Night Guards and Custom Mouth Guards in Portland, ME
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Custom Mouth Guard in Portland, ME
About 10 percent of people suffer from habitually clenching or grinding their teeth, also known as bruxism. While bruxism may seem more annoying than problematic in terms of your oral health, consistently grinding your teeth can have adverse side effects over time. Fortunately, Dr. Figueiredo and his friendly team at Thrive Dental Studio can help you protect your teeth with a custom mouth guard. Here’s what you should know about how a mouth guard for bruxism could benefit you before scheduling your consultation at our Portland dental office.
What is an Occlusal Guard?
Occlusal guards, or night guards, are appliances that help patients mitigate occlusal damage from para-functional habits that they might not even notice. Night guards work by protecting the enamel of one’s teeth that could eventually wear down from long-term grinding or clenching while also optimizing the comfort of the mouth and jaw. Once the enamel of your teeth is gone, it doesn’t come back. For this reason, it’s important to treat bruxism sooner rather than later to keep your enamel healthy and strong.
No one knows for sure what causes bruxism; however, certain lifestyle factors or conditions could make a person more likely to experience it, such as:
- Stress
- Sleep Disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Medications
- Smoking
- Alcohol
Why Would Someone Wear a Night Guard?
A bruxism night guard can significantly benefit oral health and overall comfort for people prone to clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth. While bruxism is certainly not an uncommon condition, it can be challenging to manage alone, especially for people who grind their teeth while they’re sleeping. As a result, teeth grinding can contribute to several health concerns, including:
- Jaw discomfort
- Headaches
- Worn away tooth enamel
- Cracked/broken teeth
- Facial pain
- Fatigue
Custom Mouth Guard Cost
The cost of your night guard will depend on your dental insurance plan. Please contact our office to learn more about what your particular dental insurance policy covers.
Benefits of Custom Mouth Guards
If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom mouth guard could help you live a healthier, more comfortable life. Some of the many benefits that custom mouth guards offer include:
- Preventing tooth damage
- Protecting tooth enamel
- Preventing/relieving jaw pain
- Preventing/relieving headaches
- Promoting better sleep
How to Care for Your Dental Guard
Taking the time to care for your dental guard correctly is the best way to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape for years to come. Here’s how to keep your mouth guard in good condition:
- Rinse with warm water after each use
- When not in use, keep it completely dry and stored in a safe place
- Never eat or drink while wearing it
- Wear it as directed
- Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste as you would your teeth to keep it free of bacteria and debris
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Mouth Guard from Thrive Dental Studio
Your smile is worth protecting. If you suffer from the uncomfortable effects of teeth grinding or clenching, incorporating a custom mouth guard into your daily oral health routine could be an investment in your long-term oral and overall health. Dr. Figueiredo and the trusted team at Thrive Dental Studio have successfully fabricated countless occlusal guards with minimal adjustments. We are proud to provide the best in modern dental techniques and exceptional dental care in a relaxed setting. Visit us online or contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more about custom mouth guards. We can’t wait to give you a reason to smile!