Night Guards in Rittman, OH

Night guards are removable dental appliances worn over teeth while sleeping. They serve both functional and cosmetic purposes. 

What Is a Dental Night Guard? 

A night guard, or occlusal guard, is a plastic custom oral appliance that is worn to guard the rows of teeth against wear and damage. While it may not sound very appealing to wear something to bed every night, it is well worth the effort! Here are a few benefits of having a night guard: 

Protects the teeth from bruxism or the grinding of teeth during sleep. If left untreated, wearing down of the teeth can lead to fractures in the enamel that will eventually lead to tooth loss. Wearing a night guard at night will help protect your teeth from this damaging habit. 

Protects against TMJ disorders. Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD, is a condition where the hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones is slightly misaligned, causing pain in and around the jaw joint as well as headaches that can make it difficult to wake up in the morning. If you suffer from these symptoms, our dentist in Rittman, OH may suggest a night guard as a treatment option. 

Prevents snoring or sleep apnea. Snoring is the condition where you make loud, breathing-based noises while you sleep due to partial obstruction of your airway. This is commonly caused by nasal congestion, obesity, or enlarged tonsils. Snoring can also be caused by the action of grinding your teeth in your sleep – which a night guard can help with as well! 

Helps you rest better through the night. Many patients find that wearing a night guard helps them sleep better through the night. This is because the soft plastic material of the night guard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent grinding from occurring. This, in turn, prevents you from waking up with sore jaws in the morning as you toss and turn throughout the night. 

Types of Night Guards 

There are different types of night guards that serve different purposes. A custom night guard is generally the most recommended type because it fits snugly onto your teeth and is designed by your dentist to perfectly fit your mouth. 

Other types of night guards include boil-and-bite guards, stock mouth guards, and vacuum-formed guards. These types of night guards are cheaper alternatives that can be bought over the counter or directly from dentists. However, they’re often uncomfortable to wear because they are generic and not made for your unique mouth shape. Custom night guards are a better investment because they last longer and are more comfortable for nighttime wear. 

To learn more about our dental services, call us at (330) 925-2986 or visit our dental office located at 314 N Main St, Rittman, OH 44270.