Bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding) as a silent threat because much of the damage happens while you sleep. Many of our patients are unaware they are grinding until they notice chipped edges, increased sensitivity, or jaw fatigue.
Since bruxism happens subconsciously, how can you protect your smile?
The primary and most effective solution we provide is a professionally fabricated custom night guard. Night guards in Vienna are custom-crafted appliances that both safeguard your teeth and stabilize your jaw. Read on to learn more about the importance of a night guard for bruxism treatment.
Create a Buffer to Absorb Force
The engineering goal of a night guard is simple but vital: it provides a sacrificial surface. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it’s not meant to endure the hundreds of pounds of pressure that grinding upper and lower teeth cause. Eventually, enamel loses the battle.
A custom night guard in Vienna offers a protective buffer made of medical-grade acrylic. Instead of your teeth wearing down each other’s enamel, the jaw’s force is spent on the durable material of the guard. It is far easier and more affordable to replace a night guard every few years than it is to repair or replace teeth.
Decompressing the Jaw Joint (TMJ)
Bruxism is rarely just about the teeth; it also involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When you clench without a guard, your jaw joint is compressed, which can lead to inflammation, clicking, and chronic pain.
Our custom guards are precisely calibrated to your unique bite. By adding a few millimeters of thickness between your teeth, the guard slightly opens the bite, which naturally decompresses the jaw joint. The muscles in your face and temples can relax, significantly reducing the frequency of tension headaches.
Protecting Your Restorative Investment
If you have invested in your smile through crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental implants, a night guard is an absolute essential. Porcelain is highly aesthetic and strong, but it is susceptible to the side-to-side movement common in grinding.
In addition to protecting natural teeth, a night guard also protects your restorations. Consistently wearing a night guard prevents wear on the ceramic and protects the bond between the restoration and the natural tooth. This simple measure can extend the life of your dental work for decades.
Why Over-the-Counter Guards Can Fall Short
Though you can get a guard at a drugstore, these options are often ill-fitting and not made of the best materials. An improperly fitted guard can actually cause your jaw to clench more because the brain perceives it as a foreign object to be chewed.
We take digital impressions of your teeth to ensure the guard is low-profile and perfectly balanced. A professional guard stays in place comfortably, allowing for natural breathing and a better night’s sleep.
Stop Bruxism Damage with a Custom Night Guard in Vienna
Give your teeth the protection they deserve by visiting Clarity Dental for a professional dental appliance.
Schedule your appointment today for a custom dental mouthguard in Vienna.
