Mouth Guard
What is Night Guard?
A night guard, also known as a mouth guard or dental split, is a device made of plastic that covers all or part of the teeth. It is typically worn through the night to prevent you from grinding your teeth while you are sleeping. Generally, soft guards are best avoided. Whilst they stop the teeth meeting, they can actually worsen a patient's teeth grinding. A night guard is often made of dual laminate or plastic whilst an occlusal splint (a much more accurately adjusted appliance) is made from acrylic and more likely to prevent grinding as well as stopping the teeth actually contacting.
Main Reasons to Wear a Nightguard
Prevent the Loss of Enamel
Since teeth grinding happens when you are not in control, the more it happens, the more you subject your teeth to loss of enamel. Enamel erosion causes over-sensitivity. As a result, your mouth may barely stand hot or cold beverages and food. Additionally, without enamel protecting your teeth, your teeth become more susceptible to decay. When the decay continues into the hard enamel of the teeth, you are likely to develop infections.
Prevent Teeth Damage
Teeth grinding also causes damage by fracturing a weak tooth and wearing out any fillings. The surface of the teeth can handle the pressure associated with chewing and biting, but the additional pressure from clenching and grinding is not sustainable. As a result, the tooth fractures or cracks. Besides suffering the excruciating pain that comes with tooth fracture, you will have to make trips to the dentists for treatment. Sometimes the dentist can do a filling but you may end up needing more costly treatment like crowns, root canals or tooth loss. Tooth loss can be fixed through bridges or implants.
Prevents Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw and the skull and affects the muscles you use to chew. As you clench your teeth in your sleep, you apply pressure into the TMJ, which can cause misalignment. When misaligned, you develop TMJ dysfunction. The disorder causes difficulty in chewing, pain around and in your ear, and even headaches. You may also damage the articular disk which is irreparable and can cause disk displacement. This can lead to your jaw unexpectedly locking open or closed which may lead to a trip to the ER. Wearing a nightguard prevents the disorder’s development because it eases any tension you can cause on the muscles.
Prevent Chronic Headaches
Chronic neck aches and headaches are usually the first symptoms of possible bruxism since TMJ dysfunction manifests itself through migraines. The tensed muscles in the neck, shoulders, mouth, and jaw cause headaches. However, before you rush to diagnose yourself as suffering from bruxism, you can check that the headaches are indeed being caused by teeth grinding and clenching. One way is to look at the surface of the teeth; if instead of being pointed, they have flattened, most likely, you grind your teeth in your sleep. Another way is to look for a recession of gum and bone which can happen because of clenching. A custom-made nightguard eliminates headaches because you no longer have to tense up the muscles.
The Types of Night Guards
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Night Guards: This type of night guard can be found in your local drug store or sports supply store. OTC night guards are not known for being made with durable materials, so you can expect them to be cheaper. They are typically made as one-size-fits-all guards or boil-and-bite models.
Custom-Made Night Guards: This type of night guard is oftentimes made in a professional laboratory, tailored fit for the needs of the patient with the use of an impression of their mouth, therefore providing more comfort and durability.
There are three different options for custom-made night guards as well:
Soft: Made for patients who have the tendency to grind their teeth hard, soft night guards are typically made from soft plastic, making them quite flexible as well. The disadvantages of using a soft night guard include the possibility of a shorter lifespan as wearers could have the urge to bite down on its soft texture even more.
Hard: Hard night guards are made of acrylic or tougher plastic, minimizing their flexibility compared to soft ones. These are recommended for patients who tend to grind or clench their teeth harder than usual. A common disadvantage of using hard night guards is the need to redo them if the fit loosens or if the patient has to undergo a procedure that might alter their dental structure.
Dual Laminated: This type of night guard combines both the advantages of soft and hard night guards, as it is made from soft plastic on the inside but protected by an outer shell made of hard acrylic. This combination provides both comfortability and durability for the patient.
Thermoplastic: Thermoplastic night guards are self-adjusting when placed in or rinse with warm or hot water before inserting in the mouth. Once it’s soft and slightly pliable, place it over your teeth so the softened material will mold perfectly to every angle of your teeth. Thermoplastic night guards provide a more comfortable fit because of their unique material composition. These night guards are also MMA-free and are, non-allergenic.
They Are Breathable
Nightguards are specifically designed to be very easy to breathe in. After all, they are frequently used as part of the treatment for sleep apnea. The design of a mouth guard typically keeps your airway open, thanks to how they separate the upper and lower jaws from each other. The result is better breathing at night.
Improve Your Sleep
For many people struggling with bruxism, they may clench their jaw the hardest while they sleep. This can lead to a bad night’s rest and painful symptoms associated with clenching for a long period of time. Wearing a night guard may enable your muscles to relax while you sleep, giving you a better rest.
