Do I Need a Night Guard?

Do you regularly wake up with headaches, a sore jaw or toothache? You might need to visit Dental Ben’s, Peoria’s premier cosmetic dentist, for a detailed evaluation. Such discomforts could mean you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding.

This happens when you grind, clench or gnash your teeth while sleeping. The consequences of this constant abrasion include fractured teeth and premature enamel loss. In extreme cases, it results in receding gums, migraines and painful jaw joints.

Causes of Bruxism

This condition is usually triggered by factors such as:

• Poorly aligned teeth.
• Excessive nicotine use
• Age. Children are more likely to suffer from bruxism than adults.
• High-stress levels or depression.
• Genetic predisposition
• Recreational drug use
• Prescription medication

Night guards are one of the most effective ways of preventing bruxism. As Peoria’s foremost cosmetic dentist, Dr. Ben Cooperman has a wealth of experience with this solution. A professionally fitted night guard works better to stop bruxism than over-the-counter options.

Types of Night Guards

There are three main types of night guards:

• Custom Mouth Guard

This is the most effective type of night guard because it’s customized to fit your teeth. At Dental Ben’s, a detailed impression of your mouth will be used to create one that fits perfectly.

• Boil and Bite

Their use is similar to that of athletic mouthpieces. They’re made of a material which softens when placed in boiled water. Once you bite it, a customized impression of your teeth is created.

• Stock

These are the cheapest options available. They’re a one-size-fits-all solution. As such, they’re not as comfortable as custom and boil-and-bite night guards.

These mouth guards are usually meant to protect either the top or bottom layer of teeth. Your cosmetic dentist might recommend using both guards together under special circumstances. For the best results, custom mouth guards are recommended.

Other than night guards, Dr. Cooperman might suggest dental alignment to stop teeth grinding. This can be done using either metal braces or Invisalign. As an added precaution, avoid stressful situations. You should also monitor your prescription medication, and consider changing your lifestyle and diet.

Ask Dr.Ben

If you’ve been experiencing the painful effects of teeth grinding, you need to urgently visit Peoria’s best cosmetic dentist. Dr. Cooperman’s customized night guards have helped several clients achieve peaceful nights, something they only once dreamed of.

At Dental Ben’s, we’ve been able to gain a loyal clientele over a fairly short period of time. This is due to our unmatched dental expertise, warmth, compassion, and commitment to the highest ethical standards. For more information on our range of services, feel free to contact us today.

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