Are you feeling jaw pain or waking up with headaches and earaches? You might be one of many people with bruxism, which can lead to tooth decay. This is when you grind or clench your teeth, often while you sleep. You may not even notice you’re doing it. But bruxism can harm your teeth and overall oral health. Luckily, a mouth guard made for this problem can help ease your pain and protect your teeth from more damage. But is it worth getting a night guard from a dentist?
Key Highlights
- A night guard, or mouth guard, can provide much-needed relief from bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth grinding and clenching.
- Dentist-made night guards offer a superior, custom fit compared to over-the-counter options, ensuring better protection and comfort.
- While over-the-counter guards are cheaper upfront, a dentist-made guard can save money long-term by preventing potential dental work.
- Insurance coverage for night guards varies, so it’s essential to check your plan’s details to understand potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Signs you may need a night guard include jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, and visible wear on your teeth.
What Is A Night Guard
A dental night guard, also called a mouth guard or dental guard, is a tool you wear over your teeth to protect against the symptoms of bruxism. You usually put it on at night to protect against bruxism. This condition affects many people and involves clenching and grinding teeth during sleep. The causes of bruxism are not completely clear, but things like stress, anxiety, sleep apnea, and certain medications may play a role.
A night guard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It helps absorb the pressure from grinding and clenching, protecting your teeth from damage. They are usually made from strong but comfortable materials, like acrylic or thermoplastic. These materials provide different levels of flexibility and protection.
How Night Guards Can Prevent Bruxism Damage
The effects of ignoring bruxism can harm your oral health and cause several dental issues. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, leading to problems like sensitivity, fractures, and even tooth loss. If this continues, you may require expensive dental work, such as crowns or other treatments.
A soft custom night guard can help. It acts as a protective barrier and lessens the risks. By absorbing the pressure as a cushion from grinding, a night guard protects your teeth from damage. This way, you can keep your natural teeth safe and lower the chances of needing major dental work in the future.
Comparing Dentist-Made And Over-The-Counter Night Guards
When choosing from different types of night guards, you have two main choices: custom guards made by your dentist and over-the-counter (OTC) options. Both can protect your teeth from grinding, but they are different in fit, comfort, durability, and how well they work over time.
Knowing these differences is important for making a smart choice that fits your needs and budget. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option to help you decide if is it worth getting a night guard from a dentist.
Custom-Fit Vs. Store-Bought Options
The biggest difference is in how these night guards are made. Dentist-made night guards are custom-made to fit your teeth exactly. They take an impression of your teeth. This helps create a guard that matches your bite and dental alignment perfectly.
OTC night guards, however, come in set sizes. Some allow for limited adjustments using a “boil-and-bite” method, but they cannot match the precision and comfort of a custom fit. This difference in fit really affects how well they stop tooth damage, how comfortable they are, and how long they last.
Here are the main differences:
- Fit: Custom-fit guards feel snug and comfortable. OTC ones can often feel bulky or loose.
- Durability: Dentist-made guards usually last longer because they use better materials and fit better.
- Cost: OTC guards are cheaper at first, but a custom guard may end up saving you money over time.
Pros And Cons Of Dentist-Made Night Guards
A big benefit of a night guard made by your dentist is that it fits just for you. It is made from dental impressions taken at the dental office or even with an impression kit for convenience. This makes the guard shape match your teeth, giving you comfort and protection. Dentists use strong, long-lasting materials that can handle grinding well, ultimately saving you dollars in dental costs. This makes the mouthguard a good choice for the long run.
Even though a custom night guard costs more at first than over-the-counter (OTC) options, it gives you better comfort and more protection for your teeth. This makes it a smart investment. Plus, working with your dentist means you get a night guard that meets your specific needs.
Pros And Cons Of Over-The-Counter Night Guards
For people on a tight budget, over-the-counter night guards available on Amazon are attractive because they are cheap. You can find them in most pharmacies and drugstores. They are an easy choice for anyone looking for a fast and affordable solution. This makes them a good option, especially for first-time users who are not sure if they want to spend money on a custom night guard.
But, OTC night guards have some downsides that can make their lower price not worth it. They are designed to fit everyone, which can cause discomfort for people with special dental needs, especially compared to the second type of custom night guard. The materials used are often not very durable, which means they wear out quickly and need to be replaced often.
The Importance Of A Proper Fit
Imagine if your shoes were too tight or too loose. That would be uncomfortable, right? The same idea goes for night guards. When a night guard doesn’t fit well, it can be uncomfortable or harmful to your oral health. If it moves around in your mouth, it can hurt your gums and the soft parts inside your mouth.
Also, a night guard that doesn’t fit right won’t spread out the pressure from clenching and grinding teeth properly. This makes it less able to protect your teeth. If this happens, you could face more tooth damage, jaw pain, and problems with your bite later on.
