Many people hear from their dentists that they are clenching or grinding their teeth. This subconscious habit that usually occurs during sleep can cause extensive damage to the teeth and gums, which is expensive to repair. The good news is that most of the damage is preventable.
If your dentist sees evidence of clenching or grinding, you should seriously consider wearing a professional night guard. These custom-fitted dental appliances protect your teeth and gums from the damage that clenching or grinding causes.
Protect Against Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth are difficult to both diagnose and treat. They typically cause pain during chewing and sensitivity to cold. It is possible to crack a tooth by biting into a hard object, but most commonly, the cause of cracked teeth is the continual stress of clenching or grinding.
A professional night guard protects your teeth against cracking in a variety of ways. Covering the teeth provides a splinting effect. Placing a physical barrier between the teeth prevents the tight, puzzle-piece-type interlocking of the upper and lower teeth that can produce heavy forces. The thickness of this physical barrier also prevents the muscles of the face and jaws from fully contracting, thus reducing the amount of force applied to the teeth.
Protect Against Gum Recession
Gum recession is a very common problem with a variety of causes. One of those causes is heavy clenching or grinding. The forces of bruxism (the scientific term for clenching and/or grinding) put stress on the tissues surrounding the teeth, as well as the teeth themselves. The gum tissue response to these heavy forces is often to pull back toward the root or “recede”, leading to gum recession.
Wearing a nightguard protects against gum recession by reducing the total amount of force applied to the teeth and redistributing the forces among all of the teeth. This redistribution is important to protect teeth that may have heavier bite forces than other teeth from developing disproportionate gum recession.
Protect Against Flattened, Shortened Teeth
Sometimes, a dentist can tell that someone clenches or grinds his teeth at first glance due to the noticeable shortening and flattening of the front teeth. This is a process known as attrition. Attrition occurs slowly over time, and the damage it causes is both difficult and expensive to repair.
Attrition makes you look much older than you really are. Not only do the flattened, shortened teeth appear old. The shortening of the teeth causes a vertical collapse of the face, leading to more lines and wrinkles.
By wearing a nightguard to physically protect the teeth, you can preserve their length and contour, even under the most persistent clenching or grinding.
Protect Existing Dental Work
Many people do not realize that clenching or grinding isn’t just a threat to the teeth and gums. It can also damage your existing dental work. The heavy forces of clenching or grinding can cause fillings and crowns to crack or break. Some people have fillings or crowns that completely debond or dislodge from the tooth. The most frustrating damage to dental work is cracking or chipping of porcelain veneers on your front teeth. This obvious and unattractive damage requires immediate attention and expensive repair.
You can protect your existing dental work in the same way you protect your teeth and gums. Wearing a night guard on a consistent basis prevents chipping and breaking fillings, crowns, and veneers. The cost of a nightguard is far less than the expense of replacing even a single veneer, so it is a worthwhile investment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Night Guards and Teeth Grinding
How can I tell if I’m clenching or grinding my teeth at night?
Many people are unaware they clench or grind until a dentist notices telltale signs during a routine exam, such as flattened or chipped teeth, excess jaw muscle tension, or uneven wear patterns on tooth enamel. You might also wake up with a sore jaw, dull headaches, or increased tooth sensitivity. A dental exam is the most reliable way to confirm bruxism and determine whether a night guard is recommended.
What is the difference between a custom night guard and an over-the-counter mouth guard?
An over-the-counter guard is a one-size-fits-all product that can feel bulky, shift out of place, or wear through quickly. A custom night guard is fabricated from an impression or digital scan of your own teeth, so it fits precisely, distributes biting forces evenly across your arch, and is made from durable material designed to hold up to nightly use.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth altogether?
A night guard is designed primarily to protect your teeth, gums, and existing dental work from the forces of clenching and grinding rather than to eliminate the habit itself. Some patients do notice reduced muscle tension while wearing one, but the appliance’s main benefit is preventing the physical damage bruxism can cause over time.
How long does a custom night guard typically last?
With consistent nightly wear and proper care, most custom night guards last several years before they need to be replaced. How long yours lasts depends on the material, the strength of your bite forces, and how well you clean and store it. Your dentist can check the fit and condition of your night guard at routine visits and let you know when it is time for a replacement.
Is it normal for a night guard to feel uncomfortable at first?
A short adjustment period is common as your mouth gets used to wearing an appliance while you sleep. A well-fitted custom night guard should feel snug but not painful, and any rough spots or pressure points can usually be smoothed out at a quick follow-up visit. If discomfort does not improve after a week or two of consistent use, let your dental team know so the fit can be adjusted.
More Questions About Night Guards? Call Rockland Dental Today!
Call Rockland Dental Specialists today (845) 259-2500 or contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our dental experts. We can answer any questions you have about clenching and grinding or night guards to protect yourself against the damage those habits cause. We love helping our patients take preventive measures to protect their teeth and gums.
