Night Guards in Ridgewood, NJ
A mouthguard might just be the dental tool you need for your dental health, providing essential protection while you sleep or engage in sports. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to shield your smile during an intense game or someone who grinds their teeth at night due to stress, a mouthguard is designed to keep your teeth safe from harm. It’s a small investment for a significant benefit – protecting your pearly whites and ensuring you can enjoy every moment without worrying about dental injuries or discomfort.
At Clemente Orthodontics in Ridgewood, we provide custom-fitted night guards designed to protect your smile while you sleep. Whether you’re dealing with teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or related issues, our team is here to help you find relief and preserve your dental health. With our commitment to personalized care and years of experience, we ensure that each night guard offers the comfort and durability you need for restful nights and a healthier smile.
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards are custom-fitted dental appliances made of durable plastic or acrylic. They fit over your upper or lower teeth, acting as a protective barrier between your teeth and jaw. Night guards are specifically designed to absorb the forces generated during teeth grinding or jaw clenching, providing comfort and protection throughout the night.
How Do Night Guards Work?
Night guards work by providing a physical barrier that keeps your teeth separated during sleep. When you grind your teeth, the guard absorbs the pressure and impacts that would otherwise be transferred to your teeth and jaw. This reduces the wear on your enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth, and helps prevent issues like:
- Worn Enamel: Grinding can wear down the enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and cavities.
- Jaw Pain: Excessive grinding can strain your jaw muscles, causing discomfort or pain in the jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Headaches: Tension from grinding can also result in headaches or migraines, particularly in the morning.
By alleviating the pressure on your teeth and jaw, night guards can significantly reduce these problems.
Types of Night Guards
There are several types of night guards available, each designed to cater to different needs:
- Custom-Fitted Night Guards: These are made by your dentist based on impressions of your teeth. They offer the best fit and comfort and are often the most effective option.
- Boil-and-Bite Night Guards: These guards can be purchased over the counter. You soften the material in hot water, bite into it to create an impression, and then let it cool. While they are more affordable, they may not provide the same level of comfort or protection as custom options.
- Stock Night Guards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the least expensive option, but they often do not fit well and can be uncomfortable to wear throughout the night.
Choosing the right type of night guard will depend on your specific needs and comfort preferences.
Why You Need a Professionally Made Mouthguard
Mouthguards are essential for protecting your teeth, especially if you play sports or grind your teeth at night. While over-the-counter options may seem convenient and affordable, a professionally made mouthguard from your dentist offers several advantages that can significantly impact your oral health, such as:
- Custom Fit for Comfort: Dentists take precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring the mouthguard fits snugly and comfortably. A custom mouthguard stays in place better and feels more natural than generic, store-bought options, making it easier to wear consistently.
- Better Protection: A professionally made mouthguard provides superior protection against dental injuries. Since it’s tailored to your mouth, it offers a better barrier against impact, reducing the risk of broken teeth or injuries to your gums and jaw. This level of protection is crucial for athletes who engage in contact sports.
- Durability and Longevity: Custom mouthguards are typically made from higher-quality materials than those found in over-the-counter options. This means they are more durable and can withstand wear and tear over time, saving you money in the long run.
- Tailored to Your Needs: Your dentist can create a mouthguard that suits your specific requirements. Whether you grind your teeth at night or need one for sports, your dentist can recommend the best type of mouthguard for your lifestyle.
Choosing a professionally made mouthguard over an over-the-counter option is a smart decision for your dental health. Don’t compromise on your oral health; visit your dentist to get the right mouthguard for you.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Night Guard from Clemente Orthodontics
If teeth grinding, jaw clenching or even sports activities are impacting your smile, a custom night guard from Clemente Orthodontics in Ridgewood can make all the difference. Designed for optimal comfort and tailored to your unique dental needs, our night guards offer a practical solution for protecting your teeth and relieving related discomfort. From reducing jaw pain to preventing enamel wear, a personalized night guard can help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.
Contact us today to learn more about how a custom night guard can benefit your dental health. Reach out to our Ridgewood office at (201) 447-2888, or explore more options by reaching out through our contact form.
