A night guard is a special plastic cover that you wear over your teeth while you sleep. It creates a soft cushion between your upper and lower teeth to stop them from rubbing together. By using one, you can protect your tooth enamel, stop jaw pain, and prevent expensive dental repairs in the future. Finding a professional dental clinic near you is the best way to get a guard that fits perfectly and feels comfortable.
Do Night Guards Prevent Teeth Grinding?
Many people ask, “Do night guards prevent teeth grinding, or do they just protect the teeth?” While the guard may not stop your jaw from grinding at night, it will protect your teeth. Your teeth will not wear themselves down; instead, they will wear against the hard plastic of the guard. This prevents wear and tear on your natural teeth from chipping, cracking, or shortening over time.
Ending Morning Headaches and Jaw Pain
When you grind your teeth at night, this tires your facial and neck muscles. This is the reason why many people find that they wake up with a sore jaw or a headache that won’t go away. A mouth guard enables calming of these muscles by positioning the jaw in a natural state. Since the pressure is off your joints, you can wake up every morning with ease and pain-free.
Why Custom Guards Are Better Than Store-Bought
| Feature | Store-Bought Guards | Professional Custom Guards |
| Comfort | Can feel bulky or loose | Fits perfectly to your teeth |
| Staying Power | May fall out at night | Stays securely in place |
| Material | Thicker, softer plastic | Thin, strong, medical-grade |
| Speech | Hard to talk with it in | Easy to speak clearly |
How Long Should You Wear Your Guard?
If you are wondering how long should you wear a night guard, the answer is every single night. Teeth grinding usually happens every time you sleep, so consistency is very important. Most people take about a week to get used to the feeling of the device in their mouth. Once you make it a habit, you will likely find that you cannot sleep comfortably without it because of the relief it provides.
Saving Money on Future Dental Work
Repairing teeth that have been ground down can be very expensive. Grinding can break fillings, crack crowns, and damage the work done by a dental clinic in Leduc. A night guard is a small investment that protects all your other dental work. It is much cheaper to buy a guard now than it is to pay for root canals or new crowns later because a tooth snapped under pressure.
When Is It Time for a New Guard?
Just like a pair of shoes, these devices eventually wear out from daily use. Knowing when should you replace a night guard depends on how hard you grind. Usually, a high-quality guard lasts between one and three years. You should look for small cracks, holes, or a change in how it fits. If it feels loose or looks yellow and stained, it is time to get a fresh one.
Finding a Guard That Fits Your Life
Getting a custom guard is a very easy process. A dentist will take a quick mould of your teeth to ensure the guard is thin and easy to wear. If you search for night guards near you, you can find a professional who will make sure the plastic doesn’t irritate your gums. A good fit is the difference between a guard that sits in your drawer and one that actually protects your smile.
Better Sleep for a Better Day
When your mouth is relaxed, you often sleep much more deeply. You won’t be waking up from the sound of your own teeth grinding or the pain of a clenched jaw. Using night guards in Leduc can even help your partner sleep better if your grinding is loud enough for them to hear. It is a simple tool that leads to a much better quality of life.
A Simple Step for a Healthier Smile
Putting on a night guard is one of the easiest things you can do to maintain a beautiful smile for life. It prevents pain, saves you money, and protects your natural teeth from damage.
At Suntree Dental, we make sure you are comfortable and assist you in achieving a restful sleep. Our bespoke guard is designed to fit great while performing perfectly for your specifications. It is totally customizable.
Come see us and take this step toward a healthier, happier mouth!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children wear night guards?
Children’s mouths change and grow very quickly, so they usually don’t wear the same type of guards as adults. If a child grinds their teeth, a dentist will monitor them closely and only recommend a guard if it is absolutely necessary for their adult teeth.
How do I keep my night guard clean?
You should wash your guard with cool water and a little bit of mild soap every morning. Do not use hot water because it can melt the plastic and change its shape. Store it in a clean, dry case when you aren’t wearing it.
Will a night guard make me drool?
It is normal to have a little extra saliva when you first start wearing a guard because your brain thinks it is food. This usually stops after a few nights once your mouth gets used to the feeling of the device.
Can I wear my guard during the day?
Most people only need them at night, but if you find yourself clenching your teeth while driving or working at a computer, you can wear them during the day. It is a safe way to protect your teeth whenever you feel stressed.
