Custom-Fit Nightguard Lets You Sleep Like a Baby

by | Jul 12, 2022 | General Dentistry

Custom-fit nightguard to the rescue

Stop Teeth Grinding and Sleep Better With a Custom-Fit Nightguard

The value of a good night’s rest is something that can’t be understated. It’s not just about sleeping a full seven to eight hours either. If the quality of your sleep is poor, it doesn’t really matter how long you sleep; you’re still going to feel groggy and fatigued throughout your day.

There’s a long list of reasons why the sleep you’re getting might not be the quality sleep you need, but the most interesting reason in dentistry is bruxism. This condition is tricky because you may very well be sleeping through the night if you have it, but it can still affect your quality of rest.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this issue: a custom-fit nightguard. If you’re interested in learning more about how this simple device can transform your sleep and change your life, read on for all you need to know.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that causes unconscious clenching, grinding, and gnashing of the teeth. It can occur while you’re awake; in this case, it’s known as “awake bruxism,” and it’s usually in the form of teeth clenching.

In contrast, “sleep bruxism” has been connected to sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated stopping and starting of breathing. This disorder comes with potentially serious risks and can have a detrimental effect on the sufferer’s quality of sleep.

For more details on bruxism with illuminating visuals, check out our educational video page.

How Do I Know If I Have Bruxism?

Diagnosing bruxism is tricky. Some people with sleep bruxism grind their teeth loud enough for a partner to hear — but if you’re primarily clenching your teeth or if you sleep alone, you should look out for the following signs that could indicate you suffer from this condition:

  • Unexplained damage to teeth
  • Pain or soreness in your face, neck, or jaw
  • Locked jaw
  • Tightness in jaw muscles
  • Earache without any ear-related issues
  • Worn-down tooth enamel
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Tooth pain
  • Chewed up soft tissue in the mouth
  • Disrupted sleep

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should speak with your dentist to find out whether you suffer from bruxism.

How to Treat Bruxism

One of the best ways to treat bruxism is with the help of a custom-fit nightguard. A nightguard is essentially a mouth guard — like the kind athletes wear during contact sports.

But unlike an athletic mouth guard, a nightguard is intended to be worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. Your nightguard should allow you to get a good night’s rest.

Nightguards are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably and protect your teeth effectively. The process starts with creating custom digital impressions using our Primescan intraoral scanner.

Primescan provides a high level of detail in your digital impressions and, therefore, a more accurate nightguard. It also doesn’t require you to put any goop in your mouth, like some other methods do.

The Benefits of a Custom-Fit Nightguard

Below are just a few of the many reasons why using a custom-fit nightguard may be the best solution for clenched teeth and teeth grinding.

Protecting Your Teeth

All that clenching and grinding can result in tooth damage that’s not only painful but also potentially expensive to fix. Keeping your teeth and your wallet safe is as simple as getting a custom-fit nightguard.

Reducing Pain in Your Jaw

Clenching your jaw all night long can result in weakness, soreness, and pain in your jaw throughout the day. It can also cause a TMJ disorder, which is its own headache — both literally and metaphorically. Nightguards can reduce the amount of tension your jaw endures so that it no longer bothers you all day long.

Preventing Snoring

Your custom-fit nightguard will keep your jaw in the proper position so that you can breathe normally throughout the night. This means you won’t be snoring up a storm and driving your partner crazy. It can also prevent mild cases of sleep apnea.

Helping You Get a Good Night’s Sleep

All of the commotion bruxism causes with your jaw throughout the night lowers the quality of your sleep and can leave you feeling groggy, tired, and unfocused all day long. A custom-fit nightguard can help you get the restorative sleep you’re looking for.

In Need of a Nightguard?

If you suffer from bruxism and need a Granite City, IL, dentist to help you find a solution, Metro East Dental Care can help. Call today or go online to schedule your appointment.