Nightguards in Lakeland, Florida

Many people lead stressful lives, but you don’t want your stress to transfer to physical ailments. Grinding, biting, and clenching your teeth through the night is a condition called bruxism, which is very common. At Crosby Dentistry, we can help identify the signs of bruxism and fit you for a night guard to alleviate the symptoms, relax your jaw, and improve your health. Our dental office is located right here in Lakeland, Florida, where we help families protect their smiles from the damage caused by stress and clenching.

Living in a busy place like Lakeland, FL, can sometimes lead to restless nights. When you clench your teeth while sleeping, you put a massive amount of pressure on your jaw muscles and your teeth. This can happen without you ever knowing it. Our goal is to provide a comfortable feel and long-lasting protection so you can wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a device placed inside the mouth and designed to fit comfortably around your top or bottom teeth. The night guard is made of thick plastic and can be easily removed. The guard adds a barrier between your teeth to prevent grinding, biting, chewing, and clenching. For some patients, a night guard is temporary and may only be needed during certain times, while for others, it may be needed as a long-term solution.

A high-quality mouth guard acts as a protective barrier. It prevents the upper teeth and lower teeth from making direct contact. This stops the friction that causes tooth wear. While some people look at a Chomper Labs night guard or a SmileBrilliant night guard online, getting one from a dentist ensures a better fit that is made specifically for the shape of your mouth.

Benefits of Choosing Custom Night Guards

There are many benefits to choosing custom night guards over those you find at a drugstore. When a dental guard is made just for you, it offers a perfect fit that stays in place all night. This custom fit means it won’t slip around, which helps you get a better night’s sleep. A custom nightguard is also made from advanced materials worthy of protecting expensive dental work like crowns or dental implants.

Other benefits include:

• Reducing facial pain and ear pain caused by muscle tension.
• Preventing thin or chipped enamel and keeping teeth from becoming loose teeth.
• Protecting the temporomandibular joint from extra stress.
• Improving overall sleep quality by relaxing the lower jaw.
• Saving money in the long run by avoiding broken teeth and costly repairs.

Teeth Grinding and Related Health Issues

Teeth grinding is often linked to other health problems that you might not expect. For instance, there is a strong connection between bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea. When the body struggles to breathe during sleep, the jaw may clench as a way to keep the airway open. If you have been told you have sleep apnea, a night guard might be a helpful part of your overall care.

Constant grinding can also lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorders. This condition affects the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Without a layer of protection, the constant pressure can cause the joint to become inflamed. This leads to a sore jaw and makes it hard to chew or even speak comfortably. Addressing these issues early with a healthcare provider is the best way to maintain your oral health.

How Do I Know If I Need a Night Guard?

Getting your first night guard is easy, but you must first recognize the signs and symptoms of bruxism. Our team will discuss with you whether a night guard may be an appropriate solution for your situation.

A night guard may be a good idea for you if you notice:

1. Sore or tender jaw
2. Repeat and chronic headaches
3. Popping or clicking when you move your mouth
4. Sudden, uneven, or uncomfortable bite
5. Swollen side of the face

You might also notice tooth pain or sensitivity to cold or hot foods. This happens because the heavy grinding wears down the protective layer of your teeth. If a partner tells you they hear clicking or grinding sounds while you sleep, that is a big warning sign. Seeing a professional for an exam is the only way to catch the early signs of bruxism before the damage becomes severe.

The Difference Between Custom and Over-the-Counter Guards

It can be tempting to buy over-the-counter night guards because they are a fraction of the price of a professional one. However, these counter guards are usually a “one size fits all” or a “boil and bite” style. They are often bulky and can actually make jaw pain worse because they don’t support a natural bite. A better option is always a custom-made device from a dental office.

Custom mouthguards are designed to be thin yet strong. Many feature a soft inner layer for a comfortable feel against the teeth and a hard outer layer to handle heavy grinding. While companies like Chomper Labs or Smile Brilliant offer a free impression kit through the mail, having your dental impressions taken by an expert at Crosby Dentistry ensures the highest accuracy for a perfect fit.

How Is a Night Guard Made?

Making a night guard is a straightforward process. It is pain-free and only takes a few minutes. Dr. Brian Crosby will first make an impression of your teeth using soft wax or digital scanners. The impression helps to create a mold for your night guard that mimics the exact placement of each tooth. The mold is then sent to a professional dental lab, where a professional will make the night guard out of thick plastic.

Once the dental lab finishes the work, which usually takes a few business days, the new night guard is sent back to our office. When the guard is ready, the dentist will fit it around your teeth to ensure a tight yet comfortable fit. We will make any necessary adjustments to the bite during this visit to ensure your jaw muscles can fully relax while you sleep.

How Do I Care for a Night Guard?

Taking good care of your night guard is essential to keep it in excellent condition for years. During the day, be sure to store your night guard in a case to keep it protected. Before wearing the guard when you sleep, clean it using standard toothpaste and a toothbrush. The better you care for your night guard, the longer it will last.

It is important to use cold water or room temperature water when rinsing your guard. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic and ruin the custom fit. Many people use travel cases to keep their guards clean and safe when they are away from home. Protecting your teeth, even while you sleep, will help to improve your overall dental health and keep you comfortable throughout the day.