If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism, or habitual tooth grinding, your dentist has probably recommended that you use a night guard, which is also called an occlusal splint.
If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism, or habitual tooth grinding, your dentist has probably recommended that you use a night guard, which is also called an occlusal splint. Night guards are not cheap however, and purchasing one from your dentist may cost as much as a few hundred dollars. However, this can be highly worth it, as long term bruxism can have numerous cosmetic and health effects, such as TMJ, which are debilitating and possibly even expensive to correct. Also, in numerous cases, dental insurance covers night guards as they are key to your dental and, believe it or not, overall health.
Night Guard Options From The Dentist
These are the most expensive, as they average a few hundred dollars. However, when you choose a night mouth guard directly from your dentist it will be molded specifically to your teeth, which will be the most comfortable option. There are several types of night guard, ranging from small to the to full coverage option. While they are not incredibly fashion forward, if you grind your teeth at night you need the protection they provide for numerous reasons. While ones from the drugstore are cheaper, they are often bulky and uncomfortable, leading many people to forgo wearing them at night. This does nothing to stop them from grinding their teeth and avoid potential health problems.
The Effects of Long Term Tooth Grinding
If you continue grinding your teeth for long periods of time unchecked, you will not only be able to feel the difference, but see it. Your teeth will be physically dulled and flattened, which can prematurely age you. Excessive grinding causes temperature sensitivity as your teeth are worn down, eventually cracking and exposing the nerve. This causes pain, receding gums, and lost teeth. Correcting this is often painful and expensive and includes procedures such as crowns, bridges, implants, extractions, veneers, and even root canals. If this isn’t enough to deter you, tooth grinding can cause all sorts of pain and problems beyond your mouth. These can include neck, shoulder, back, and ear pain and even migraines.
Get In Touch With Annapolis Dental Today
Whether you need a tooth extraction or just want to get a dental health check-up, Annapolis Dental Center has the expertise and compassion to work with you to improve your oral health and get you smiling again. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy with the services that they receive. To set up your appointment today, give us a call at (410) 571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and the whole family, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and check us out on Yelp!