Soft Night Guard

What is Soft Night Guard?

A soft night guard is made of a soft material - it’s pliable rubber that is more flexible than the other two options. This type of night guard is typically used for people with mild bruxism or for people who clench but don’t grind their teeth. The softer material acts as an effective cushion for the clenching forces of your teeth and is more comfortable than the Hard and the Hybrid, but not as durable.

Benefits of Using a Soft Mouth Guard

Soft Mouth Guards Are More Comfortable in Your Mouth

Soft mouth guards are made from a medical-grade material, as well as containing latex and being BPA-free! Meaning that not only will this mouth guard be more pliable and flexible in your mouth, but the thin material will stop your teeth from clenching without causing you discomfort. Soft mouth guards have been preferred over hard mouth guards as they are more comfortable to use. In addition, having to sleep with a night guard can be uncomfortable at first, and a soft mouth guard can help you get used to the feeling.

Mouth Guards Help Prevent Headaches and Reduce Jaw Pain

The grinding and clenching of teeth can cause you many health issues. Among these problems are things like headaches, muscle fatigue, earaches, and even neck pain. This strain and the damage that occurs from teeth grinding can result in severe complications. Soft mouth guards are ideal in helping you in this manner because they give your jaw a break from all of the tension it typically experiences while preventing further damage from happening because of the materials used to make the soft mouth guard.

No More Snoring

Although it may seem trivial, snoring is something that a lot of people deal with. Soft mouth guards help you to sleep and breathe better and thus reduce or eliminate snoring. When you clench your jaw repeatedly while you sleep, it leads to breathing problems and eventually snoring as a way to get the air your body needs. Soft mouth guards relieve the tension in your jaw, and thus your snoring as well!

Soft Mouth Guards Promote Healthier Sleeping Patterns

Using a soft night guard will alleviate and soothe the tension in your jaw, and this will help you get the rest that you deserve! Mouth guards help reduce the stress in our jaw, relieve the pressure, and guarantee that you get a better and healthier sleeping pattern.

Who Needs a Soft Night Guard?

Teeth Grinding or Clenching: If you wake up with a sore jaw, tooth sensitivity, or notice signs of teeth grinding, such as worn-down teeth or chipped enamel, a soft night guard can provide a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, minimizing the effects of grinding and clenching.

Headaches or Facial Pain: Bruxism can lead to tension headaches and facial pain due to the constant strain on jaw muscles. A soft night guard can help relax the jaw and reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches.

Tension in the Neck and Shoulders: The excessive pressure on the jaw from grinding or clenching can extend to the neck and shoulder muscles, causing tension and discomfort. A soft night guard can help relieve this strain and promote muscle relaxation.

Sleep Disruptions: Bruxism can disrupt your sleep and that of your sleeping partner due to the grinding sounds. A soft night guard acts as a cushion to muffle these noises, allowing both you and your partner to enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.

TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often associated with bruxism. A soft night guard can help alleviate the stress on the TMJ and provide relief from associated symptoms, such as jaw clicking, limited jaw movement, and pain.

Anxiety and Stress: Bruxism is sometimes linked to stress and anxiety. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth during stressful periods, using a soft night guard can help protect your teeth and reduce tension-related bruxism.

Dental Work Protection: If you have dental restorations like dental crowns, dental veneers, or dental implants, a soft night guard can act as a cushion, protecting these dental works from damage caused by grinding or clenching.

How Does a Dental Night Guard Work?

1. Cushioning and Redistribution of Forces

When you grind or clench your teeth during sleep, it can create excessive pressure on your teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles. A night guard acts as a cushion, absorbing and redistributing the forces generated by grinding or clenching. By doing so, it helps to minimize the impact on your teeth and jaw, reducing the potential damage.

2. Tooth Surface Protection

Night guards are typically made of a soft or semi-soft material such as acrylic or silicone. When you wear a night guard, it creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This barrier prevents direct contact between your teeth, minimizing the wear and tear caused by grinding or clenching.

3. Jaw Joint Alignment

Bruxism can sometimes lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, causing jaw pain, headaches, and other discomfort. A night guard helps to position your jaw in a stable and aligned position, reducing the strain on the TMJ and alleviating related symptoms.

4. Muscle Relaxation

Teeth grinding or clenching can strain the muscles of your jaw, face, and neck, leading to muscle tension, pain, and headaches. By providing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, a night guard helps to relax the muscles involved in bruxism. This relaxation can help reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.

5. Protection against Dental Damage

Constant grinding or clenching can lead to various dental problems, such as tooth fractures, enamel erosion, and gum recession. A night guard provides a protective layer that helps to prevent these issues by absorbing the excessive forces and distributing them evenly.

