Don’t Let Teeth Grinding Age Your Smile
Premature wear of the teeth considerably ages one’s smile. When the teeth don’t fit together properly, we often see recession of the gums, exposed root surfaces, and chipped or broken teeth. You may even notice that they seem to be getting shorter. There are some options to prevent damage to your teeth. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist discusses the importance of wearing a night guard to protect your mouth from premature wear and damage when you are sleeping.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard typically is a hard piece of plastic that fits over the top or bottom teeth to protect from aggressive clenching or grinding forces. They are custom-made to fit your unique dentition. Once your night guard arrives from the lab, it is carefully adjusted to be sure it is comfortable. We also align it perfectly with your bite so that your teeth have a more comfortable and even resting position. This often reduces the amount of force you are placing on your teeth which often results in less jaw pain and fatigue.
Other Options to Prevent Tooth Damage
While a night guard protects your teeth at night, you may still be damaging them during the day. If your bruxism is caused by misaligned teeth or a bad bite, the best solution for overall long-term health may be orthodontics or clear aligners like Invisalign. When the teeth do not line up properly it causes a dysfunction in the jaw joint which often leads to teeth grinding. By placing your teeth and jaw in a more harmonious position, you can alleviate this issue. Once you have an ideal occlusion, retainers or a night guard can work to protect teeth and prevent shifting. If you have sleep apnea, a night guard may not work for you. Speak with us to discuss other devices that may fit you better.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
Don’t ignore teeth grinding and allow damage to steal youth from your smile. To find out more ways to protect your teeth from premature wear, call our dental office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234.