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The right night guard will provide immediate relief for people who live with persistent issues like teeth grinding. Still, protecting the teeth or keeping the airway open is just one box that a night guard has to check. The appliance also has to be comfortable enough to allow for a good night’s sleep. Read on to learn about what wearing a night guard should feel like.

Why a dentist might recommend a night guard

A night guard is a dental tray that keeps the upper and lower teeth from making contact and grinding into each other. This separation prevents issues like the loss of enamel, fractures, and chronic conditions like TMJ disorders.

There is another type of mouthguard that helps with sleep apnea. Its design differs from a regular night guard in that it keeps the airway open by pulling the jaw forward. This article will focus on the comfort level of the type of night guard that helps with bruxism.

1. It takes time to get used to a night guard

The mouth needs an adjustment period to habituate to braces, orthodontic teeth trays, or even a night guard. It helps to wear a night guard 10 to 15 minutes before going to sleep. This gives the mouth the time it needs to get used to the night guard. This small measure goes a long way in ensuring comfort during sleep.

2. A custom night guard is built for usability and comfort

Finding a night guard is simple enough, but finding the ideal night guard takes a little more effort. There are three types of night guards available to people who need relief from teeth grinding:

• Over-the-counter night guards that come in three main sizes (small, medium, and large)
• Boil-and-bite night guards that take up the alignment of the patient’s teeth
• A custom night guard, which a dentist will request based on a mold or 3D model of their patient’s mouth

A person who suffers from chronic teeth grinding should go for the third option. A custom appliance will be a perfect fit that will protect the teeth while allowing for a good night’s rest.

3. A person who wears braces needs a custom night guard

One shortcoming of drugstore night guards is their imperfect fit. The one-size-fits-all night guard will likely be a bad fit for most people. The boil-and-bite night guard makes for a better fit, but the appliance may not accommodate braces the way a custom night guard would.

It is therefore advisable for a patient to get a night guard that accommodates their bite and their braces. The person’s orthodontist is in an excellent position to provide helpful guidance toward this end.

4. Lower teeth versus upper teeth

Some night guards fit over the upper dental arch while others fit over the lower teeth. It is a good idea to ask a dentist about both types of night guards. They will be happy to recommend the most effective and suitable night guard for their patient’s bite.

We provide immediate relief as we treat the underlying cause

The humble night guard does a world of good for your teeth, but it is not an end in and of itself. It is just as important to find and remove the root cause of your teeth grinding. We can help with that, which is why you should get in touch with us to learn more. If you are in Denver, you can count on the team at Gregg L Lage DDS, PC to provide the dental care services that you need.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thedentistindenverco.com or call Gregg L Lage DDS, PC at 303-427-4552 for an appointment in our Denver office.