Reduce Tension
If you experience bruxism, you may feel like your jaw is constantly tense. This makes everyday occurrences such as laughing, talking and even eating painful. Wearing night guard can reduce the tension in your muscles to make sure you can open and close your jaw comfortably.
Prevent Snoring
Individuals who grind their teeth at night may be more likely to snore. Interestingly, there is a common connection between teeth grinding, snoring and sleep apnea. Wearing a mouth guard at night can help relieve muscle tension and breathing issues that can lead to snoring.
They Are Comfortable
When Dr. Sharma suggests that you get a nightguard, he will take the time to get you one that can fit your teeth properly. This ensures a snug and proper fit. The result is not only an increase in effectiveness but also a high level of comfort.
Materials Used in Night Guard
Acrylic Night Guard Material
Hard night guards are prescribed to patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (a dysfunction of the sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull). They are thermoformed of a non-flexible, rigid acrylic material which keeps the splint in place and the teeth in the correct position. Hard night guards offer protection for the most severe cases of teeth clenching and bruxism.
Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Night Guard Material
Soft night guards are the best choice for most mild cases of clenching and bruxism. They are comfortable to wear and effective in treating conditions like jaw pain, soreness and headaches. Soft night guards are usually made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which is considered safe as EVA doesn’t contain phthalates or BPA. EVA is also used to line hybrid night guards
BPA Night Guard Material
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used in the manufacture of hard plastics. According to the ADA, BPA isn’t a primary ingredient in the manufacture of modern dental materials, but it may be present in some dental sealants and composites so read the fine print from your lab.
Phthalates Night Guard Material
Phthalates, often called plasticizers, are a group of chemicals used to make plastic products. The chemical is used to produce a product that is flexible, yet difficult to break. The non-dental concern is that when people consume foods or drink beverages stored in containers containing phthalates, they may ingest phthalate particles.
How Dental Night Guards are Made?
Step 1: Impression Taking. Commercially sold night guards are different from the ones fabricated by the dentist because custom-made night guards are made to fit the patient exactly. This is made possible by taking an impression of the mouth. A negative copy of the upper and lower teeth is taken, so that a plaster cast can be created from it. The cast is also called the model cast or mould and it is used by the dental laboratory to make the custom night guard. Read more on the material here: What Are Night Guards Made Of?
Step 2: Night Guard Fabrication. The dental mould plays a key role in how the night guard is fabricated. The material (soft, dual laminate or hard acrylic) is shaped around the mould to form a perfect-fitting protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. The night guard can be made for either the upper or lower teeth. After the night guard is made, the mould is used to check how the night guard fits and how the bite comes together. Fine adjustments are made if necessary.
Step 3: Delivery. As soon as the night guards have been fabricated, they are delivered to the patients along with proper instructions for wear and care. It comes with a case, where they could be kept whenever they are not worn. It is seldom that some discrepancy will be encountered because the night guards are made from the cast created from the dental impression. They should have a snug and comfortable fit, and should be stable in the arch. It should not rock and it should not press on any part of the mouth to cause pain and discomfort.
How to Wear a Mouthguard?
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Firstly, the fit. Custom-made mouthguards are molded to the shape of your teeth and will improve comfort and protection while sleeping. Choose the right material for your mouthguard. People with severe Bruxism symptoms mostly use a hard guard. However, a soft guard can work just as great. In fact, many of our customers prefer a soft guard with a super relaxed and comfortable fit.
Keep Your Mouthguard Clean
Bacteria can breed on a mouthguard if it is not kept clean, which can cause bad breath. In addition, poor dental hygiene and bacteria can cause tooth decay and cavities. Easily clean your mouthguard each day with a toothbrush and mouthwash. There are also many natural methods for cleaning the mouthguard, such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide!
Positioning the Mouthguard
Knowing how to use a mouth guard for teeth grinding is essential for comfort. Before bed, ensure your mouth and mouthguard are clean to prevent bacteria from growing. Then, position the upper and lower mouthguard individually and use your fingers to correctly adjust the device in your mouth. Press down on the mouthguard with your fingers to ensure it is in the right position. You shouldn’t feel too much pressure on your teeth but fit snugly.
Adjustment Period
We get it. Having a foreign object on your teeth can be strange or irritating at first. It’ll take a few nights to get used to the feeling. Be patient and keep with it - the benefits are worth it! You will find that it will feel like second nature after a few weeks. Reap all the benefits of wearing a mouthguard at night by being consistent and wearing it every night.
A bad fit can result in a variety of side effects. If you’re concerned that your night guard is not fitting correctly, keep an eye out for the following side effects. If you experience one or more of these, it’s time to have your fit reevaluated.
