Bite Guards
Will bite guards be right for you? Do you wake in the morning plagued by headaches, fatigue, and an aching jaw? Does your partner complain about the grinding noises you make while you sleep? There’s a chance you’re one of the many people suffering from bruxism, a condition characterized by the unconscious clenching of jaws or grinding of teeth, particularly during slumber.
Bruxism can do more than cause you pain and keep your sleeping partner awake at night. Over time, it can lead to wear of tooth surfaces and even cracked or chipped teeth, not to mention further issues like tooth decay. You can take immediate action to counteract bruxism by visiting Fioritto Family Dental for diagnosis and treatment.
We’ll not only treat cracks, chips, and damage to bite surfaces resulting from bruxism, but we’ll also fit you with a custom bite guard to prevent further damage, alleviate pain, and ensure more restful night’s sleep. What are bite guards and how do they work?
What is a Bite Guard?
A bite guard is a dental appliance made from one of several materials, including thermoplastics, polyurethane, and acrylic, just for example. Bite guards can be soft, hard, or a combination of the two (soft on the inside, rigid on the outer surface).
Soft bite guards are typically used for minor cases and tend to be the most comfortable option, but they won’t stand up to significant pressure or wear. Hard bite guards are rigid and durable. These are suitable for severe cases of clenching and grinding and they may help to alleviate symptoms of TMJ. Unfortunately, they can be more difficult to adapt to wearing, as they are typically thicker and more robust.
Dual laminate night guards (soft and hard) offer a happy medium suitable for significant clenching or grinding, but not as potentially uncomfortable as hard bite guards. Our dentists will make a recommendation on the type of bite guard best suited to your needs, based on symptoms or evidence of damage resulting from bruxism.
In order to create your bite guard, we’ll take impressions during your dental visit and have a custom appliance created in the lab to fit you perfectly.
Benefits of Using a Custom Bite Guard
Custom bite guards are more expensive than one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite products, but you’ll get what you pay for. Depending on your level of need and the bite guard you choose, you’ll receive a product designed to fit your bite comfortably and prevent pain and damage from bruxism for up to several years with proper care. Many bite guards also come with a warranty.
If bruxism is causing you pain and sleepless nights, and you want to prevent damage to your teeth from clenching and grinding, a custom bite guard from Fioritto Family Dental is an ideal solution. Contact us today at 440-951-5511 or reach out to us online to learn more and to schedule a consultation.