Table of Contents
- What Are Night Guards?
- Protecting the enamel
- Reducing jaw and facial pain
- Preventing tooth fractures
- Mitigating other symptoms
- Soft Night Guard
- Hard Night Guard
- Hybrid Night Guard: The Best of Both Worlds?
- How to Choose the Right Night Guard for Your Needs
- Material Options
- Custom-Fitted vs. Over-the-Counter
- Level of Bruxism
- Comfort and Adaptability
- Longevity
- ALIGNERCO Night Guards: A Reliable Option
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that many people face, often unknowingly while they sleep. This involuntary tic may cause several dental problems, including eroded teeth, jaw pain, and headaches , and may even result in serious issues such as teeth fractures, or gum recession. The good news is that night guards for teeth clenching can be very effective at protecting your teeth from bruxism damage.
Each type of guard has its properties suited to patients with varying degrees of bruxism severity and individual preferences. In this blog, we will explore the specifics of these two forms of night guards, the pros and cons of each, as well as the deciding factor of which is right for you. We’ll also address what night guards look like, how they help alleviate the damage caused by grinding, and why choosing the right night guard is essential for your dental health.
What Are Night Guards?
A teeth-grinding night guard is a wearable device made for use over the front and back tooth surfaces and worn while you sleep. These dental splints prevent the upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, may happen at night (nocturnal bruxism) or during the day (diurnal bruxism), but more commonly occurs during sleep.
Wearing a night guard serves several purposes:
Protecting the Enamel
Tooth grinding wears down the enamel, which may cause tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and other dental conditions. A night guard is used to prevent this type of injury.
Reducing Jaw and Facial Pain
Pressure from teeth grinding can lead to painful tension in the jaw and face. A night guard can contribute to reducing this discomfort by converting some of the grinding force.
Preventing Tooth Fractures
Teeth clenching can lead to tooth fracture and cracking. A teeth-grinding guard dampens the force to reduce its risk.
Mitigating Other Symptoms
Habitual teeth grinding can cause headaches, ear pain, and problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A nightly guard for grinding teeth can alleviate these symptoms by protecting the teeth and relieving tension in the jaw.
Night guards can be custom-made by your dentist for a precise fit, or you can purchase ready-made versions from stores or online. There are two main night guard materials, soft night guard and hard night guard.
Soft Night Guard
A soft night guard is composed of a rubber-like, flexible material with a soft texture and cushioning effect when worn. These guards are ideal for people who experience mild to moderate bruxism. Now, the advantages and disadvantages of the soft night guard will be discussed in detail.
Benefits of a Soft Night Guard
Comfort
Comfort is one of the key benefits of a soft night guard. The soft material fits snugly over your teeth providing a comfortable fit and easy wearing. It is often noted by users that it is significantly more comfortable than hard guards, making it easier to fall asleep with the guard in place.
Easier Adjustment
For first-time users of a night guard for teeth grinding, a soft night guard is highly suited. It doesn’t feel like a heavy device and therefore is relatively easy for most people to adapt to.
Suitable for Mild Grinding
Soft night guards are a good solution for those with mild to moderate bruxism. For individuals with less severe grinding, a soft night guard gives the protection you need without the extra thickness and stiffness of a hard night guard.
Affordable
Soft night guards are relatively inexpensive in comparison to hard night guards, making them a cost-effective option for the people who want an affordable solution to their teeth-grinding problems.
Less Likely to Cause Irritation
Because it is a soft material, soft night guards tend not to cause irritation or pain in the gums, teeth, or the inner side of the mouth. This is particularly helpful for individuals with sensitive mouths.
Drawbacks of a Soft Night Guard
Less Durability
Soft night guards tend to wear out faster than hard night guards. The material is softer, therefore it is more vulnerable to deformation during the continuous grinding process. You may have to change the guard more often in case of heavy tooth grinding.
Not Ideal for Severe Grinding
If you experience more intense grinding, a soft night guard may not provide sufficient protection. The soft material may compress excessively under pressure leading to additional tooth wear or jaw discomfort.
Less Effective for Jaw Pain
For patients who clench their jaw or grind their teeth, a soft night guard may not provide enough support for the jaw. In such instances, a more rigid guard may provide better support and comfort.
Hard Night Guard
The hard night guard is made from a much stiffer, more durable plastic. These guards are suitable for patients with severe bruxism and chronic tooth grinding. Let's dive into the pros and cons of the hard night guard.
Benefits of a Hard Night Guard
Superior Durability
A very important benefit of a hard night guard is its durability. It is designed from durable materials and can therefore withstand the strongest tooth grinding forces without being damaged and deformation. A hard night guard will wear much longer than a soft one if you heavily grind your teeth.
Stronger Protection
A hard night guard provides significantly more protection than a soft night guard, especially for people with extreme bruxism. The hard material distributes force effectively between upper and lower teeth, helping to prevent damage to the teeth and jaw.
Longer Lifespan
Since hard night guards are composed of stronger materials, they generally have a longer lifespan than their soft night guards. You won't have to replace them as often, and that can be a cost-saving in the long run.
