the gum line. But fear not—there’s a reliable solution in the form of night guards.
The Consequences of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can exert excessive force on your teeth and the supporting structures. Over time, this can cause:
- Tooth Loss: Continuous grinding can weaken teeth and lead to premature loss.
- Dental Abfraction: involves notches or lesions forming at the gum line due to mechanical stress on the teeth.
- Mobility of Teeth: The intense pressure can loosen teeth.
- Gum Recession: Grinding can push the gums away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth and leading to sensitivity.
How a Night Guard Helps
A night guard is a protective appliance worn during sleep to prevent the surfaces of your teeth from grinding together. It acts as a barrier to absorb and redistribute the pressure from grinding or clenching. Here are some key benefits:
- Prevents Damage: By cushioning your teeth, a night guard prevents chips, cracks, and wear.
- Reduces Strain: It helps distribute the clenching force and reduces strain on the jaw and supporting structures.
- Promotes Jaw Relaxation: Wearing a night guard can help relax the jaw muscles, reducing the risk of pain and temporomandibular joint problems.
Choosing the Right Night Guard: Hard vs. Thermoplastic
When selecting a night guard, you have options, mainly between hard and thermoplastic types:
- Hard Night Guards: Typically made from acrylic, these are durable and offer strong resistance against grinding. They are usually more suitable for severe grinders.
- Thermoplastic Night Guards: These become flexible when heated and are generally more comfortable and accessible to get used to.
Upper vs. Lower Arch
While we can make night guards to sit on either for upper or lower teeth, those for the upper arch are more common. Here’s why:
- Comfort and Adjustment: Many find upper guards to be more comfortable and more accessible to adjust to.
- Effectiveness: Upper guards are effective in providing a barrier and tend not to affect speech or cause gagging.
- Preference and Specific Needs: The choice may also depend on individual preferences and specific dental conditions.
Simplified Process with Trios Digital Scanner
At St. Lawrence Dentistry, we have perfected making custom night guards using the Trios digital scanner. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to take precise digital impressions of your teeth swiftly and comfortably without traditional molds. The digital approach ensures a perfect fit and a quicker turnaround, all for your comfort and convenience.
Meet Our Team
Under the expert care of Dr. Hawryluk and Dr. Mastropole, who have 20 years of experience in dentistry, our team at St. Lawrence Dentistry is ready to assist you with all your dental needs. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a custom night guard, we are here to ensure the best care for your dental health.
Conclusion
If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth or have noticed any of the symptoms mentioned, please get in touch with us at St. Lawrence Dentistry. Investing in a night guard is a small step that can yield significant protective benefits for your teeth and oral health. Let us help you keep that smile bright and healthy for years!
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