Night Guards Specialist

What are Night Guards?

When people naturally grind their teeth at night, excessive wear and tear on the teeth can cause noticeable cracks and cavities. Night guards are therefore meant to protect against this by acting as an actual barrier between your top and bottom teeth. Usually made from a hard or soft plastic, night guards are made to fit the exact shape of your teeth, and after waking up in the morning you can easily remove them and go about your day.

Night guards are sometimes used instead of a retainer since, like retainers, night guards can hold your teeth in place as well. Furthermore, if you suffer from bruxism (jaw clenching and the grinding of teeth) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a night guard might be a good idea.

What Are the Types of Night Guards?

There are many different kinds of night guards out there, but generally speaking, there are either soft or hard night guards. The difference has to do with how and of what they are made from. For example, a soft night guard will be made of silicone or a more malleable plastic than their hard counterparts. Soft night guards tend to be squishy as a result. Hard night guards, on the other hand, are often made of a hard plastic or acrylic and can withstand severe nightly abuse without losing shape.

Where Can You Find Good Night Guards?

If you visit your local pharmacy or grocery store, there is a good chance you can find over-the-counter soft night guards that are sometimes adjustable or taste like mint. This can be tricky, however, since finding a good night guard at the store has more to do with how abnormal your bite is. Instead, it is recommended that you consult your dentist and get professionally fitted for a night guard. Only then can you receive a device that effectively takes your teeth and bite into account.