Different types of night guards for Sleep Bruxism
Nightguards (or) Night mouthguards- The custom-made plastic mouth pieces fabricated for people who grind their teeth unconsciously during their sleep. Wearing this appliance acts as a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth surfaces to avert the ill effects of sleep bruxism.
If you are one of such teeth grinders, keep reading to know more about bite guards. As there are different types of mouthguards for bruxism available, choosing the right one needs takes extra effort. In this post, our dentists have listed the different types of anti-grinding teeth protectors that will help you to prefer as per your needs.
Table of Contents
Why night guards are necessary?
In simply, this is the less invasive option to prevent the unpleasant things associated with repetitive clenching of the jaw or teeth grinding.
Frequent clenching and grinding of teeth exert pressure over the teeth/ This leads to pain in the jaw, cracks over the teeth surface, teeth sensitivity, and many negative effects. Similarly, such persistent tension in the jaw muscles due to teeth clenching tends to tighten the jaw muscles, jaw bone relocation, and eventually end in TMJ disorders.
On the other hand, bruxism radiates pain around the face, ear, neck, and surrounding regions. This is quite hard to sustain.
Although certain aftereffects of teeth grinding require physical correction and surgical treatments, popping the dental guard between your teeth before going to sleep will reduce the TMJ effects.
Types of night guards
The dental guards are commonly classified as over-the-counter night guards and custom-fit night guards.
The over the counter dental guards belong to the one-size-fits-all category and are easily available at reasonable prices but they are not effective as you got from a dental office. On the other hand, custom-fit night guards provide the customized solution as they are fabricated with your mouth’s impression using Professional techniques and materials.
Depending on the type of material used, the night mouth guards are categorized into 3 types as follows:
- Soft night guards
- Hard night guards
- Dual Laminated night guards
1) Soft night guards
The soft night guards are prescribed for light or moderate grinders. This is because the appliance is manufactured using rubbery materials and flexible substances like soft plastic. In certain cases, it is molded to sit inside the mouth efficiently.
Also, the soft nature of this dental guard encourages the wearer to grind more, it shrinks the bite splint’s lifespan.
Pros
- It is available at reasonable prices.
- More flexible than other types of bite guards.
Cons
- It is not durable and can last up to maximum 6 months
- It does not provide a long-term solution.
2) Hard night guards
The hard night guards are made up of harder acrylic materials or firmer plastics and it is recommended for people who grind their teeth extremely. Despite it is made up of harder plastics, it does not cause a bulky feel inside the mouth.
Pros
- It is highly durable
- It prevents teeth shifting also
Cons
- It is quite expensive
- It takes more time to adjust with your mouth.
3) Dual laminated night guards
It is a combination of soft and hard night guards. In such hybrid night guards, the outer surface is made with harder acrylic whereas it holds a soft inner core. Dentists recommend this for heavy grinders as it ensures comfort and protection in managing heavy clenching.
Pros
- It can withstand the heavy force applied with destructive grinding.
- It is well-known for its high durability.
Cons
- Your mouth needs more time to get familiar with this dental guard.
To know more about the night guards and other dental guards to protect your teeth, contact our dentists.
