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Night guards are custom-fit oral appliances made to protect your teeth from damage that may be caused by grinding and clenching.

• Dental night guards are devices you wear while you sleep to reduce the amount of teeth grinding and stress you feel on your teeth and jaw. There are many benefits to using night guards, including the following:
• Reduce the wear and tear on your natural teeth caused by nighttime tooth grinding.
• Protect against TMJ disorder symptoms, like headaches, face/jaw pain, or a limited range of motion with your jaw.
• Give yourself a better night’s sleep by alleviating sleep apnea symptoms such as snoring or gasping for breath.

Read more to look into the benefits in detail:

Prevent Tooth Wear and Jaw Pain

A night guard is used to prevent excessive pressure on the teeth during nighttime hours when most individuals grind their teeth. Night guards can also prevent or alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorder, such as headaches or migraines.

When you grind your pearly whites at night, the enamel of your back teeth is worn down. This can cause tooth sensitivity or another painful condition known as dentin hypersensitivity. Wearing a night guard can prevent further tooth damage and even restore some of the enamel that has been worn away.

Align Jaws

If you experience popping, clicking, or other discomforts in your jaw when you open your mouth wide, it is possible that you have a misaligned bite. Wearing a night guard can help relieve the symptoms of TMJ, as the device can help align your upper and lower jaws so that your muscles can relax.

Reduce the Symptoms of Bruxism

When you grind or clench your teeth during the night, the enamel that protects them can wear down over time. This could lead to jaw pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. A night guard can protect your teeth from the effects of grinding by keeping them from coming into contact with each other. This helps to keep your teeth strong and healthy. When the teeth are correctly aligned, they are less likely to wear down due to excess pressure.

Additionally, a night guard can correct your bite and prevent tooth damage. When the top and bottom teeth come together in the wrong way, it can lead to headaches and muscle tension in your neck and face. When your alignment is corrected with a night guard, these issues are minimized, and you can experience better overall health as a result.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of using night guards, then schedule a consultation with your dentists at Willow Creek Family Dentistry today! We would be more than happy to speak with you further about your options and help you to determine which treatment is best for you. You can reach us by calling (319) 339-4456 or by sending us a message online through our website. We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping to improve your oral health!