Night Guards in Buffalo, NY

Experienced Buffalo Dentist Providing Affordable Night Guards and Custom Athletic Mouth Guards

Bruxism, the unrestrained clenching or grinding of one’s teeth, is a common condition that affects between one-eighth and one-third of all adults.

The frequent occurrence of this problem does not make it any less serious, as bruxism can have many detrimental consequences on oral, physical, and mental health. All the factors responsible for bruxism are not known for certain, as the reasons for bruxism while sleeping differ from those that encourage grinding while awake. In addition, bruxism may not be noticeable for the majority of those affected by the condition, and the signs and symptoms of bruxism vary significantly from person to person. Dentists are trained to inspect the mouth for these telltale indicators, and based on the needs of individual patients, they may prescribe night guards to counteract the negative effects of nighttime clenching and grinding.

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Bruxism can occur during either or both sleeping and waking hours, and it is the former that has received a wealth of attention from dental care professionals. Nighttime bruxism is recognized as a sleep disorder and possibly an indicator of sleep apnea, a syndrome that can affect overall health. Night guards can help relieve your bruxism.

Night Guards in Buffalo, NY - Bruxism - Buffalo Dentist - West Seneca, NY -Custom Mouth GuardsSigns that can suggest the presence of sleep apnea include attrition (wearing) of the surfaces of the teeth, dental sensitivity, looseness of teeth, pain in the temporomandibular joint (the joint near the ear that connects the lower jaw to the skull), headaches, and the constant deterioration of crowns and fillings.

When these symptoms occur, they can have effects on both sleep quality and the ability to eat and drink without pain during waking hours. It is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist if you find yourself experiencing any combination of the above, as you may be suffering from undiagnosed sleep bruxism.

Night guards are an effective treatment against the symptoms of sleep bruxism. They will not solve the root of the issue, but night guards can nevertheless work to ensure that grinding does not compromise the integrity of the teeth. Night guards are available without a prescription at most pharmacies, but because these models are largely not customizable, they are less efficient in combating bruxism than those available through dentistry practices. A dentist can design a night guard specifically for an individual patient’s needs by taking an impression of the teeth, fashioning a mold from plaster or a similar material, and submitting the mold to a dental appliance manufacturer for production of a night guard.

Bruxism is not the only force that can weaken the strength of one’s smile; everyday recreational activities can result in accidents that knock teeth out of alignment, crack or chip their crowns, or even force them out of the mouth entirely. No one should have to undergo a consequence as severe as dental avulsion (the displacement of teeth) while playing a sport, and mouth guards are a precaution that can prevent injury to the teeth during athletic pursuits. The American Dental Association highly recommends that people of all ages wear night guards designed by their dentists in order to avoid damage to the relatively soft and fragile tissues in the mouth, which face an increased risk of harm during athletic activities.

FAQ About Mouth Guards / Night Guards

How Much Do Custom Night Guards Cost?

When you go to the dentist for a custom mouth guard the majority of the cost is due to a professional taking a mold of your teeth. The average cost is between $300-$500 for a custom mouth guard. When you go through your dentist’s office you are choosing the most expensive way to get a mouth guard. The night guards themselves are often less than $200.

Why Are Night Guards Only for Top Teeth?

For most people when they close their mouth their top teeth overlap the bottom teeth. Because of this the bottom teeth are already protected. There is really no need for a night guard for the bottom when the top is already doing all of the work.

Can Night Guards Change Your Bite?

It is possible for your mouthguard to change your bite. It is a side effect for teeth to shift. Your dentist should be keeping an eye on your teeth to make sure there are no changes occurring. Some dentists may even prescribe a mouth guard to fix patients teeth if they are not properly aligned.

Are Night Guards Covered by Insurance?

There are some insurance companies that cover night guards, there are also some who will not. Patients who are highly in need of them greatly benefit from night guards. If you have an orthodontist who prescribes a night guard and you have orthodontic insurance, everything should be covered.

Why Are Night Guards So Expensive?

It’s possible to get a night guard at the pharmacy for $20. The issue with this is it can be extremely uncomfortable and may be why your dentist will try to talk you into getting one that is custom fit. Your dentist may also say it is necessary to have a custom fit night guard for issues such as sleep apnea. When you get a custom fit night guard you are most likely going to spend a lot of the time at the dentist getting it properly fitted. This drives up the cost along with having it sent out to a lab to have it made and adjusted many times.

How Long Do Night Guards Last?

The answer to how long night guards last depends on the person. It also depends on what type of night guard you bought. If you bought a night guard that is more expensive there is a high chance it is going to last longer than a cheaper one. A big factor in this is also often you grind your teeth. On average a night guard will last between 5 and 10 years.

Are Night Guards Good For TMJ?

Night guards are beneficial for those who suffer from TMJ. The night guards purpose is to separate the teeth and prevent them from clenching. If you are someone who has a severe case of TMJ you may be required to use a splint which will help by holding your jaw in place, so your joint has the opportunity to heal.

How Do I Stop Clenching My Teeth at Night?

One way to prevent you from clenching your teeth is with night guards. If you exercise you may also notice you are not clenching your teeth as often. When you exercise you are releasing stress which means you probably won’t clench your teeth as often. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol will also help with decreasing how often your clench your teeth.

Do I Really Need A Night Guard?

If the only reason why you are getting a night guard is due to sleep apnea, then a night guard may not be the solution for you. In certain cases of sleep apnea that are moderate to severe a night guard is useless. When you are prescribed a night guard when they are not sure of the root of your problem this could make whatever the issue is much worse.

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Schedule an appointment with Teach Dental Group today. Our experienced Buffalo dentists provide night guards and custom athletic mouth guards for patients of all ages throughout Buffalo and the Southtowns.

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