Dental Nightguards Brookline, MA
A mouthguard is an umbrella term that includes both nightguards and sport guards. Sport guards are custom-fit appliances that are worn during athletic activity to reduce the risk of concussion and protect the teeth from trauma (displacement, avulsion, fracture, and nerve damage).
A nightguard is an appliance worn at night that helps prevent damage to the teeth in someone with a nocturnal (nighttime) clenching or grinding habit. Some designs can lessen the forces exerted by the jaws during grinding and clenching and may help alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
At Coolidge Corner Dental, we make both custom nightguards and sports mouthguards. Contact our office today to learn more or schedule an appointment with our Brookline dentist Dr. Sam Ustayev.
Bruxism and Nightguards
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, refers to excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw, usually occurring when one sleeps. If you wake up with jaw pain, tension headaches, or facial pain, you may be suffering from bruxism. Some people aren’t even aware they are grinding or clenching their teeth at night, until a visit to us reveals significant tooth enamel loss or damage to restorations.
Tension, stress, and anxiety experienced during the daytime can carry over to an individual’s sleep and lead the person to grind his or her teeth together or clench the teeth unknowingly. Regardless of the cause, however, frequent clenching and grinding wears down the chewing surfaces of the teeth, reduces tooth enamel, and can result in a cracked or chipped tooth, crown, or filling.
Custom-fabricated nightguards from our Brookline, MA dentist are a non-invasive and effective solution for bruxism and the tooth enamel damage it can cause. Nightguards are created by first taking an impression of the bottom and top rows of teeth, then crafted to fit your mouth exactly. The result is a nightguard that is flexible, comfortable, and personalized to your mouth.
Taking Care of Your Nightguard
Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your nightguard by keeping it clean and storing it properly. You should also know when to replace your old nightguard with a new one.
Here are a few simple ways to keep your nightguard clean and working correctly:
- Gently scrub your nightguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Store your nightguard in a protective case.
- Do not soak it in hot water; it may warp the material and change the shape.
- Replace your nightguard if you notice it has become worn and/or no longer fits properly.
- Do not chew on or cut pieces off of it.
- Bring your nightguard to each dental checkup, and Dr. Ustayev can check to make sure it's still in good shape.
