{"id":332,"date":"2023-01-11T19:16:26","date_gmt":"2023-01-11T19:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theoakbrookdentist.com\/blog\/?p=332"},"modified":"2023-02-27T19:16:54","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T19:16:54","slug":"why-a-professionally-crafted-nightguard-is-worth-the-investment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theoakbrookdentist.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/11\/why-a-professionally-crafted-nightguard-is-worth-the-investment\/","title":{"rendered":"Why A Professionally Crafted Nightguard Is Worth the Investment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Millions of Americans grind their teeth, especially at night. So-called \u201csleep bruxism\u201d is estimated to affect around 13% of adults and a much higher proportion of children. Grinding your teeth at night can seriously affect your oral health, often in ways you may not realize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have sleep bruxism, your dentist will likely recommend that you get a night guard to protect<\/a> your teeth. You may be tempted to get one at your local pharmacy, or just not get a nightguard at all. Here\u2019s why having your dentist craft you a nightguard is worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do I Need a Nightguard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re aware of it or not, bruxism puts your teeth under enormous pressure. This stress can grind away large portions of your teeth over time, fundamentally changing how they fit together when your mouth is closed. After a while, that can cause the skin around your mouth to loosen, giving you premature wrinkles and the appearance of a natural frown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A nightguard can stop your teeth from being ground down, protecting the shape of your bite over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Get an Over-the-counter Nightguard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Often, people who know that they need a nightguard will simply pick up one of the many over-the-counter options available to them. There are both heat-molded and one-size-fits-all mouthguards, but neither of them is likely to fit as well as one crafted by your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, you\u2019ll want to relax as you\u2019re falling asleep. If you have a poorly-fitting nightguard you may find it too bulky, feel it rub against your gums, or find that you can\u2019t even get the guard to stay on your teeth! By getting a mouthguard fit to you, you can have a good night\u2019s sleep and not have to worry about how your oral appliance fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Dentists Make a Nightguard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To make a nightguard, your dentist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n