NIGHTGUARDS In Ventura

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NIGHT GUARD FOR TEETH

If you’ve ever experienced unexplained morning headaches or jaw pain, there’s a good chance you might be dealing with bruxism. According to the American Dental Association, 15 out of every 100 adults grapple with bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth clenching and grinding. This phenomenon can occur at any time, particularly during stressful situations and while sleeping. Regrettably, bruxism can lead to abnormal tooth wear, as well as cracks and fractures. It’s also associated with jaw pain, sleep disturbances, and headaches. Our Ventura dentist will promptly identify this issue during an examination and recommend the use of a teeth night guard.

content Menu

1. WHAT ARE NIGHTGUARDS?

2. HOW ARE NIGHTGUARDS MADE?

3. HOW NIGHTGUARDS WORK

content Menu

1. WHAT ARE NIGHTGUARDS?

2. HOW ARE NIGHTGUARDS MADE?

3. HOW NIGHTGUARDS WORK

4. THE BENEFITS OF A NIGHTGUARD

1. WHAT ARE NIGHTGUARDS?

A nightguard, which is also referred to as a bite guard, occlusal guard, or splint device, is a protective dental appliance placed over the teeth. It’s essential to understand that these guards are not designed to stop teeth clenching or grinding. Instead, when clenching occurs, the dental night guard for teeth serves to ease tension and provide a cushion for the jaw muscles. This cushioning effect is not only beneficial for preventing headaches, facial pain, and jaw discomfort but also for safeguarding tooth enamel.

Besides wearing a custom-made night guard for teeth during the night, your dentist can offer additional recommendations to minimize the frequency and intensity of teeth clenching and grinding. This may involve moderating the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, reducing or eliminating tobacco use, especially prior to bedtime, and engaging in relaxing activities such as taking a warm bath, practicing yoga, or listening to calming music before going to bed.

1. WHAT ARE NIGHTGUARDS?

A night guard for teeth, also known as a bite, occlusal guard, or splint device, is placed over the teeth for protection. These guards are not designed to prevent people from clenching or grinding their teeth. When you clench your jaw, the dental night guard will help relieve the tension and cushion the jaw muscles.

This cushioning not only helps prevent head, face, and jaw pain but it will also protect the tooth enamel. In addition to wearing a customized night guard for teeth at night, your dentist can also make some recommendations that can help reduce the frequency and intensity of clenching and grinding of the teeth. This may include limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, reducing or eliminating tobacco use, especially just before bedtime, and engaging in relaxing activities such as a warm bath, yoga, or listening to soft music before retiring.

2. HOW ARE NIGHTGUARDS MADE?

Night guard for teeth are usually made of plastic; they are designed to be worn over the upper or lower teeth, most commonly over the upper teeth. A model of your mouth will be needed, as these guards are custom designed for you in a dental lab. Models will be made in the office with our dentists in Ventura. They are made in a way that allows you to breathe easily and speak normally.

They are designed to be comfortable on the teeth. Water may be imbibed while wearing them, but you should avoid sugary foods and drinks to keep the guards clean and prevent bacteria buildup on the teeth during sleep.

3. HOW NIGHTGUARDS WORK

The American Association of Orthodontists explains that just before reaching deep sleep, different reasons cause breathing pauses, especially our tongue or the position we adopt. They can pause or even block our breathing.. In these cases,the brain orders the jaw to act, tighten, and grind to keep the airways open and to be able to breathe. This allows us to continue breathing but prevents us from going into a deep sleep. Generally, this is reflected in our mental and physical health.

A nightguard:

A night guard for teeth protects the teeth since the force exerted by the jaw is such that it could fracture them. However, in addition to this protection, the most important thing is to understand and eliminate the causes that provoke sleep disturbance.

A nightguard:

There are also other reasons for teeth clenching. As mentioned before, it usually occurs when we are in high-stress situations. By using nightguards and treating the cause of the stress, we will prevent damage to the teeth.

2. HOW ARE NIGHTGUARDS MADE?

Nightguards are typically crafted from plastic materials and are designed to fit comfortably over either the upper or lower teeth, with upper teeth being the more common choice. Customized nightguards are created using a model of your mouth, and our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will produce these models in their offices.

These nightguards are carefully designed to ensure easy breathing and normal speech while wearing them. Their comfort is a key feature. You can consume water while wearing them, but it’s recommended to avoid sugary foods and beverages to maintain the cleanliness of the guards and prevent the buildup of bacteria on your teeth during sleep.