● Night guard falls out, leaving teeth vulnerable
● Night guard irritates or cuts gums, cheeks, or tongue
● Sore and aching teeth
● Extreme jaw soreness or pain
● Shifting teeth
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Night Mouth Guard
Your Size and Jaw Structure
The first thing you need to do is measure your jaw size and shape. This will help determine which type of mouthguard is best for you. There are three different types of mouth guards: full-face, half-face, and bite guards. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages based on your jaw shape and size.
Material and Design
Once you have determined which type of mouthguard fits your needs, the next step is to decide on the material and design. The main material options include plastic, silicone, and silicone rubber. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose one that will fit your lifestyle and dental needs. Some common designs include wraparound guards, mesh guards, adjustable straps, and soft shields.
Protection Against Injury
One of the most important factors when choosing a mouthguard is protection against injury. Make sure to choose one that will fit your sport or activity appropriately as some guards are designed for certain activities while others are not as protective. Also, be sure to read the reviews before purchasing a guard so you can find one with the best safety ratings possible.
Quick Tips for Keeping Your Night Guard Clean
Rinse First Thing in the Morning
Rinse the night guard with warm water as soon as you remove it from your mouth. This will help in removal of debris and loosen any plaque that is stuck to the night guard.
Brush the Night Guard With Your Toothbrush
After the night guard is rinsed, one should brush it with normal toothbrush. Avoid applying toothpaste on the night guard. It might harm the night guard and cause it to wear out more quickly.
Air Dry in a Clean Spot
It’s vital to allow your night guard to dry fully before storing it as to prevent fast bacterial growth. Choose a flat and clean surface to allow your night guard to dry.
Store in a Right Case
When you are not wearing the night guard, it is beneficial that you keep it stored in a case. Lot of people store their night guards in the bathroom, but over time the steam and humidity in the bathroom can damage the guard.
Deep Clean Your Night Guard Weekly
Night guard should be cleaned once a week. There are many ways one can do it. The first is by using an over-the-counter denture cleaner, which can be dissolved in a bowl of water with the night guard inside it. One can also clean the night guard by mixing the mouthwash and water and submerging the night guard in this solution. Let it soak for about 30 minutes and then rinse the night guard and allow it to dry completely. One should never leave the night guard soaking in anything for longer than one hour, as the liquid can damage the material of the night guard.
Factors Influencing Night Guard Lifespan
Material Quality
The quality of the materials used is important. High-quality night guards are more durable and have a longer lifespan.
01
Bruxism Severity
Individuals with severe bruxism may face increased wear and tear on their nightguards due to the intensity of their grinding.
02
Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance will help your night guard last longer. Cleaning on a regular basis prevents bacterial growth and keeps the guard functional.
03
Fit
A well-fitted night guard is less likely to be damaged than an ill-fitting one, which may shift during sleep and become damaged.
04
Usage Frequency
Night guards that are worn every night may wear out faster than those that are only worn occasionally.
05
Your Night Guard Doesn’t Fit Correctly
It’s time for bed and you go to put in your teeth grinding guard only to find it just doesn’t seem to be fitting like it used to. This is a common problem and can be caused by a variety of different reasons. If this is a grinding guard you have had for some time, chances are the guard is weakening and normal wear and tear has taken its toll. In this case, the guard gets weak and no longer retains that snug fitting ability. You will need to get a new mold made of your teeth and have a new guard created.
You Notice Cracks or Tears in Your Teeth Grinding Guard
While the purpose of grinding guards is to withstand nightly grinding, they won’t last forever. Soft grinding guards used by severe grinders are especially prone to breaking and tearing. In these cases, we recommend hard or dual laminate guards. If you notice small tears, cracks or even holes in your nighttime grinding guard, you will need to replace it immediately. Holes and cracks leave the surface of your teeth open to damage from grinding. In addition, if your guard continues to break during your sleep, you risk swallowing or choking on pieces of your guard.
Your Teeth Grinding Guard is Turning a Different Color
As someone that wears a grinding guard, you know how important regular cleaning is. Your mouth is a moist and wet area which, unfortunately, makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. Regular cleaning and drying is essential to remove bacteria and food debris after wearing your guard. This means you need to clean your guard case regularly as well. Improper cleaning can lead to bacteria buildup and can cause discoloration of your night guard. If your nightguard appears yellow or discolored and you are unable to get it clean, it may be time to consider a new night guard.
You Are Waking Up with Sores in Your Mouth
Even if you cannot see any tears or cracks in your guard and it feels like it is fitting correctly, waking up in the morning with mouth sores can be a sign that something is wrong with your guard. Small cracks may be irritating the tissue inside your cheeks. Bacteria trapped inside cracks can be infecting tissue and gums. If you experience regular mouth sores, check with your doctor or dentist and have them check for underlying problems, as well as check your night guard for any possible connection.
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Night Guard
Shenzhen Lucky Dental Laboratory Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional mouth guard manufacturers and suppliers in China since 1998, specialized in providing high quality customized service. We warmly welcome you to buy cheap mouth guard from our factory.