Mouthguard
Longview, WA
 Nighttime mouthguards are similar in design to custom sports mouthguards. They are made of plastic and are created by referencing a mold of your teeth. They are used in treating various nighttime ailments such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and snoring.
If you suffer from teeth grinding or are keeping your partner up with frequent snoring, you may be a good candidate for a nighttime mouthguard. Our team at Cascade Dental Care can discuss your case with you and get you fitted for a nighttime mouthguard.
What Is a Nighttime Mouthguard for?
As mentioned above, a nighttime mouthguard is primarily used to treat bruxism or snoring. If you only occasionally grind your teeth, this may not present any pressing concerns. However, frequent teeth grinding can result in a loss of tooth enamel and breaking of teeth. Severe cases of bruxism can even result in tooth loss.
A nighttime mouthguard can also treat snoring. Snoring is generally caused by a partially obstructed airway as a result of certain muscles relaxing during your sleep cycle. A custom mouthguard will treat these symptoms by ensuring that your airway remains unobstructed.
If you are waking up with a sore jaw, fatigue, or facial pain, these may be symptoms of bruxism or snoring. One of our professionals can aid you in diagnosing the source of your discomfort and determine if a nighttime mouthguard is right for you.
Why Do I Grind My Teeth?
Unfortunately, the exact cause of bruxism is unknown. Some strongly associated risk factors, such as alcohol use, may put you at a higher risk of bruxism. Teeth grinding may also be a sign of high stress and anxiety.
Our team can discuss these risk factors with you during your visit. They can provide feedback for reducing the impact of these risk factors and can help you manage your symptoms.
Obtaining a Nighttime Mouthguard
The first step in obtaining a nighttime mouthguard is to book an appointment with our team. When you arrive for your appointment, we will discuss treatment options with you and discuss your symptoms. If a mouthguard is needed, we will take a mold of your teeth. This mold is then used to create your custom mouthguard.
There are three different compositions used when creating your custom mouthguard. These night guard options include soft night guards, laminate night guards, and hard night guards. During your visit, our professionals will discuss which night guard is best suited to your needs.
Soft night guards are usually the cheapest and considered to be the most comfortable night guard. One downside to this type of guard is the limited durability. If your bruxism is severe, a soft guard can wear down more quickly than other varieties.
Laminate night guards have a soft interior and a hard exterior. They are more durable than soft guards but are generally thicker than other types of guards. The last type of guards are hard mouthguards. They are the most durable but can take longer for you to get acclimated to wearing.
We will book your follow-up appointment within two to four weeks of your initial visit. During the follow-up, our team will ensure that your mouthguard is fitted properly and provide instructions for use.
If you are suffering from bruxism or snoring, contact Cascade Dental Care at 360-916-4200 today. |
