Many people think that bruxism, or grinding your teeth, is just a harmless habit. However, it can actually cause serious problems if left untreated. One of the most effective solutions for managing this issue is a Custom mouth guard for teeth grinding. Bruxism treatment typically focuses on protecting the teeth and jaw from damage caused by grinding, which can lead to major long-term issues such as tooth wear, cracks, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), facial pain, and even persistent headaches.
To address these problems, people often use either over-the-counter mouthguards or professionally made custom-made dental splints, also known as dental night guards. These two types of mouthguards differ significantly in terms of fit and effectiveness, so understanding these differences is essential for proper TMJ protection and maintaining overall oral health.
What is a mouth guard made just for you?
A bespoke mouth guard is a piece of equipment that people wear while they sleep to keep their teeth safe from the damage that grinding may cause. A custom mouth guard is made just for you and fits the shape of your mouth perfectly after a thorough dental exam and impression. This is different from generic mouth guards.
On the other hand, a lot of people choose over-the-counter mouthguards since they are cheap and easy to find. But these store-bought guards don’t often protect as well as specialized mouth guards do.
What you should know about over-the-counter mouthguards and their limits
Most mouthguards that you can buy without a prescription are comprised of soft materials like silicone or thermoplastics. These may be shaped roughly to fit the user’s teeth when heated. But this procedure can’t get the exact fit that your teeth and jaw need to be safe.
These soft guards are made to be flexible so that they may fit different mouth shapes, however this flexibility can be a problem. They don’t give the teeth and jaw enough support, which could make bruxism worse or cause new problems.
Pros and Cons of Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
Pros:
Easy to get and not too expensive.
Cons:
Not a good fit and no specialized occlusal support.
Risk of malocclusion because teeth are moving.
Do not stop grinding and may make jaw clenching worse.
Quick wear and tear makes it less effective.
There is no professional monitoring for harm.
Not properly stabilizing the jaw could impair TMJ health.
Why Pick a Custom Mouth Guard?
Custom mouth guards are made from tough, hard acrylic or resin that is just the right amount hard to protect your teeth by wearing down instead of your enamel. Your dentist makes molds of your bite and jaw alignment, and each guard is made to fit perfectly.
A custom mouth guard has many benefits:
- Fits perfectly to your individual bite.
- Less likely to have a bad bite or malocclusion.
- Durability that lasts a long time.
- Protects natural teeth by absorbing grinding pressures.
- Could make grinding less intense.
- Professional checks and changes.
- Keeps the jaw joint stable to safeguard the TMJ.
Even if it doesn’t halt the grinding, a tailored mouth guard is the best way to lessen the bad effects of bruxism.
Custom Mouth Guard vs. Dental Night Guard
People often use the words “dental night guard” and “custom mouth guard” to mean the same thing. Both are professionally constructed splints that keep your teeth safe while you sleep. Buying a bespoke mouth guard is a proactive step in treating bruxism that will keep your teeth healthy for a long time.
What Could Happen If You Don’t Use a Custom Mouth Guard
Chronic grinding without protection might lead to:
Severe loss of enamel
Teeth getting shorter and cracking
More discomfort and sensitivity in the teeth
These kinds of damage usually can’t be fixed and may need costly surgeries like crowns or implants to fix. A personalized mouth guard helps protect your natural teeth by absorbing the forces from grinding.
How to Tell whether You Need a Custom Mouth Guard
Here are several signs that you might need a personalized mouth guard.
- Indentations on the inside of your cheeks.
- Chewing surfaces that are flat or smooth.
- Yellow dentin showing on the front teeth.
Bruxism Treatment: Lifestyle Tips
Along with using a bespoke mouth guard, try following practices to help with bruxism:
Deep breathing techniques can help your jaw muscles relax.
Exercises to open your jaw to balance muscular strength.
Use warm compresses before bed to relax.
In conclusion, a custom mouth guard will keep your teeth safe.
A mouth guard won’t stop bruxism, but it can help a lot with the damage it causes. Over-the-counter mouthguards may seem like a good idea, but their downsides are worse than their benefits. Talk to your dentist about getting a tailored mouth guard for safe and effective protection.