How to Adjust to Wearing a Night Guard?

Materials
You can request that your night guard be made of thinner materials so that the device doesn’t feel as thick and bulky inside of your mouth. That will make it easier to acclimate to as you wear it on a routine basis. If your dentist suggests you buy an over the counter version, you may have fewer options as to thickness and materials from which to choose.

Positioning of the Night Guard
Consult with your dentist about having a guard made for your lower teeth versus the upper. Though most night guards intended to stop bruxism or grinding of the teeth are fitted for the upper teeth, you may want to get a guard that goes on the lower teeth instead. Some patients find one more comfortable than the other and this could play a role in helping you find the one that’s right for you.

Nightly Wear
Placing the night guard in your mouth should be done prior to your bedtime. Putting it in before you get under the covers can give you time to get used to the feeling of the device so it won’t be as distracting to you once your head hits the pillow. When you do this is up to you but anywhere from five to fifteen minutes beforehand should do the trick.

Be Patient
Give it some time, you should get used to wearing your night guard through habitual wear. Most patients find wearing the mouthpiece second nature by thirty days’ time. But you must be diligent about wearing it every night to get fully comfortable with it. Using it periodically won’t be effective for solving your discomfort or your dental symptom for which it was prescribed.

How to Choose Between an Upper or Lower Night Guard?

Upper Night Guard

Reduced Tongue Interference: An upper night guard covers the biting surfaces of the upper teeth, which may allow for more freedom of movement for the tongue. This can be preferred by individuals who feel more comfortable with less interference from the guard on their tongue.

Lesser Salivation Disruption: Some people may experience increased salivation initially when wearing a night guard. An upper night guard may be less likely to trigger excessive salivation compared to a lower night guard.

Lower Night Guard

Less Bulky Sensation: A lower night guard tends to be smaller and less intrusive in the mouth, which can provide a perception of less bulkiness. This may be preferable for individuals who are sensitive to having a larger appliance in their upper arch.

Reduced Gag Reflex: Some individuals may have a more sensitive gag reflex, and wearing a lower night guard may be more comfortable for them as it sits lower in the mouth and may have less impact on triggering the gag reflex.

Issues of Wearing Upper and Lower Night Guards Together

Discomfort and Interference

Wearing two night guards simultaneously can cause discomfort, interfere with proper jaw alignment, and create an unnatural bite relationship. This may lead to additional muscle strain and potentially exacerbate symptoms.

Speech and Breathing Impairment

Wearing two night guards can affect your speech and may interfere with proper breathing during sleep. It can impede the natural movement of your mouth and tongue, leading to difficulties in speaking and potential breathing disturbances.

Ineffective Protection

Wearing two night guards does not necessarily provide double the protection. Properly fitting and custom-made night guards, whether upper or lower, are designed to absorb grinding forces and protect your teeth. Wearing both types may not significantly enhance the level of protection and can be unnecessary.

Choosing The Correct Night Guard Thickness for Teeth Grinding

1.0 Millimeter
The ideal thickness for a teeth-grinding nightguard is between one millimeter and two millimeters, depending on the severity of the condition. Generally, night guards with one millimeter of thickness will work well for people with light or moderate bruxism. Most people fit into this category and therefore 1.0 millimeter is the best thickness for most people. A night guard made of thicker materials may not be appropriate for light to moderate teeth grinding. The 1mm night guard is also thethinnest night guard from Remi. As a result, it’s the least intrusive and the most comfortable option.

1.3 Millimeters
There are many advantages to a 1.3 millimeters night guard thickness, but how does one choose the right one? We offers 1.3 mm custom night guards using BPA-free materials. If you don't wear a night guard regularly, you can cause damage to your teeth by grinding your teeth at bedtime. Bruxism is a serious issue that affects many people, and the condition can lead to major problems down the road. A 1.3 millimeters night guard for teeth grinding can help prevent these problems and save you from more expensive dental work down the line.

2.0 Millimeters
Generally, a 2 millimeters night guard thickness is sufficient for protecting against teeth grinding. While the thicker the night guard, the less comfortable it may be. Additionally, it may prevent the wearer from closing their lips during the night. In addition, thicker night guards can cause occlusal problems, forcing teeth to come apart, which can strain the TMJ.

The 3 Factors Affecting the Durability of Dental Night Guards

The Severity of Teeth Grinding When Sleeping

Because people grind their teeth at various levels, they require different dental night guards to protect them. As a result, you must be sure that the dental night guard you choose is durable enough to withstand the force of your teeth grinding. Otherwise, your dental night guard will soon become obsolete.

