Can Wearing an Oral Appliance (Night Guard) Help with Bruxism?

Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Aliso Viejo Area

Bruxism is an unconscious grinding and clenching of teeth, usually as you sleep. Uncontrolled bruxism can lead to damaged teeth, jaw and facial pain, morning headaches and daytime fatigue due to getting poor quality sleep. For many people, wearing an oral appliance for teeth grinding can help resolve bruxism issues. At Advanced Dental, Dr. Chithra Tiruveedula and our team, joined by Dr. Joseph C. Yang, a talented board-certified periodontist, customize bruxism night guards for your personal use. A custom night guard can protect your teeth and restore the quality of your sleep.

Here’s what you should know about night guards for teeth grinding:

What is a night guard? How is it used?

A night guard is an oral appliance you can wear over your teeth to keep them from grinding as you sleep. Although generic night guards are readily available, we can have this device custom-made just for you. A custom night guard will fit more comfortably over your teeth and work better at minimizing teeth clenching and grinding due to its precise fit. A night guard offers a safe, affordable, convenient means of managing bruxism symptoms and safeguarding your smile.

Do I have to wear my night guard every night?

For optimal results, we encourage our patients to wear their night guards every night. These devices are portable and compact enough to take with you when you travel. They’re easy to adapt to and convenient to use. You’ll find the benefits far outweigh any reservations you may have about this bruxism treatment.

How do I care for a night guard?

Keep your appliance clean by brushing it gently with non-abrasive toothpaste daily and rinsing with warm water. Only wear the night guard over clean teeth to avoid staining the appliance with food and debris. When not in use, store your night guard in a safe, clean container to protect it from accidental loss or damage. In the event of damage, have your oral appliance replaced without delay. With proper care, a custom-fitted nightguard can last several years.

Are night guards a cure for bruxism?

No, night guards don’t cure bruxism. They help control teeth clenching and grinding to minimize bruxism symptoms and improve the quality of your sleep.

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New Patients: (949) 289-9993 | Existing Patients: (949) 362-8523

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What are the benefits of wearing a night guard for teeth grinding?

A night guard keeps your top and bottom teeth from meeting and grinding while you sleep. This prevents undue wear and tear on your teeth and protects existing dental work like fillings, crowns and veneers. Uncontrolled bruxism can cause tension headaches, jaw pain, facial pain and even lead to TMJ issues. You can avoid these and other bruxism symptoms by wearing a night guard when you sleep. By keeping you from grinding your teeth, a night guard can also contribute to better quality sleep.