Night Guards Port St. Lucie, FL
Tooth grinding can trigger jaw pain and restless slumber. A night guard can help if you struggle to stop grinding or clenching your teeth. Customized night guards adapt to your dental needs and mouth shape. Night guards gently cushion your jaws during sleep and prevent dental damage.
Dental night guards are available at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie and the surrounding area. Each custom-fitted mouth protector is designed to ease bruxism symptoms, a condition that results from tooth grinding. Over time, bruxism can lead to chipped teeth and jaw misalignment. Night guards help prevent these troublesome dental problems. Call us at (772) 242-4124 to schedule an appointment.
Night Guards vs. Mouth Guards
Though night guards and mouth guards both serve similar purposes, each still have several distinct purposes and reasons for use. Mouth guards protect the teeth during physical activity (e.g., sports), usually during the day. As such, they are usually recommended for athletes and otherwise active patients.
In contrast, night guards protect the teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep. This condition is also known as sleep bruxism, and can cause severe damage to the teeth. If left untreated, it can even lead to loss of tooth structure, gum recession, and facial changes. Fortunately, night guards can help.
It is essential for patients to wear both forms of this appliance regularly and as directed. Otherwise, they run the risk of unnecessary orofacial trauma and damage to the teeth. Most patients with night guards must wear them nightly. Patients with braces may also benefit from mouth guards for sports or night guards during sleep.
“…night guards are designed to protect the teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep.”
Conditions Treated by Night Guards
Bruxism
Bruxism is a common condition that causes the patient to unconsciously clench or grind their teeth. It often occurs during the night when the patient is asleep. Thus, it is not uncommon for patients to be unaware they have the condition at all.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 8% of adults and between 14% to 20% of children under age 11 suffer from sleep bruxism. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to severe dental issues. Night guards provide extra cushioning to prevent any chips in the teeth and protect the enamel of the teeth from the effects of jaw clenching.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes the patient's breathing to periodically stop and start during their sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Obstructive sleep apnea can occur due to misplacement of the tongue and jaw blocking the airway. Night guards can help realign the jaw, thus preventing certain sleep apnea symptoms and any potentially severe complications.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull. It exists on either side of the head in front of the ears, and it enables the jaw to open and close. Disorders of the TMJ joint may cause facial pain, difficulty moving the joint, and tenderness at the joint.
Night guards can help the jaw muscles sit more naturally while sleeping, thus reducing any excess strain. This may help reduce any painful symptoms of TMJ disorder. There are several different types of night guards for TMJ, including stabilization or flat plane splints, modified Hawley splints, nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression systems (NTI-tss), and repositioning splints.
“Night guards provide extra cushioning to prevent any chips and protect the enamel of the teeth from the effects of jaw clenching.”
Benefits of a Night Guard
Clenching and grinding can destroy the tooth enamel. Patients may be at a higher risk for cavities, tooth sensitivity, or gum erosion during their lifetime. People with bruxism can also develop unsightly chipped teeth or muscle tension.
These symptoms can lead to cosmetic dental issues and have a significant impact on the quality of life. Many people who grind their teeth report headaches, neck pain, and restless sleep. Night guards may allow affected individuals to sleep more soundly.
“Night guards may allow affected individuals to sleep more soundly.”
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Choosing a Night Guard
Night guards are available over-the-counter. While these options can be cost-effective, they may not deliver results. Premade night guards don't always fit properly, and they can be uncomfortable. Over-the-counter night guards are also less durable.
Custom-fitted night guards are built to last, and they adapt to the patient's unique needs. Custom night guards can even adapt to braces or other dental appliances. These devices work alongside existing dental or orthodontic treatments.
Modern night guards are made from translucent acrylic, and they are designed to be discreet. There is no need to be self-conscious about a clunky or unattractive appliance. Patients can choose the material for their devices. Our team creates each custom night guard to each patient's specifications.
“Custom-fitted night guards are built to last, and they adapt to the patient’s unique needs.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are some benefits of a night guard?
Q. Why should I choose a custom-fitted night guard?
Q. How do I take care of my night guard?
Q. What is the difference between mouth guards and night guards?
Q. What conditions can night guards treat?
People Also Ask
Q. Who is a good candidate for a mouth guard?
Q. What makes custom-fitted mouthguards better?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. What are some differences between dental providers?
Caring for Your Night Guard
Taking care of one's teeth allows the night guard to provide optimal protection. Patients should make sure to brush and floss before inserting the device. They should also take care to clean it before and after each use.
Begin by rinsing the night guard with clean water. Then brush the device using your toothbrush and toothpaste. Once the night guard is in place, patients should not consume anything except plain water. They should also try not to expose the night guard to heat, either. Hot water or direct sunlight can warp the material.
Contact our team if the device gets lost or becomes damaged. Using a damaged or poorly fitted device can risk your oral health. We can arrange for a replacement night guard.
“Patients should make sure to brush and floss before inserting the device.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to wear a night guard on both the upper and lower teeth?
A. No. Many patients choose to wear a night guard only on the upper teeth. St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can help you determine which is the best fit for you during a one-on-one consultation.
Q. How long will my night guard last?
A. The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Night guards can typically last anywhere from six months to a few years. Patients with minor teeth grinding can typically expect their night guards to last longer.
Q. Do I need to take impressions for both the upper and lower teeth?
A. Yes. This allows us to ensure the most comfortable fit for your night guard. To best protect your teeth, we must account for how they naturally come together.
Q. Do night guards cure bruxism?
A. No. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for bruxism. However, night guards can protect the teeth against its effects.
Q. How can I tell if I have bruxism?
A. It can be difficult to tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep, especially if you live alone. However, there are some telltale signs. These include waking up with headaches, dull tension headaches, chipped or loose teeth, increased tooth pain and sensitivity, and more. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, let your dentist know immediately.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Millions of Americans struggle with tooth grinding and clenching. These problems can lead to jaw pain, tooth misalignment, and restless slumber. A customized night guard protects your teeth and helps you enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Do not let conditions like bruxism destroy your oral health. Let St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie help you choose a night guard. Call us at 772-242-4124 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: St. Lucie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Port St. Lucie, River Park, White City, Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, St Lucie West, Tradition, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Stuart
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