Wake Up to the Protective Powers of a Custom Nightguard
Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? Or perhaps you have cracked, worn-down, or sensitive teeth with no exact cause. The culprit could be bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). The good news? It’s manageable with a custom night guard in Peoria, Arizona. At Pleasant Valley Dentistry, our mouthguards are created after taking your bite impressions. This ensures your appliance fits snugly and provides optimal protection.
Why are nightguards important?
Preventive care is the foundation of every healthy smile. Preventive dentistry includes routine check-ups, cleanings, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings. However, one commonly overlooked preventive tool is a personalized nightguard.
A nightguard or occlusal guard is a simple but powerful appliance if you grind or clench your teeth. A nightguard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from getting into contact. This protects your teeth from damage and shields your jaw joints and muscles from undue stress.
Are there several types of nightguards?
Yes! Nightguards come in several sizes and shapes, but not all are created equal. Here are the nightguard options you need to know about.
- Stock nightguards: These are the “off-the-shelf” option, ready to wear right out of the box. They’re the quickest and cheapest solution. However, since they aren’t made for your unique smile, they feel bulky and uncomfortable, like wearing shoes that don’t quite fit.
- Boil-and-bite nightguards: Mouth-formed mouthguards are a step up from stock guards. They are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth by biting down. They offer a better fit than generic guards, but can still feel a little clunky and may not last as long. Think of them as the “do-it-yourself” version of protection.
- Custom nightguards: Dentist-supervised guards are the gold standard for protecting your teeth. They are created from precise impressions of your teeth, providing a comfortable fit and the best protection against grinding and clenching. Our mouthguards are also crafted from durable materials to withstand the nightly grind. They can last several years with good upkeep.
One-size-fits-all protection doesn’t cut when it comes to your smile. Over-the-counter solutions may offer some defense, but average protection isn’t what your smile needs. Your smile is unique, and it deserves care that’s just as personalized. A custom-fitted nightguard provides a solution designed specifically for your bite, ensuring maximum comfort, durability, and protection.
What is the process of getting a custom nightguard?
Your dentist will review your symptoms and conduct a complete dental exam. Cracked, flattened, and worn-down enamel are tell-tale signs of bruxism. The dentist will then discuss whether a custom nightguard is right for you.
If so, we take precise scans of your teeth to ensure a custom fit. We’ll send the scans to our dental lab, which will fabricate your appliance using acrylic or flexible plastic. This process typically takes one to two weeks.
Once it’s ready, you’ll visit our office to collect it. The dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. Before you leave, we’ll provide you with tips to maintain your appliance and keep it healthy and strong.
Do you need a custom nightguard in Peoria, Arizona?
Remember, prevention is the foundation of optimal oral health. Don’t wait for bruxism to ruin the smile you’ve worked so hard to maintain. Call (623) 232-8066 and protect your smile with custom nightguards at Pleasant Valley Dentistry.