Care and Maintenance of Your Dental Night Guard

Unlike removable dental retainers, continual maintenance of your dental night guard is required to ensure its longevity. Please make sure the device is kept in a clean, secure location and that any debris on its surface is removed as soon as possible. Your dental night guard will become a haven for germs and other pathogenic microorganisms if you don’t take appropriate cleaning measures.

Eating or Drinking With Your Dental Night Guard On

People forget to remove their night guard on rare occasions before eating. Although a small number of such occurrences will not cause any problems, continuous eating and drinking will result in the deterioration of your dental night guard’s material and bacterial growth. And, as previously discussed, let us not forget all the germs and microorganisms!

Clean Your Soft Night Guard

01/

Denture Cleaner
You can use an OTC non-abrasive, over-the-counter denture cleaner if your mouth guard needs to be cleaned more thoroughly. OTC denture cleaners typically contain sodium hypochlorite, which is a chemical bleach. It’s safe for your mouth guard and if it’s used per directions.

02/

Case Cleaning
Placing your dental guard in a dirty case defeats the purpose of cleaning your dental guard regularly. You can keep the case clean by washing it with regular dishwashing soap, or castile soap every few days. Don’t use a dishwasher to clean your dental guard or dental guard case. The high heat can cause the plastic to melt or warp. To prevent bacteria growth, let the case dry after washing.

03/

Mouthwash and Water
A mouthwash’s antimicrobial properties can be used to clean your mouth guard. Use alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid any damage. Prepare one cupful of alcohol-free mouthwash and enough water to submerge your dental guard fully. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Remove and rinse with cold water. Then let your mouth guard dry.

04/

Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Instead of using sodium fluoride, brush with a non-abrasive or low-abrasive toothpaste, an ideal night guard cleaner. Avoid using hard brushes as they can cause damage to the mouth guard. It is best to keep a separate toothbrush for this purpose to prevent cross-contamination.

05/

Mild Soap
Use an alcohol-free soap, such as castile soap or dish soap. Brush your mouth guard gently with a toothbrush. Rinse and dry. Avoid using hot water to rinse, as it may cause deformation.

06/

Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
For 30 minutes, soak your mouth guard in a cup of white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then immerse it in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide acts as an oral disinfectant. It can remove more buildup than either denture cleaners or mouthwashes.

Signs That Your Night Guard Needs to be Replaced

A night guard protects your teeth; however, as with any regular-use item, it can break down over time and require a replacement. Here are signs that you should be aware of indicating that it may be time to replace your night guard:

Uncomfortable Material

If the material of your night guard has become too hard or uncomfortable to wear, it could indicate that it is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.

Cracks or Damage

When you notice visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or damages, it’s clear that your night guard is losing its effectiveness. It would help to consider getting a new one to protect your teeth.

Poor Fit and Pain

A night guard should fit comfortably without causing any discomfort or pain. If your night guard no longer fits properly or is causing pain, this should not be ignored. A poorly fitting night guard can cause additional problems, so it might be time to get a new one.

Discoloration and Cleanliness Issues

If your night guard has become discolored or difficult to clean, this indicates that it is worn out and should be replaced. A clean, clear night guard is essential not just for your teeth health but for your overall health as well.

Ultimate FAQ Guide to Soft Night Guard

Q: Which is better soft or hard night guard?

A: Night guards must be hard. Hard night guards allow the lower teeth to slide around freely when the lower jaw is in motion. The problem with soft night guards, commonly found at local drug stores, is that they exacerbate bruxism because the jaws naturally want to chew soft things.

Q: How long does a soft night guard last?

A: Soft guards are made primarily from EVA plastic, which is why they have such a soft texture as compared with other harder night guard materials. This type of night guard often needs to be replaced every six months or so before it wears down or breaks.

Q: What's the difference between a night guard and a mouthguard?

A: While both of these oral appliances protect your teeth, they do so in different ways. A sports guard or mouth guard protects your smile while playing contact sports. A night guard stops you from grinding or clenching teeth while you sleep.

Q: Is a thin or thick night guard better?

A: A thicker night guard will provide more protection but may be less comfortable. A thinner night guard will be more comfortable but may not provide as much protection. You will also want to consider how often you grind your teeth. If you only grind your teeth occasionally, a thinner nightguard may be sufficient.

Q: Can a hard night guard shift your teeth?

A: Everyone's mouth and teeth configurations are different, so there's no guarantee that a one-size-fits-all guard will actually fit your mouth correctly. Many people turn to these hard night guards because they are inexpensive, but they can cause problems, including tooth damage and teeth shifting with consistent use.

Q: Can I wear a night guard every night?

A: It's essential to wear a nightguard every night when sleeping, especially if you have average to severe bruxism.

Q: Do I need to clean my night guard every night?

