Custom-Made Night Guards to Effectively Treat Bruxism
If you are a chronic teeth grinder, you may benefit from custom-made night guards from our Knoxville practice. These devices will fit comfortably over your teeth, preventing them from touching. In this way, night guards can reduce your risk for enamel erosion, cracked teeth, and other forms of dental damage that stem from bruxism. Although you can purchase premade night guards at the drug store, professionally-made devices from Dr. Stephen K. Malone are far more comfortable and effective. Because premade night guards may be a factor in exacerbating Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems, you owe it to yourself to have Dr. Malone examine you. Not only will you receive the correct diagnosis, you will become aware of dental damage that has already occurred, and be given the opportunity for bite splint therapy that includes a custom made night guard that is best for your situation. Contact our office today to learn more about how a night guard can benefit you.
Do You Need a Night Guard?
Bruxism often results from stress. Although you may clinch your jaw and grind your teeth a little during the day, most grinding takes place while you are asleep. Like many patients, you may not even be aware that you suffer from this condition. If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, you may be a good candidate for a night guard:
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Tooth sensitivity
- Enamel erosion
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Headaches, especially near your temples
- Earaches
- Sores on your tongue or the inside of your mouth
Creating Your Night Guard
Before providing you with a night guard, Dr. Malone will conduct a complete examination and you will discuss your symptoms. In this way, he can properly diagnose your condition and determine the severity of your bruxism. If he determines that you would benefit from one of these devices, he will take pictures and impressions of your teeth. Thanks to these measurements, you will receive a night guard that fits snugly yet comfortably around your teeth.
In addition to your night guard, Dr. Malone may recommend other treatment. For example, crooked and missing teeth are common causes of bruxism. You will often grind your teeth, unconsciously trying to restore proper alignment. In this case, the dentist may recommend Invisalign®, crowns, implant-supported crowns, or other options. Stress management can also help to reduce teeth grinding and muscle tension.
Benefits of Night Guards
Night guards can have tremendous benefits for your overall wellness. If your bruxism is left untreated, it can lead to severe dental damage, and you may eventually require significant restorative treatment. Night guards can also prevent damage to your fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
Although you can find premade night guards at virtually any drug store, professionally made devices are more comfortable and effective. Often, store bought night guards fit uncomfortably, and they can inhibit normal breathing patterns. Although dentist-provided devices will cost a bit more, they are well worth the price. Investing in a night guard now could prevent dental damage, discomfort, and expense in the future.
Receive Your Custom-Made Night Guard
Do not let bruxism compromise your dental health. Contact our office today to get fitted for your custom-made night guard. With an office in Knoxville, we proudly provide a range of dental services to patients from Powell, Karns, Farragut, Seymour, Maryville, Oak Ridge and the surrounding areas.