Night Guards Fort Pierce, 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 Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce 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) 232-7073 to schedule an appointment.
Mouth Guards vs. Night Guards
Many patients wonder about the difference between mouth guards and night guards. These devices indeed serve a similar purpose. Mouthguards protect teeth during physical activities like football or boxing. Dentists often recommend mouthguards to athletes and active adults.
Night guards protect against bruxism, or grinding and clenching the teeth during sleep. Nighttime teeth grinding can cause severe dental damage. Over time, grinding one's teeth can destroy the enamel and trigger gum erosion. Without treatment, the damage can progress, and some patients may need dental surgery. Night guards can help protect bruxism patients from permanent dental damage.
How Often to Wear Your Night Guard
It is vital to wear a night guard consistently to protect against tooth damage. Wearing a night guard on an irregular schedule offers minimal protection. Most patients can expect to wear their devices every night.
Night Guards and Braces
Even patients with braces can still benefit from a night guard. Modern night guards fit over braces and other dental appliances. Our team creates a custom-fitted night guard that works alongside any other dental treatments.
“Night guards can help protect bruxism patients from permanent dental damage.”
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.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Night Guards in Fort Pierce, FL
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. What conditions can night guards treat?
Q. How can I care for my mouth guard?
People Also Ask
Q. Who is a good candidate for a mouth guard?
Q. What makes custom-fitted mouthguards better?
Q. What sorts of trauma can necessitate tooth extraction?
Q. What are some differences between dental providers?
Caring for a Night Guard
Night guards are an integral part of one's oral health regimen. They require the proper care and respect to last as long as possible. Neglecting night guards can cause bacteria to multiply, causing bad breath or infection. As such, proper care is necessary.
Fortunately, cleaning one's night guard is quick and easy. Patients have many options — toothpaste, soap and water, mouthwash, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are all sufficient ways of cleaning a night guard. It is also important to soak the night guard whenever it is not in use during the day.
“Neglecting night guards can cause bacteria to multiply, causing bad breath or infection.”
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. Fort Pierce Smiles 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.
Scan here to view this page, Night Guards, on mobile
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 Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce help you choose a night guard. Call us at 772-232-7073 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
- Fort Pierce Smiles was established in 2023.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Care Credit, Sun Bit, iCreditWorks, and In house financing
- We serve patients from the following counties: St. Lucie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, White City, Fort Pierce North, St Lucie, Okeechobee, Hutchinson Island, and Vero Beach
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Fort Pierce Smiles on mobile
Back to top of Night Guards
Related Posts
4 Reasons To Seek Out An Emergency Dentistry Office
Emergency dentistry can provide dental care during unexpected dental crises. Unfortunately, not all dentists can provide care at any time. That is why some people try to restore their own dental health at home. But the healthiest way to resolve a dental problem is to seek professional care.If patients want to know why they should…
Why You Should Go To An Emergency Dentistry Office To Treat A Tooth Injury
After experiencing a tooth injury, you have a better chance of saving your tooth if you go to an emergency dentistry office as soon as possible. Even if the tooth is knocked out, attempt to locate and bring along any tooth fragments. You are probably in a lot of pain if you have had a…
How Restorative Treatments Are Used By An Emergency Dentistry Office
Restorative treatments encompass a broad range of dental procedures designed to help patients recover oral health and self-esteem via improved aesthetics. Patients who have suffered oral damage due to tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma might benefit from restorative therapy. Visiting the emergency dentistry office as soon as possible is advisable to restore oral health…
Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care
Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Read on to learn more. Regular dental care can prevent emergency dental treatment. Unfortunately, dental emergencies do happen unexpectedly, even if you brush and floss regularly. In such cases, it is a great idea to visit an emergency dentist immediately.Many people do not know whether their dental…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Fort Pierce Smiles on mobile