Custom-fitted Nightguards

Nightguards in Spotsylvania, VA

The best way to protect your tooth enamel from damage caused by grinding is to wear a nightguard when you sleep. A nightguard is an easy, non-invasive treatment for bruxism. It can also help treat sleep apnea and improve your quality of sleep.

A nightguard is an oral appliance that can help treat mild bruxism, help prevent tooth wear and fractured teeth, and can improve your quality of sleep. Smile Lake Anna offers custom nightguards for our patients in Spotsylvania, VA, to help you maintain good oral health. Contact us and we’ll help you choose the perfect option for your needs.

Understanding Bruxism & Nightguards

A nightguard is designed to protect your teeth and gums from damage caused by a common condition called bruxism (grinding your teeth during sleep). Tooth grinding is an unconscious behavior that happens while you are asleep. Your teeth rub against each other, which causes friction between the teeth. Bruxism can be caused by stress or anxiety, an abnormal bite, or excessive alcohol consumption, among other factors.

A dental appliance like a nightguard helps prevent these problems by putting a barrier between your upper teeth and lower teeth.

Importance of Wearing a Nightguard

To Prevent Gum Recession

Gum recession happens when the gum tissue around the teeth starts to recede. This often occurs as a result of excessive pressure being placed on the teeth. Over time, this may cause the roots of the teeth to become exposed. Using a nightguard will keep your teeth protected from this problem.

To Protect Your Teeth From Damage

When you grind your teeth at night, you put them under extreme stress, often leading to broken teeth or tooth loss. A nightguard will help reduce the harmful effects of bruxism and help you maintain healthy teeth.

To Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem among people who grind their teeth. This is because the nerves in the teeth become irritated and begin to send pain signals to the brain. These sensations can be pretty uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive teeth. However, wearing a nightguard will help to reduce this discomfort.

To Improve Sleep Quality

Wearing a nightguard can improve your quality of sleep. Because it keeps your teeth from grinding against one another, you won't feel as much discomfort when you wake up, such as jaw pain, neck pain, muscle pain, chronic headaches, facial pain, and toothaches.

Basic Types of Nightguards

There are several different kinds of nightguards available today. Here are some of the most popular options:

Custom-Made Nightguards

These types of nightguards are explicitly made from an exact model of your teeth. Our dentist will make a custom set of nightguards from impressions of your teeth so the fit is perfect. This type of night guard is the most accurate since it is made especially for each patient.

Over-the-Counter Nightguards

These pre-made nightguards are typically sold at drug stores and grocery stores. Since they are generically made, these are not custom fitted for your mouth and may not be as comfortable or practical as a custom-made one. They are also called "boil-and-bite" nightguards because they are softened using hot water, then you bite down on them to mold them to your teeth.

Over-the-Counter Nightguards

Contact Smile Lake Anna for a Custom-Fitted Nightguard

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism and might need a nightguard, contact us for help. Our team of experts can create a custom nightguard that will prevent tooth damage. Schedule your appointment with us today!