Our Services / Night Guard

What is a night guard?

A night guard is an oral appliance that prevents your upper and lower teeth from grating against one another. Most night guards fit over your upper or lower arch, custom-designed to mold to the shape of your teeth. With a custom-made nightguard, you can protect your teeth and enjoy a more comfortable night’s sleep.

What can a night guard treat?

Nightguards primarily treat two types of dental conditions:

Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, occurs when the upper and lower teeth rub against each other. While you may grind your teeth during the day, the condition typically worsens at night. Since you can’t control grinding while you sleep, a night guard provides a barrier to prevent tooth erosion. A night guard can simultaneously prevent tooth damage and relieve bruxism-related pain.

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) refers to conditions that affect the joints connecting your jawbone to the skull. The temporomandibular joints are sliding-hinge joints that allow you to chew, speak, and move your jaw comfortably. Any condition that damages the joints, or the muscles that support them, can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

How do I know if I need a night guard?

At Thrive Dental, your dentist performs regular dental exams and X-rays to determine whether you have bruxism or TMJ. You may also experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Toothaches
• Pain when chewing
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Gum pain
• Tooth erosion

Over time, bruxism and TMJ tend to worsen. A night guard can help treat existing symptoms and prevent new ones from developing.

Are there different types of night guard?

Thrive Dental offers two main types of night guards:

Soft night guard

Made from a soft, pliable, rubber-like material, soft night guards can help prevent tooth erosion and improve comfort in individuals with mild to moderate cases of bruxism and TMJ.

Hard night guard

A hard night guard feels less flexible than softer options. While less pliable, a hard night guard is also more effective at preventing tooth erosion in moderate to severe cases of bruxism.

To learn more about night guards, call Thrive Dental or schedule an appointment online today.