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Night guards vs. other treatment options for teeth grinding: a comparison

A perfect and healthy smile is a dream for everyone. But what if this smile becomes the victim of a common dental issue known as teeth grinding? If you are looking for treatment options to treat this issue, then a night guard might be a suitable option.

While a night guard is a popular treatment option for teeth grinding, there are many other options as well. Let's compare night guard with different treatment options to understand which is the most suitable for your smile. 

Do you experience teeth grinding at night? Order a customized night guard today.

Understanding teeth grinding 

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a dental condition in which a person clenches or grinds the teeth. If this issue is not resolved with time, it can lead to further complications such as tooth damage, headaches, or jaw pain. Bruxism occurs under two conditions:

  • Sleep bruxism 
  • Awake bruxism 

      Not to forget, teeth grinding is a subconscious act and is caused by anxiety, stress, or depression. 

      What are night guards?

      A night guard is a dental device that is placed inside the mouth. It covers the jaws and protects the smile throughout the night. It acts as a cushion between the jaws and prevents them from coming in contact with each other. These are customized according to your smile to offer a perfect fit.

      Types of night guards

      While understanding a night guard, it is important to keep in mind the following types that offer different protection:

    1. Soft night guard

    2. Soft night guard is a 3mm EVA flexible plastic dental product. It is specifically designed for patients with mild to moderate teeth clenching. 

    3. Hard night guard

    4. It is designed for patients with severe teeth-grinding issues. It is 2 mm PETG plastic, which is tough, and rigid, and supports the jaws throughout the night.

    5. Hybrid night guard

    6. People with severe dental bruxism should wear a comfortable dental product. Considering this condition, a hybrid night guard is a suitable option. It has a soft interior with a hard exterior, offering protection and comfort. 

      Other treatment options for teeth grinding

      No doubt, a night guard can be a suitable option for teeth grinding, but if you are looking for other options, the following are some of them:

    7. Stress management

    8. Stress or anxiety are the common reasons a person goes through teeth grinding. Learn to manage your stress and opt for activities that promote relaxation such as yoga or meditation. Try to stay stress-free to avoid teeth grinding at night. This will not only help you in promoting your dental health but will also improve your overall well-being. 

      Jaw exercise

      Jaw exercises can help relax your muscles and prevent bruxism. The below-mentioned exercises can help you in this regard:

      • Jaw stretching.
      • Resistance training 
      1. Botox injections

      2. The rise in orthodontics has introduced this treatment option for teeth grinding. For severe teeth grinders, the dentist might suggest Botox injections that numb the muscles. This option should only be chosen by people who do not respond to other treatments.

        Muscle relaxants

        If you want to treat teeth grinding with the help of medications, the intake of muscle relaxants before going to sleep can help you out. It helps in relaxing your muscles and jaw, which prevents teeth grinding. Keep in mind that this is the permanent solution and it might lose its effectiveness during your sleep.

        Protect your smile with Caspersmile

        Considering all these other options for teeth-grinding which can be expensive, Caspersmile offers budget-friendly dental gear. A customized night guard offers enhanced protection throughout the night by protecting your teeth. Get your customized dental product in three simple steps:

        Step 1:

        Make an order for Caspersmile night guard and receive an impression kit. It comes with an instruction booklet to help you create your dental impressions at home.

        Step 2:

        Generate your impressions by using the instructions or booking an online session for guidance. Once done, send them back to us.

        Step 3:

        We will create a customized night guard for your smile. Receive it at your doorstep and experience enhanced protection throughout the night. 

        For more information, call Caspersmile at +44 20 3872 2812.

        To sum it up, when it comes to your dental protection, it is important to opt for the option that suits you the best. A night guard is a convenient and comfortable dental product that offers complete protection throughout the night. As compared to all the other options, there is still a chance that you clench your teeth at night. Try to consult a dentist and choose a treatment option depending on your oral condition.

        FAQs

        What is a night guard?

        A night guard is a dental product that acts as a cushion between the jaws and protects your teeth from bruxism. 

        Can I wear a night guard every night?

        Yes! Caspersmile night guards are safe to wear every night. They are designed to offer enhanced comfort and convenience while you sleep.