Custom Night Guard versus Over-the-Counter: Which one is best for you?
If you grind your teeth at night, chances are, you’re looking to solve the issue before it causes more problems down the road.
Along with wearing down tooth enamel and increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease, bruxism — or unconscious tooth grinding/clenching — can:
Crack, flatten or damage teeth
Break crowns or fillings
Cause severe tooth pain and sensitivity, or even loosen your teeth
Physical damage is one thing, but over time, without treatment, teeth grinding will affect the look of your smile and potentially lower your self-esteem.
Why do I grind my teeth at night?
Though the causes of bruxism aren’t totally clear, some reasons may include:
Stress and anxiety
Crooked teeth or an abnormal bite
Caffeine, smoking or alcohol use
Snoring, sleep apnea, or another medical condition
Whatever the cause, there are plenty of options — both over-the-counter (OTC) and at your local Lethbridge dentist — to help protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep.
Night Guard: OTC versus Custom
Though we recommend getting a custom-fit mouthguard (for reasons below) from your dentist, both options come with their pros and cons.
Over-the-counter Bite Guard
Available in either a one-size-fits-all guard or what’s called a ‘boil and bite’ device, these are quick and easy to find at your local drugstore, and a lot less expensive than a custom guard. The problem is, they’re generally uncomfortable, and ill-fitting — meaning they likely won’t stay in place throughout the night.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Can use immediately (the same day you purchase)
Cons:
Uncomfortable
Its ill-fit can damage soft tissue in the mouth
Not a perfect fit, and so, can fall out during the night, negating its purpose and even present a choking hazard
Custom Dental Guard
Though an initial higher cost, these night guards offer a completely custom fit for your unique teeth and mouth shape. This means not only will your guard stay in place and protect your teeth throughout the night (and every night), but they will also feel more comfortable, allowing for a better night’s sleep.
Pros:
Much more comfortable
Perfectly fits your unique mouth, protecting your teeth every night you wear it
Cons:
Expensive
Takes longer to create
OTC is not enough — Choose a Custom Dental Guard
The initial investment of a mouthguard from your dentist in Lethbridge is worth it in the long run, as it is a more reliable method of protecting your teeth throughout the night.
If you’re still on the fence about night guards or wondering which option is best for you, Contact Peak Dental today.
We can walk you through some options to help you understand the very best ways you can protect your teeth — and maintain your beautiful, unique smile!