How A Poorly Fitted Guard Can Affect You
An uncomfortable guard that doesn’t fit well can ruin your sleep. This can make you feel tired and lead to health problems linked to bad sleep. A guard that fits poorly can make dental issues worse or even cause new ones. For example, it can increase the pain from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which affects your jaw.
Also, a guard that fits badly can put pressure on your gums. This can make your gums painful and pull them back, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. The enamel, which protects your teeth, can wear down unevenly because of this. This can create more dental issues.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
A dentist will take careful dental impressions. This makes sure that the nightguard fits well and stays snug in your mouth. The impressions capture the special shapes of your teeth and how you bite. That helps in making a custom bite splint for the best protection and comfort. Your dentist also picks the right thermoplastic material. This choice depends on how severe your bruxism is and any dental problems you may have.
This personalized way means the night guard works well without changing how you speak or sleep. It also allows for changes to be made if needed. This guarantees a perfect fit for a long time.
Cost Analysis: Dentist-Made Vs. DIY Solutions
When you think about the cost of a night guard, it’s important to look at both the upfront costs and the savings over time. The options you can buy at the store may appear cheaper at first. However, they often have hidden costs. You might need to replace them often because they do not last long. This can lead to dental problems that can be expensive to fix.
On the other hand, night guards made by a dentist usually cost more at the start. But they last longer, fit better, and offer better protection. This means you won’t have to replace them as often as the store-bought ones. By protecting your teeth, they can also help you avoid costly dental work in the future.
Initial Costs Vs. Long-Term Savings
To illustrate this point further, consider the following cost comparison:
Type of Night Guard | Initial Cost | Lifespan | Potential Additional Costs |
Dentist-Made | $400-$800+ | 3-5+ years | Adjustments, occasional replacements |
OTC | $15-$50+ | 6 -12 months | Frequent replacements, potential dental work due to inadequate protection |
While the initial cost of a dentist-made night guard may seem daunting, their longer lifespan and superior protection often make them a more cost-effective investment in the long run, especially when factoring in potential dental work avoided.
Insurance Coverage And Night Guards
Navigating dental insurance coverage can be tricky. This includes coverage for night guards, like a custom mouth guard. Whether your insurance helps pay for one depends on your plan. Some plans might cover part of the cost, while others could offer no help at all.
It’s important to speak with your insurance provider about their rules for night guards. They can tell you what your plan covers, any limits or rules, and if you need a referral or pre-authorization from your dentist. Also, some employers offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) that you can use for dental costs, including night guards.
Signs That You Might Need A Night Guard
Often, people do not know they grind their teeth. This usually happens when they sleep without realizing it. There are some signs that could show you need a night guard. For example, if you often wake up with headaches, especially around your temples or jaw muscles, this might mean you are grinding your teeth at night.
You might also notice that your teeth are more sensitive to hot or cold. Jaw pain or soreness when you wake up is another sign of bruxism. If you see that your teeth look flatter, shorter, or chipped, possibly due to an abnormal bite, this is something to pay attention to. If your dentist also sees a lot of wear on your teeth, possibly linked to smoking habits, these are strong signs that you might need a night guard.
Final Thoughts
So, is it worth getting a night guard from a dentist? Getting a night guard from a dentist can protect you from bruxism. It will give you a good fit that works best for you. While you can find night guards at stores, custom-fit ones from a dentist are usually better and worth the price. A well-made guard helps prevent damage from grinding your teeth and keeps your mouth healthy. If you notice signs of bruxism or think you need a night guard, talk to your dentist. They can help you find the best option for your needs. Taking care of your teeth and jaw with a custom night guard will benefit you and put your mind at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Night Guards From The Dentist Really Better?
Custom night guards from your dentist are better for your teeth. They fit comfortably and are made to last longer. This gives you more protection against TMJ issues and long-term discomfort.
How Often Should I Replace My Night Guard?
The lifespan of a night guard can change based on the material and how much it is used. It is usually best to replace your night guard every 3 to 5 years. You should do it sooner if you see signs of wear that are excessive. It is a good idea to talk to your dentist regularly about your night guard’s durability.
Can I Adjust My Night Guard At Home If It Doesn’t Fit Well?
It’s best not to change your night guard at home. This is especially true for a custom-made night guard from a dental lab. If you try to adjust it using hot water or other ways, you might damage the guard. This can change how well it fits and could cause discomfort. It may also harm your teeth or gums.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Night Guard Provided By A Dentist?
A night guard from a dentist is made just for you. It fits your teeth perfectly because it is based on an impression of your teeth. This means you will be comfortable while using it. This kind of dental care helps reduce the chances of having a guard that doesn’t fit well. It also gives you better treatment for bruxism.
Are There Any Potential Drawbacks To Getting A Custom Night Guard From A Dentist?
The main downside is that a custom night guard costs more upfront than over-the-counter options. You also need to have at least one dental work consultation. This is necessary for getting impressions and fittings, and it can take up a lot of your time.