Nighttime Teeth Grinding and Choosing the Right Mouth Guard

THORNHILL, Ontario - June 12, 2016 - PRLog -- It has been suggested that you get a night guard (otherwise known as a mouth guard) but there-in lies the question(s), will just any mouth guard work? Should you pursue getting one from a professional or will an off-the-shelf brand suffice? Which process is the best for obtaining the highest level of protection and/or quality for the money that you will be required to spend?

As people that are in the business of providing top-notch oral health care, we decided to take this as our opportunity to offer you a little guidance and direction about this subject. We want you to be happy and healthy on every level therefore, we appreciate the value of a good night's rest as much as we respect a great smile.

The Perils of Continuing Unprotected

Bruxism, the clinical term for grinding your teeth, is often associated with being a fundamental reason a lot of people prematurely wear their teeth out. If the condition goes untreated for a long period of time it is also a huge contributor to the early onset of tooth loss. That in itself will lead the sufferer to eventually need the services, expense, and painful procedures that are associated with restorative dental appliances or implants, as well as enduring the inconveniences that accompany them.

Grinding teeth at night not only causes you to have unrestful sleep and a stiff or sore jaw upon wakening, it also leads to the abnormal wear and tear on your enamel along with chipped or even broken teeth. In severe cases of bruxism, there has even been recorded cases of a person literally wearing the surfaces of their teeth flat which will also contribute to undue digestion problems in the long term.

Along with these obvious discomforts there has also been reported consequences that range from TMJ, to migraines and a plethora of other maladies; of the face, head, and neck area as a direct result of untreated bruxism.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, but medical technology has stepped up and now has several forms of MOUTH GUARDS that will supposedly effectively treat the condition and offer significant levels of relief from the resulting conditions.

Off the Pharmacy Shelf:

Initially these types of mouth guards present themselves as inexpensive and they are easily obtained at any major pharmacy and/or department store retailer. The truth is although they are convenient, they are not long lasting, as they wear out quickly and require that they be replaced every few months or so.

As we have previously established and stated; the fact that heat makes them pliable and/or they are filled with malleable materials just does not bode well for their promise of long term performance nor wear-ability. If they will bend and conform that easily on purpose it is more than probable that they will not hold up under the intense pressure in the combination of many nights.

The NTI Option:

The NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition splint) is an alternative dental appliance that is obtained by consulting a professional dental healthcare provider. This particular device, although not the most expensive alternative available, does have its own measure of significant cost as well as design defects that leave the level of its effectiveness questionable.

Unlike other similar devices, that cover the entire top or bottom row of teeth, the NTI only covers the very front teeth of the top or bottom row. In theory, the purpose and or projected function of this device is to realign the jaw and displace the back teeth so that they misalign and prevent contact, pressure, etc.

OUCH! That already sounds extremely uncomfortable to say the least, as well as opening up a plethora of associated questions. Top of the list, isn't that sort of defeating the purpose if you are experiencing stiffness, soreness, and/or outright pain from an unnatural jaw or bite displacement? Wouldn't this concept only contribute to the base dilemma?

Therein lies the brand of dysfunction that is found to be commonly associated with this particular device. It really isn't an optimal choice if you are seeking a top level of performance.

Professional Grade, Custom Made:

Let's face it, in this situation you really aren't going to get around a little expense. That is why gambling on hit or miss versions that offer no guarantees, is a practice you probably can't afford; on any level.

The most long-term economical solution for reliability, dependability, comfort, and lasting durability is the 'no-brainer' custom-fitted, professionally made mouth guard. This type is always and only obtained from a professional dentist. You will be custom fitted with a mold of your entire upper or lower row of teeth. That will then be sent to a lab. A perfect exact plate will be made for you in materials that are technologically innovative as well as manufactured with state-of-the-art equipment by educated staff at an accredited facility.

That in itself is reassuring because this will not result in a snatch-and-grab dismissal for you; the patient. There will be follow-up care for the enduring comfort and long-term performance of this device. That is open availability to alignment, adjustments, and concern for the simple wear-ability of the appliance as well as its reliable performance.

If you need more information or you want to book your appointment, please contact us or visit our website: http://www.dentistryforyou.ca