Protect Your Smile with Night Guards in Lakeview, Chicago, IL
If you have TMJ and it is causing teeth grinding and clenching, then these symptoms can result in serious damage to your teeth over time. Eventually, you will need tooth restoration services because of wear and tear that breaks down the tooth surfaces and even causes cracking and chips. The good news is that a simple solution is available: custom night guards in Lakeview, Chicago, IL.
At Re·gen Smile Studio, we offer the dental appliances that you need, including a mouth guard to relax the jaw and alleviate TMJ pain. Wearing this simple device at night can protect your teeth while you sleep and safeguard your oral health at the same time.
Why is it Necessary to Wear a Dental Night Guard?
A night guard, sometimes known as a bite splint, is a customized device that fits over your teeth, keeping the jaw separated so that you don’t clench or grind while you are sleeping. By relaxing the jaw muscles, it’s possible to reduce the symptoms of TMJ, including headaches, facial pain, and other related issues.
If you notice that you have been waking up with headaches or facial/jaw tension, then it’s time to talk to our team at Re·gen Smile Studio about TMJ treatment options. A custom mouth guard is a common recommendation. This device cushions your mouth and protects your teeth from damage. Additionally, it helps to reduce stress on your jaw joints over time.
Your dentist might notice that your teeth are cracking or worn down because of clenching and grinding. This tooth damage is irreversible, which is why it’s best to be proactive with a treatment that prevents tooth damage from TMJ.
Comparison: Custom Mouth Guard vs. Over-the-Counter Products
When you realize that your TMJ symptoms are impacting your life, then it might be tempting to go to a nearby store for a generic mouthguard. While there are over-the-counter products available, they don’t offer the same results you can get from a custom night guard created by a local dentist.
In fact, wearing a cheap bite guard for sleeping could potentially worsen your symptoms. These low-quality products don’t achieve the ideal jaw alignment, which can exacerbate the problem. A better solution is to invest in a professional nighttime mouth guard that is custom-designed for your mouth.
The Process: How Custom Night Guards Are Made
When you visit our local dental office, you’ll see that our team at Re·gen Smile Studio is here to help with your night guard design. We start with a thorough consultation and evaluation to determine if you will benefit from wearing a night mouth guard for grinding teeth.
Next, digital impressions are taken using modern technology. This information is shared with the laboratory that creates the night guards. Then, you will need to stop by our office to pick up your night guard when it’s ready.
You’ll notice that this occlusal guard fits your mouth perfectly, with the goal of providing optimal protection for your smile.
Frequent Asked
Questions
The laboratory usually needs 1 – 2 weeks to create your night guard. You will come back to our office to pick it up and have your final fitting.
You might notice an adjustment period when you start wearing your nightguard. Most patients find that the nightguard is quite comfortable. They prefer wearing their mouth guard because of the relief they experience from TMJ symptoms.
When you remove the night guard from your mouth in the morning, make sure to rinse it well under warm water and clean it using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also soak it once a week in a denture cleaning solution or hydrogen peroxide.
With proper care, your nightguard can last for a few years. Eventually, it will need to be replaced if you notice any signs of wear on the guard.
If you need a bite guard for TMJ, then our team at Re·gen Smile Studio is here to help. We also offer other complementary services, including Invisalign, dental exams, wellness scanning, and more. Reach out to schedule your consultation and learn more about available dental services.
