Protect your smile from clenching and grinding with Customized Nightguards
Swanson Family Dental offers a variety of nightguards in our Ames and Perry offices to protect your smile from bruxism/grinding. This removable appliance is similar to a sports guard, except it’s used at night when sleeping. A night guard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping to prevent damage during sleep.
Ready to protect your smile? Schedule an appointment today with Drs. Robert Swanson, Jessica Swanson, Lona Kouri, and Taylor Steffans and enjoy the benefits of customized nightguards.
How does a nightguard protect your smile?
When you grind your teeth without food in between, the strong forces generated can damage your teeth. Over time, this can lead to significant wear and tear, including chipped or cracked teeth. Also, bruxism flattens biting surfaces and causes enamel erosion that exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
A nightguard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact during nighttime clenching or grinding (bruxism). This custom-fitted appliance also absorbs and distributes the forces exerted when you grind or clench, reducing stress on your teeth and jaw.
What are the nightguard options available?
Nightguards come in several shapes and sizes. Knowing the options available can help you choose the best mouthguard for your smile.
- Generic mouthguards: These are cheaply available in most sporting goods stores. Stock mouthguards come in limited sizes, typically small, medium, and large. Since they aren’t customized to your mouth, they are uncomfortable, bulky and provide a poor fit. We don’t recommend stock nightguards because of their limited protection and possible movement of natural tooth positions.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These nightguards involve using hot water to soften the appliance before putting it in the mouth to mold it to the shape of your teeth and gums. Mouth-formed mouthguards offer better defense than stock mouthguards, but they are still potentially hazardous.
- Customized mouthguards: These are the nightguards we design for you in our office. They are fabricated after making impressions of your teeth and gums. Customized mouthguards fit snugly over your teeth, providing optimal protection against bruxism-related damage. They also offer comfort, allowing you to breathe naturally when sleeping.
Customized nightguards may cost more than other mouthguards, but their value is found by preserving your teeth and preventing expensive dental treatments. Designed to fit your unique dental structure, they offer exceptional comfort, ensuring you can wear them without irritation or discomfort. They are also made from durable materials to withstand the test of time. Customized nightguards can last several years, providing a long-term investment for your smile.
How do I maintain my nightguard?
Proper care is essential to keep your mouthguard clean and in good condition. Start by rinsing it thoroughly with warm water as soon as you remove it from your mouth. This helps to wash away saliva and food debris. Next, use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive mouthwash to clean the surface of your mouthguard. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and may damage the material.
Once cleaned, rinse the mouthguard to remove any residue, then pat it dry with a clean towel. Always store your mouthguard in a dry, well-ventilated container to prevent moisture buildup, which can promote bacteria or mold growth. Also, keep your nightguard away from pets, as they might chew on it.
Ready to protect your smile with a nightguard?
A nightguard is a simple device that offers valuable benefits to your smile. To protect your smile with a nightguard, call (515) 233-2174 (Ames office) or (515) 465-5170 (Perry office) to book an appointment with Swanson Family Dental.
