Protect Your Teeth with a Nightguard in Philadelphia, PA

Do you have a bad habit of grinding or clenching your teeth when you’re asleep or when you’re stressed? Bruxism, the medical term for this condition, is more common than most people think. This condition affects one in every three people. New data collected by the American Dental Association, Health Policy Institute revealed a significant spike in dental needs from clenching and grinding during the pandemic.

Most people don’t think twice about this habit until it starts to cause damage to their teeth. So take a step toward protecting your smile by investing in nightguards. Here at the Pennsylvania Center for Sleep Excellence, we provide the best nightguards in Philadelphia, PA. Reach out to us today to learn more about nightguards.

What Are Nightguards?

Nightguards, also commonly referred to as mouthguards or dental guards, are oral appliances that cover the teeth and gums. This protective device acts as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, reducing injury to the teeth, gums, and lips. High-quality nightguards are like a helmet for your teeth and jaws.

Wearing a nightguard at bedtime is the best way to protect your teeth if you have a habit of grinding or clenching while you sleep. Most people who grind their teeth when they are asleep aren’t aware that they are doing it, so wearing a nightguard is important.

Some people develop bruxism because of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth when you sleep, you may experience the following symptoms:

–   Sore jaw

–   Headaches in the morning when you wake up

–   Face and neck pain

–   Daytime tiredness or fatigue

What Are the Different Types of Nightguards?

If you have a confirmed case of bruxism, it’s time to take a moment and consider what type of nightguards are a good fit for you. The selection process can be overwhelming if you’ve never had to wear an oral appliance. But, no worries — we’re going to help you narrow down your options.

Custom or Over-the-Counter Nightguards in Philadelphia, PA

Did you know that you can purchase nightguards over the counter at your local drugstore or pharmacy? Drugstore nightguards are the most convenient option since they are generally inexpensive and readily available. However, when it comes to the health of your teeth, you don’t want to take the cheap way out because you may end up regretting it in the long run.

Store-bought nightguards are one-size-fits-all, which means they were designed to fit most teeth types. Perhaps the biggest drawback of wearing these types of nightguards is that they don’t always work well over your teeth. If they are too big, wearing them while sleeping presents a choking hazard.

Custom nightguards are the best option. When you get a custom-made nightguard, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a laboratory to match the shape and size of your teeth so that the nightguard fits accurately.

Custom nightguards also offer the best level of protection. These guards are made of durable, high-quality material.

Protection Level

There are three main types of nightguards you can select, depending on the severity of your condition:

Soft nightguards: As the name implies, soft nightguards are made from soft and flexible materials. These nightguards are ideal for light and moderate teeth grinders.

Hard nightguards: If you have a severe case of bruxism, hard nightguards offer the most significant level of protection since they are constructed to withstand heavy clenching and grinding.

Hybrid nightguards: Hybrid nightguards are made from a dual laminate material. They have a soft inner core and a rigid outer layer to provide maximum protection for heavy grinders.

Importance of Wearing Nightguards

Do you need to wear a nightguard to avoid damaging your teeth? Often, patients think they can get away with not wearing nightguards until they experience dental issues. Unfortunately, grinding your teeth can lead to a broken or cracked tooth or gum recession, and it wears down the enamel on your teeth. It also puts you at risk for cavities and a host of other dental problems.

Do you love your beautiful smile? We do, too. Let us help you keep it beautiful for years to come. Our dentistry experts can help you protect your teeth with high-quality nightguards in Philadelphia, PA. We have years of experience providing the best dental care in town. Be proactive about your oral health. Contact us today at 215-969-4400 to schedule an appointment.