A: Make a habit of deep cleaning your night guard as least once a month. This can be done several ways. The first is by using an over-the-counter nonabrasive denture cleaner. Simply place your night guard in a glass or bowl with water and allow the cleaner to dissolve completely into the water.

Q: Do teeth hurt after night guard?

A: If you do experience pain or your mouth is hurting after wearing a night guard, this could be a poorly fitted dental night guard side effect. The device may be too large or too small and is not providing the adequate protection that you desire and need.

Q: Do night guards stop teeth clenching?

A: They work by creating a synthetic barrier between the teeth so they no longer touch one another and cannot grind or clench. While people will mimic the movements, the teeth cannot wear each other down, helping prevent the issues caused by grinding and clenching.

Q: Can I get a night guard without dentist?

A: To prevent tooth grinding and subsequent damage during your sleep, a night guard can be worn. While there are night guards available over-the-counter, it is recommended to get a custom night guard from a dental clinic, as these two types of night guards are very different from one another.

Q: Do night guards feel tight at first?

A: When the night guard is first put on, it will of course feel tight and a little unusual but don't worry, this is normal. As time passes by, you'll soon get used to how the night guard feels in bed until you eventually can sleep without even knowing it's there.

Q: Why can't I close my mouth with a night guard?

A: This is caused by improperly fitted night guards. Even very subtle discomfort can cause someone to take it out during their sleep. Adjustments to the fit can help solve this issue so that the wearer sleeps through the night without removing the device.

Q: Should night guards be on top or bottom teeth?

A: Choosing between an upper or a lower night guard largely comes down to personal preference. As long as there's a layer of material between your teeth, whether on top or bottom, you're well protected from the forces of grinding and clenching.

Q: Should night guard touch all teeth?

A: If your front teeth touch the night guard when your lower jaw slides forward, and the back teeth don't touch the night guard, that is known as an anterior platform. If the platform is small, this may be difficult to see and if you are not sure if you can feel it, you can also check that with paper.

Q: Why do my teeth feel weird after sleeping with a night guard?

A: When it doesn't fit properly or when it's not of sufficient quality, you may experience discomfort. Shifting teeth: It could just be that your teeth are shifting or your jaw is misaligned. Even if we created a custom night guard for you, we may need to discuss a new fit to accommodate your current needs.

Q: Why is my night guard so tight?

A: When you first put it on, the night guard may feel tight, but it needs to fit securely to stay on your teeth without being held in place with assistance from your jaw. The snug fit will keep the custom night guard in place so that it does not fall out during the night.

Q: What are the disadvantages of night guard teeth?

A: Nevertheless, even if you are an adult, the mouthguard can wear down over time and become less effective. Or the wear may cause it to fit less comfortably than before. As with the other cons, however, there is a simple solution.

Q: What happens if I don't wear my night guard for one night?

A: Not wearing your night guard means no relief of symptoms. You will experience the same headaches and facial pain, and could even end up with some of the worst symptoms on the list such as broken teeth and fillings.

Q: Can I brush my night guard with toothpaste?

A: After rinsing, give your night guard a light brushing with your normal toothbrush, which should have soft or very-soft bristles. We recommend not cleaning with toothpaste. Toothpaste is too abrasive and can damage the material, causing your night guard to wear out more quickly than it should.

Q: Can you drink water with a night guard in?

A: Yes, you can drink water while wearing the mouthguard. But it is important to brush and floss your teeth before wearing them. It will help to eradicate the bacteria and leftover food bits accumulated between the teeth, reducing mouthguard staining and decay.

Q: Why is my night guard turning black?

A: Generally, discoloration on your night guard indicates poor oral hygiene. It may show that you do not clean your teeth properly before using the protective device. Alternatively, it may suggest you neglect cleaning your guard correctly each day.

Q: Why are night guards so uncomfortable?

A: Once you locate where the discomfort is coming from, you should follow these steps to ensure your mouthguard is not too tight. A commonplace for pressure is felt on the front of your teeth where the edge of your mouthguard is.

Q: Does night guard make bite feel weird?

A: It is normal for your bite to feel a little different in the morning after wearing the night guard, and it should adjust back to normal shortly after removing the guard.

Q: How do I know if I need a night guard?

A: If you have noticed wear and tear on your teeth, are experiencing any symptoms that you suspect might be from clenching or grinding, or if your spouse complains of the noise you make when you grind your teeth while sleeping, don't be surprised if we tell you a nightguard is in order.

Shenzhen Lucky Dental Laboratory Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional soft night guard manufacturers and suppliers in China since 1998, specialized in providing high quality customized service. We warmly welcome you to buy cheap soft night guard from our factory.

Strong Front Tooth Implant, Aesthetic Dental PFM Co Cr Crowns Bridge, Dental Porcelain Fused To White Gold Bridge