If you have sleep apnea, TMJ, or you wake up with headaches, you may want to visit your dentist in Raleigh, NC to get a nighttime mouth guard. Night guards can protect your teeth from enamel erosion, lessen pain, and improve breathing while you sleep.
What Are the Benefits of Custom Night Guards?
A customized mouth guard has a much better fit than over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards. When your guard fits your teeth well, it provides better protection from nighttime grinding and generally feels more comfortable in your mouth. A guard with a comfortable fit will encourage you to wear the guard regularly, which will benefit your dental health in the long run.
Another important benefit of a customized guard is the longer lifespan of the device. Guards crafted in a dental lab are made with more durable materials, so they are more resistant to wear, tear, and warping.
How Do You Know You Need a Mouth Guard?
You may need a mouth guard if you have bruxism that is causing severe headaches in the morning, causing damage to your back molars, or contributing to jaw pain. Some people with sleep apnea or chronic snoring also use a guard to reposition the jaw during sleep to improve breathing.
What Is the Process for Creating Custom Guards in Raleigh, NC?
Customizing your mouth guards can typically be done in a couple of visits to your dentist. First, you will need to schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss why you need a mouth guard, such as waking up with headaches. After your consultation, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a mold that will be used by a dental lab to fabricate your customized guard.
It may take about two or three weeks for a dental lab to make your guard. Once your dentist has received the guard, you will return for a visit to ensure the device fits properly. If your dentist determines the guard needs adjustments to fit comfortably, you may have to come back for another visit after the guard has been adjusted. If everything looks good, you can use your guard right away.
How to Care for Your Guard
It’s crucial to take good care of your mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage from dental decay. You should always make sure to brush your teeth before placing the guard in your mouth overnight so that you do not trap bacteria against your tooth enamel. After you take your guard out in the morning, you can sanitize it in a special cleanser or with hydrogen peroxide, mild soap, or baking soda.
After your guard has been cleaned, you should always store it securely in a protective case to air dry during the day. You should always rinse the guard with tepid water before use. It’s best to avoid exposing the guard to very cold or hot temperatures.
A customized guard can improve your dental health, particularly if you are experiencing significant pain after sleeping. Book a consultation at Rebecca E Reeves DMD, PA in Raleigh, NC.