Better for Jaw Clenching
Those who have tooth-grinding and jaw-clenching benefit from the support of hard night guards. They are used to release jaw tension and prevent further injury.
Custom Fit
Most custom-fitted night guards are directly made by a dentist. This provides greater comfort and effectiveness, as the guard is designed specifically to suit your dental structure and needs.
Drawbacks of a Hard Night Guard
Less Comfortable
Although hard night guards provide good abrasion protection, they are not as comfortable to wear. The material used is rigid, and it may take some time to adjust to them. For some people, hard night guards can be bulky, and even uncomfortable, especially for someone unfamiliar with wearing night guards.
Adjustment Period
For those who have not worn a night guard for teeth grinding, adjusting to a hard guard may take time. The material is less flexible than a soft guard, which means it might feel more intrusive in your mouth.
Higher Cost
Hard night guards, particularly those that are custom-made, tend to be more expensive than soft ones. This is something to take into account if you are on a budget.
Hybrid Night Guard: The Best of Both Worlds?
There may be advantages to a hybrid night guard, composed of a combination of soft and hard materials. The inside of the hybrid guard is soft and conformable, which brings comfort, while the outside of the hybrid guard is built with a hard material for improved protection. This type of night guard is suited for people with moderate to severe teeth grinding, looking for a balance of comfort and power.
How to Choose the Right Night Guard for Your Needs
Selecting a night guard depends on factors like bruxism severity, comfort, and the need for custom-fit. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Material Options
Night guards are made of various thicknesses and materials to meet different requirements:
- Soft Night Guards: Flexible and cushioned, ideal for mild to moderate bruxism. They offer a comfortable fit by cushioning your teeth and providing a maximum comfort experience.
- Hard Night Guards: Stiff and durable, ideal for heavy grinding or jaw clenching. They effectively distribute force but may take time to adjust to.
- Dual-Layer Guards: These combine a soft interior for comfort and a hard exterior for strength, which can be used for different degrees of bruxism.
Custom-Fitted vs. Over-the-Counter
Custom-Fitted Guards: Created by a dentist, these have the optimal fit and comfort because they are tailored to fit your dental anatomy. The procedure consists of taking a mold of your teeth to guarantee the fitting of the guard properly and well.
Over-the-Counter Guards: These are cheaper and involve a boiling/molding step done at home. While convenient, they may not offer the same fit and comfort as a custom-made guard.
Level of Bruxism
Mild to Moderate Bruxism: Soft night guards are often sufficient for mild grinding.
Severe Bruxism: Dual-layer guards or hard guards are suggested to withstand heavy attrition and jaw clenching.
Comfort and Adaptability
Night guards can take time for people to get accustomed to, especially hard night guards. For the comfort-seeker, the dual-layer or the soft night guard is a better option.
Longevity
Custom night guards last longer than those from a ready-made store as their makeup is tougher and provides a better fit for the user's mouth for a more comfortable fitting. However, any night guard should be replaced when it gets worn, cracked, or too uncomfortable.
ALIGNERCO Night Guards: A Reliable Option
If you’re looking for a high-quality teeth-grinding guard, ALIGNERCO offers a reliable solution with its range of custom-made night guards. They provide three types of night guards to meet the varying needs of their customers:
- Soft Night Guard: These are ideal for mild teeth grinding, offering protection without being heavy.
- Hard Night Guard: It is suitable for people with severe bruxism, providing sufficient protection and longevity.
- Hybrid Night Guard: It combines the comfort of a soft guard with the durability of a hard guard, making it perfect for those who want both.
Final Thoughts
Irrespective of the kind of guard you choose, it is necessary to protect your teeth from grinding. Wearing a night guard correctly is essential for the prevention of dental diseases. Don’t let bruxism cause long-term damage—invest in a night guard for teeth grinding and sleep soundly knowing your smile is protected.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I need a night guard for teeth grinding?
If you wake up with sore teeth, jaw pain, or headaches, or notice worn-down enamel, you may be grinding your teeth at night. You can be diagnosed with bruxism and guided towards appropriate treatment.
2. Can I use a night guard if I have braces or the orthodontic clear aligners?
Yes, you can use a night guard for tooth grinding accompanied by braces or clear aligners. There are customized night guards made for orthodontic appliances, or alternative hybrid solutions that can be used with removable aligners.
3. How long does it take to adjust to a night guard?
For some people, it may take a week to adjust to a night guard at the beginning of their treatment. There is an initial sense of discomfort which is not abnormal but should lessen over time. If discomfort persists, consult your dentist for adjustments.
4. How often should I replace my night guard?
Night guard replacement frequency varies based on the type of guard, usage habits, and the severity of bruxism. Replace your night guard if it becomes worn, cracked, or uncomfortable.
5. Are there alternatives to night guards for teeth grinding?
Other options include stress reduction methods, changes to the lifestyle, or dental approaches. a night guard against teeth grinding is usually the most desirable solution for most individuals.
