Many patients are surprised to find out how useful a night guard can be in bettering their overall dental health. A night guard is very similar to a mouthguard in that it is designed as a plastic retainer that fits securely over your teeth. We provide TMJ night guards in Towson, MD, for your teeth and jaw.
Patients who grind their teeth at night will benefit from using a night guard because the oral appliance will protect their teeth from unnecessary damage. Patients who suffer from some TMJ disorders also benefit from wearing a night guard. Wearing the appliance at night is a TMJ treatment that reduces muscle tension and pressure on the jaw joints. Many patients wake up without headaches or jaw pain because they wear a night guard.
Custom Night Guards in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson provide treatment with night guards in our Towson, MD dentist office. Our dentists have seen firsthand how this conservative dental treatment can benefit many patients. From helping patients stop grinding their teeth at night to giving patients relief from their jaw pain, night guards are a multifunctional oral appliance.
Our office doesn’t recommend store-bought night guards because they can damage your teeth. Since these guards are one size fits all, they can make your teeth shift out of alignment. Custom-made night guards from a dentist are custom-made to fit perfectly over your teeth. Our custom night guards fit right and won’t increase the risk of grinding from poor materials. We use hard acrylic to create our night guards so you won’t bite on it during sleep.
To get a night guard, one of our dentist’s will first need to examine your mouth. He or she may measure your bite to see which teeth exert more pressure than others. Then, we’ll dental impressions of your teeth. We send your impressions to a local dental lab, which will use them to create custom-fit trays.
Once your night guard is complete, you’ll return to our office. We’ll ensure your guard fits perfectly against your teeth for maximum protection. Our office will also give you specific instructions on how to care for it. The better you care for your custom night guard, the longer it will last.
How to Maintain and Clean a TMJ Night Guard
Keeping your TMJ night guard clean will avoid bad smells or bacteria buildup. After you take out your night guard in the morning, rinse it with cool water to wash away saliva and debris. Use a soft toothbrush and mild, clear soap to gently brush your night guard. Don’t use toothpaste because it can be too rough and scratch the plastic.
You can also soak your night guard a few times a week in a denture or mouthguard cleaner to help keep it fresh. Always let your night guard air dry before putting it back in its case to prevent bacteria from growing. Keep your night guard in a clean, dry case when you are not using it. Don’t leave it out where pets can get it or in hot places like your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read some answers to commonly asked questions about night guards in our Towson, MD office.
How do night guards help with TMJ disorders?
With TMJ disorders, the joints that you use to chew and speak are becoming inflamed due to unnecessary tension and pressure. This often occurs when a patient experiences high levels of stress and clenches their jaw together in their sleep as a response. A night guard helps your jaw to relax in a healthy position. You can wake up with a fully rested and calmed jaw joint if you have a properly fitted night guard.
Will the night guard be comfortable enough to let me sleep?
Yes, your night guard will be comfortable. The great thing about getting a custom night guard rather than over-the-counter solutions is that we’ll personalize your custom night guard to you. Our office will ensures a snug and secure fit that shouldn’t get in the way of you getting a good night’s rest.
Can night guards damage teeth?
In general, a night guard should not cause damage to teeth. However, you should only use a night guard properly and follow our dentist’s instructions for its care and use. Your night guard may cause discomfort or irritation to the gums and teeth if it doesn’t fit properly or isn’t worn as directed.
Clean your night guard every day to prevent bacteria buildup that could cause damage to your teeth or gums. If you experience any discomfort or irritation while wearing a night guard, contact our dentist. We may need to readjust your appliance.
Do night guards give you cavities?
No, a night guard would cause cavities on its own. But if you don’t care for your night guard, or it doesn’t fit right, you may be at risk of developing cavities. Food and bacteria can stick under the guard, leading to plaque buildup. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist will help keep your oral hygiene in check. We’ll recommend that you regularly clean and soak your night guard to keep it fresh and clean.
Can a night guard cause sleep apnea?
Yes, a night guard can cause sleep apnea. Studies have shown that wearing an ill-fitting night guard or one that does not properly support the upper and lower teeth can pressurize the airway, leading to breathing difficulty during sleep. The situation is worse if the patient already has existing obstructive sleep apnea. We ensure the proper fitting of the night guard when using it to prevent bruxism.
Do you need a prescription for a TMJ night guard?
No. Over-the-counter night guards are sold in stores, but they may not fit well or help with TMJ pain as much as a custom-made one. We recommend that you contact our office if you have signs of TMJ so we can provide a custom night guard.
Request a Consultation for a Night Guard in Towson, MD
Do you need custom night guard? Are you curious to know if a night guard can resolve one or more of your dental concerns? Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson have been providing comprehensive dental services for patients in the Towson area for over 40 years. We hope you will consider scheduling an appointment with our excellent dental care team today. You can also call our office at (410) 514-6553.