If you wear a night guard, you know that they can be a lifesaver – but they can also cause some problems if not worn correctly. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common problems with night guards and how to avoid them.
1. General pain and soreness
Many people suffer from jaw pain or soreness due to a poorly fitting night guard. The constant gripping and shifting of the device can lead to uncomfortable amounts of pressure on the jaw and even alter your bite pattern.
Fortunately, there are ways you can avoid this problem. First, make sure that you are using the right type of night guard for your particular needs – one that is designed to protect the areas most impacted by bruxism. Additionally, look into finding a professional who can properly craft a custom-fitted night guard that accommodates the size and shape of your mouth.
Taking preventative care when it comes to getting the right protection for your teeth will help ensure that problems like jaw soreness don’t become an issue in the future. Make sure to visit JS Dental Lab to learn more about how you can get fitted properly for a night guard.
2. Shifting teeth
Shifting teeth is a common issue for people who are regular night guard wearers. This can happen when the night guard does not fit properly, which can cause it to put too much pressure on your teeth.
Fortunately, this side effect can be avoided by getting measured for a customized night guard that fits like a glove. These custom guards are made with precision, ensuring that your teeth won’t shift like they would with an ill-fitting, over-the-counter guard.
While the boil-and-bite night guards may fit snugly over your teeth, they are often bulky and made from materials that will cause irritation to the gums. That’s another reason why custom-fitting night guards are so valuable.
They may cost more initially than over-the-counter options, but the benefits of a properly fitting night guard in terms of reduction in shifting will pay off in the long run.
3. Jaw misalignment
Jaw misalignment is another common side effect of night guards that are either too tight or too loose for the user’s mouth. If a night guard doesn’t fit properly into an individual’s mouth, then it can begin to squeeze its muscles and shift the jaw out of position.
To prevent this from happening, consider getting a night guard that is custom made for your mouth. This will ensure the guard fits snugly around your teeth and remains secure throughout the night. Most dentists can provide custom-fitted night guards with additional features like extra thickness or cushioning to provide extra comfort and protection.
Also, be sure to regularly check your guard while using it; if it loses its form or becomes uncomfortable in any way, speak to your dentist right away as there may be an issue with the fit of the guard. Taking these steps can help you maintain proper alignment of your jaw while sleeping comfortably at night.
4. Irritation inside the mouth
Wearing a night guard is a great way to protect your teeth and prevent grinding, but if you’re experiencing irritation to your gums, cheeks, and tongue it can be painful and uncomfortable. While this common side effect is unavoidable for some night guard-wearers, there are tips and tricks to reduce the level of discomfort.
Make sure that the fitting of your night guard is tailored correctly to fit the contours of your mouth ensuring even pressure across all surfaces.
Alternatively, talk with your dentist about alternative options like a custom-made night guard which will provide better comfort and protection than the store-bought type.
5. Damage to tooth enamel
Wearing a night guard can be an important part of protecting your teeth while you sleep, but it’s also important to brush your teeth before you put it on. If you don’t, the bacteria and acid buildup left on your tooth enamel from food, drinks and plaque can cause damage to the surface of your teeth known as demineralization.
This should be avoided so you don’t experience tooth sensitivity, cavities or more costly dental procedures down the line. By brushing first and taking proper care of your night guard, you’ll help ensure that your teeth remain healthy and intact for many years to come.
Conclusion
Night guards are a great way to prevent teeth grinding and jaw alignment issues, but there are risks involved with wearing them. Fortunately, by following the above tips and advice, you can maximize the benefits of your night guard while minimizing any potential side effects.
