Nightguards for Bruxism – McMinnville, OR

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term used to describe teeth grinding and clenching. Bruxism is often done during sleep, but some people engage in it during their waking hours as well. Nocturnal grinding and clenching are particularly worrisome because you cannot catch yourself doing it, so you have no opportunity to consciously put a stop to it.

If bruxism is allowed to continue unchecked, it can lead to jaw pain, dental sensitivity, cracked teeth, and premature wear and tear on your tooth enamel.

Here are some indications that you might engage in nocturnal bruxism:

• You often wake up with a sore jaw.
• You or your partner hear grinding noises coming from your mouth.
• It is painful for you to chew food.
• You wake up frequently during the night.
• Your teeth are starting to look visibly worn-down.
• Your teeth are extra-sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
• You sometimes wake up with a dull headache.

How a Nightguard Works

A nightguard is a dental device that resembles a mouthguard that you would wear for sports. However, it serves a different purpose. Instead of protecting your teeth from outside forces, it protects your teeth from themselves! It places a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which can prevent grinding, reduce or eliminate your pain, and lower your risk of numerous oral health problems.

Although over-the-counter nightguards are available, we strongly advise patients to opt for a custom device instead. They are more comfortable and more effective. In some cases, over-the-counter nightguards even worsen bruxism due to their poor fit, whereas custom options are consistently effective at protecting the teeth.

When you talk to us about your grinding and clenching, we will examine your teeth so we can identify any underlying oral health issues that may need to be addressed. Then, we can start the process of designing your nightguard. We will take a detailed impression of your teeth with our advanced digital scanner (no messy manual impressions!). A trustworthy laboratory will then create your nightguard.

The Benefits of Nightguards

Custom nightguards from a dentist are durable and comfortable devices that offer some outstanding benefits:

• Reduced wear and tear on your dental enamel.
• Less dental sensitivity.
• A lower risk of cracked and chipped teeth.
• Less jaw pain and discomfort.
• Reduced chances of developing TMJ disorder (TMD).
• Lower risk of morning headaches.
• Reduced discomfort when chewing food.
• Improved sleep quality for both you and your partner.
• Save money by reducing the need for future extensive dental treatments.