Night Guards in Plano, TX
What is a Night Guard?
A dental night guard (also known as a mouth guard, splint, orthotic, or occlusal appliance) is used to treat TMJ disorder. It is usually a hard, acrylic appliance that will realign your jaw while you sleep, taking the tension off the joint.
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your jaw “hinge” located just in front of your ear lobe.
If you have been diagnosed with a temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMD) your dentist may have recommended a mouth guard to help ease your pain and prevent damage to your teeth and jaw joints. These appliances can be purchased over the counter and even online, but BEWARE. Devices that are not custom made and professionally fitted are manufactured based on a “one-size-fits-all” model. Nothing could be further from that idea! Each person’s mouth is different. A mouth guard, made of either soft or rigid acrylic material, fits over your own teeth. Since your bite, jaw size and placement are unique to you, the device needs to be professionally fitted to your own mouth. It is important that you order a custom-fitted night guard through your family dentist, as a non- prescription (over the counter) mouth guard will not keep your jaw in the correct alignment as you sleep and may even make things worse.
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The Night Guards Process
Personal Consultation & Evaluation
When you come in for your visit, Dr. Joseph will carefully examine your teeth for signs of grinding (bruxism) and TMJ issues. We'll check for worn enamel, flattened teeth, and sensitive areas to determine the severity of your grinding habits. During this consultation, we'll discuss your symptoms – like morning headaches, jaw pain, or facial soreness. We'll also review your sleep patterns and stress levels, which can contribute to teeth grinding. This helps us design the perfect night guard for your specific needs.
Custom Fitting & Design
Unlike store-bought options, your night guard will be precisely crafted for your mouth. We'll take detailed digital impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit. These impressions capture every contour of your bite, allowing us to create a guard that feels natural and comfortable. Our laboratory uses high-grade, durable materials to craft your custom night guard. We'll select the appropriate thickness and design based on your grinding patterns and comfort preferences.
Delivery & Care Instructions
When your custom night guard is ready, you'll return for a final fitting. Dr. Joseph will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure perfect comfort. We'll demonstrate proper insertion and removal techniques, and provide tips for adapting to your new guard. You'll receive detailed care instructions to maintain your night guard's effectiveness and longevity. We'll schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the guard is working properly and make any needed adjustments. With proper care, your custom night guard will protect your smile for years to come.
The Benefits of a Custom-Made Night Guard
Mouth guards for TMD Syndrome are used to guide your jaw into the correct position. This helps to prevent painful pressure and subsequent irreversible damage by:
- Preventing you from clenching or “gritting” your teeth
- Preventing you from grinding your teeth (also known as bruxing)
- Helping to align your jaw in the correct position to correct an improper bite.
- Helping your jaw and facial muscles relax, which reduces muscle spasms, which in turn reduces pain, tightness, and headaches
- Preventing your jaw from locking
To accomplish the goal of relieving TMJ pain, an individual and precise fit is critical. By having your dentist be the one to create this for you, Dr. Joseph will be able to check it regularly and make any necessary modifications to provide you with the relief intended.
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