Posted by Northtowne Dental on Mar 7 2019, 05:13 AM
A lot happens in your mouth at night. If you’re like many Americans, you grind or clench your teeth, which can cause problems, not just in the mouth. Bruxism, the official name for involuntary teeth clenching or grinding, affects 10% of adults and 15% of kids, according to the American Sleep Association. You may not know you’re doing this, but your partner might hear it at night, and your dentist surely can see the results. While you may not be able to stop the underlying bruxism, as it often happens at night when you’re sleeping, you can get a night guard, a custom bruxism appliance, to alleviate the negative side effects of the clenching and grinding.
What is a night guard?
A night guard, or bruxism appliance, is a transparent, thin device you wear over the biting surface of your teeth, when sleeping. It prevents your top and bottom teeth from touching. Dental offices like Northtowne Dental, make them for patients frequently. They are custom-molded to your teeth, so they fit in your mouth without being bulky or uncomfortable.
What health issues does a night guard prevent?
While night guards are available over the counter, the ones made in dental offices are higher quality, custom fit and usually more comfortable and durable and more effective in alleviating the symptoms of bruxism. They are made after taking an impression of your teeth, and sending that mold to a special laboratory, resulting in a custom appliance.
If you have any of the issues mentioned here, or just need a regular maintenance and cleaning visit, contact your Albuquerque dentist, Dr. Armijo at Northtowne Dental. We can help you determine if a night guard for bruxism is right for you!
-The Northtowne Dental Team <3
5900 Cubero Drive NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 797-1000
MON - TUE 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
WED 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
THU 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
FRI By appointments only.
SAT - SUN Closed