3. HOW NIGHTGUARDS WORK

The American Association of Orthodontists clarifies that, right before entering a deep slumber, various factors can trigger interruptions in our breathing, often related to the positioning of our tongue or our sleep posture. These interruptions may temporarily pause or obstruct our breathing. In such instances, the brain signals the jaw to engage, clench, and grind as a mechanism to maintain open airways and ensure continued respiration. While this adaptation enables us to keep breathing, it hinders us from achieving a profound state of sleep. This, in turn, can impact both our mental and physical well-being.

A nightguard:

In addition to its role as a protective barrier for the teeth against potential fractures caused by the formidable jaw force, a nightguard underscores the importance of comprehending and eradicating the triggers behind sleep disruptions.

A nightguard:

Teeth clenching can be provoked by various factors, with heightened stress levels being a prominent factor. The implementation of nightguards, along with an emphasis on resolving stress-related issues, stands as a protective measure to prevent dental damage.

4. THE BENEFITS OF A NIGHTGUARD

Wearing a well-fitting, custom-fitted nightguard can help protect your teeth, sleep well, and avoid headaches and jaw pain in the morning. Bruxism is, in fact, one of the principal causes of endodontics, as the wear on the tooth gets to the point where the deeper tissues are exposed. This will cause sensitivity and pain, plus it will be difficult to restore with resins as these restorations do not last.

Nightguards are less expensive than crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, extractions, and root canals that are sometimes necessary to repair teeth that have been worn down or damaged by clenching and grinding. Our dentists in Ventura may recommend that you start wearing one for a few hours while you are awake, so you can get used to the sensation before sleeping with it. If well cared for, nightguards can last up to ten years, making them a very worthwhile investment.

4. THE BENEFITS OF A NIGHTGUARD

Wearing a well-fitting, custom-fitted nightguard can help protect your teeth, sleep well, and avoid headaches and jaw pain in the morning. Bruxism is, in fact, one of the principal causes of endodontics, as the wear on the tooth gets to the point where the deeper tissues are exposed. This will cause sensitivity and pain, plus it will be difficult to restore with resins as these restorations do not last.

Nightguards offer a cost-effective alternative compared to the higher expenses associated with dental procedures like crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, extractions, and root canals, which may be needed to address teeth damaged from clenching and grinding. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme may recommend a gradual adjustment by starting with a few hours of wear while awake, allowing you to become comfortable before using them during sleep.

With proper upkeep, nightguards can provide protection for up to ten years, proving to be a highly valuable and budget-friendly investment:

Rinse:

Before and after each use, it’s important to rinse your mouthguard with cold water or mouthwash, and if you prefer, you can clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap.

Place:

For storage or when you’re traveling, it’s advisable to keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated container with perforations to ensure air circulation and safeguard it from potential damage. If your mouthguard is made of acrylic, store it in fresh, clean water.

Protect:

Protect your nightguard from extreme temperatures, including hot water, heated surfaces, or direct sunlight, to prevent any distortion.

Check:

Regularly check your mouthguard for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any holes, tears, discomfort, or a loose fit, it’s advisable to seek a replacement.

Bring:

Remember to bring your mouthguard with you to your regular dental check-ups for assessment.

4. How to have an invisalign aligner?

Invisalign aligners are a completely digital system, so at the first appointment, impressions of the upper and lower teeth will be accurately taken. Alternatively, by scanning your teeth three-dimensionally using special software, advanced computer-assisted 3D technology will transform the impressions of your mouth into a series of clear, removable, custom-made retainers.

After a thorough analysis of the final position, and movement and adjustments to be made, the treatment is approved. Depending upon the approved plan, you will start receiving about 12 to 48 different aligners in total.

On the second visit, you will receive your aligners to wear one pair for approximately 2 weeks, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush and floss. For check-ups, you will need to visit us once a month or every 2 months; we will give you new retainers at each appointment.

To care for your nightguard you should:

Rinse

your mouthguard with cold water or mouthwash before and after each use or clean it with mild soap and a toothbrush.
Place

the mouthguard in a firm, perforated container for storage or transport. This allows air circulation and helps prevent damage. If the mouthguard is acrylic, store it in fresh, clean water.
Protect

the nightguard from high temperatures – such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight – to prevent warping.
Check

the mouthguard for general wear from time to time. If you find holes or tears or if it loosens or causes discomfort, it should be replaced.

· Bring the mouthguard to each periodic visit to the dentist for examination.

5. Contact Us

Our specialists at Channel Islands Family Dental seek to restore your smile to its natural appearance and will determine the best treatment for your case.

If you have any questions about this or other topics, you contact us at Channel Islands Family Dental, as well as on our Facebook page. At Channel Islands Family Dental we will be attentive to your visit and make a timely diagnosis. Besides, our dentists in Ventura will guide you to the best treatment to give you back your best smile.