Bite Guards Protect Your Teeth At Night For A Healthier Smile All Day Long!
If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to talk to Klein Dentistry in Grandville, MI about your bruxism.
If you’re not familiar with the term, bruxism is teeth grinding, and according to the American Dental Association, it affects about 10 to 15 percent of adults.
Talk to us about a custom bite guard for sleeping, aka “Occlusal Appliance”.
The Importance Of A Custom Bite Guard
The advantage of working with Klein Dentistry is that over the years we have learned that the most important thing is patient comfort and patient compliance. Bite guards need to be balanced in the bite so that it’s functional and best supports the bite and teeth.
There are a lot of configurations for bite guards, and each can be shaped differently to get a different result for the patient. We take the time to understand why we’re creating a bite guard for each individual patient. We understand why we’re building this device and what do we want it to do for the patient.
In general, if you have to bite or clench to keep your bite guard in place, your bite guard doesn’t fit properly. Many people are worried that it feels too tight, and that their teeth will move. Fortunately, that tight feeling is actually a good sign that it fits well to your teeth and that it will stay in while you sleep.
Remember that it will feel a little uncomfortable at first and it could take you up to two weeks to adjust to having it in your mouth. If you stick with it though, pretty soon you won’t even notice it’s there.
Signs & Symptoms Of Teeth Grinding
It’s often difficult to tell whether tooth grinding is simply an annoyance or a serious problem.
If you experience one or more of these problems, it’s time to talk to Klein Dentistry about getting a custom-made bite guard.
- Flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
- Tooth enamel that’s worn down, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
- Soreness in your jaw, neck or face pain
- Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear
- Dull headache starting in the temples
- Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
- Sleep disruption
The Problem With Grinding Your Teeth
While occasionally teeth grinding usually doesn’t cause harm, when this occurs on a regular basis, you’re susceptible to more serious problems.
Type Of Bite Guards Available From Klein Dentistry
There are several ways to alleviate the effects of bruxism. One of the most common is a bite guard.
This is a dental piece typically worn while sleeping through the night, and there are several different types of bite guards available — but they’re not all created equal.
There are three main types of bite guards that are available:
Custom Bite Guards
These are individually designed and made in a dental office based on your dentist’s instructions.
An impression is made of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. While more expensive than the other types, it provides the most comfort and protection.
Stock Mouth Protectors
These are taken right off the shelf and put in your mouth.
While inexpensive, you can’t do much to adjust their fit, they’re bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little or no protection.
Boil and Bite Protectors
These can also be bought at the store and are made from thermoplastic material that’s placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
This type of bite guard often doesn’t last long, and is not recommended.
Get affordable, professional dental care even if you don’t have other dental benefits!
If you don’t have dental benefits, you may tend to skip regular dental visits because of the cost. But Klein Dentistry can help!
Join our dental care membership club and you’ll get 2 cleanings per year, x-rays and exams included! Members also receive 12% off other services.
Great for kids and adults, our club has many perks that will keep your mouth healthier and your smile brighter all year long.
You can even join our club if you have periodontal disease.
The Klein Dentistry
Difference
The difference is careful, intricate planning for the individual needs of each patient.
Our teams work hard to build trust, and each patient is presented with every option available, along with the pros and cons of each. We take our time to be sure that everything is clearly explained so patients can make the best decision for them.
