Custom Night Guards for Clenching and Grinding
Maple Ridge Dental Centre provides custom night guards in Maple Ridge for patients with bruxism.
A night guard may help protect teeth and restorations from forces associated with clenching or grinding. Dental assessment is important because jaw discomfort can have several causes.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is involuntary clenching, grinding or gnashing of teeth during sleep or while awake. Repeated pressure may contribute to worn, chipped or cracked teeth, sensitivity, damaged restorations and strained jaw muscles.
Possible signs include:
- Flattened, worn or chipped teeth
- Morning jaw fatigue, aching or stiffness
- Tight or tender chewing muscles
- Headaches around the temples
- Tooth sensitivity
- Grinding sounds during sleep
- Soreness when chewing or opening your mouth
Bruxism and TMD Symptoms
Temporomandibular disorders, or TMDs, affect the jaw joints and muscles. Symptoms may include jaw or facial pain, muscle stiffness, limited opening, locking, or painful clicking. Clicking without pain is common and may not require treatment.
Clenching and grinding may occur with TMD symptoms but are not the only causes. Night guards do not cure every TMD. Your dentist may recommend other care or a referral.
Your Custom Night Guard
Your dentist will examine your teeth, bite, jaw joints and chewing muscles. If appropriate, we use a digital scanner to record your teeth without conventional impression material. The scan is used to create a custom dental appliance for your mouth.
Your dentist will check the fit and bite and explain when to wear, clean and store it. Contact the office if it causes new pain or no longer fits.
Night Guards and Athletic Mouthguards
Night guards manage forces from clenching or grinding and protect teeth during sleep. Athletic mouthguards are usually made from softer, flexible materials designed to cushion impact during sports. The appliances serve different purposes and should not replace each other.
Will a night guard stop bruxism?
Not necessarily. It creates a protective barrier but may not eliminate clenching or grinding.
Request a Night Guard Assessment
Request an appointment online or call Maple Ridge Dental Centre at (604) 463-2536.