If you have jaw pain from TMJ disorders, using a night guard is one of the best ways to ease pain and protect your teeth.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders usually present as pain in the jaw, headaches, and bruxing (teeth grinding). A night guard can ease your pain and protect your teeth from long-term damage.
What Is the Best Mouth Guard for TMJ?
The best mouth guard will be a custom-fitted guard provided by a dentist. Custom-fitted guards are more beneficial than over-the-counter ones because patients can wear them for longer periods since it is made to fit their unique teeth.
A quality mouth guard:
- Keeps the jaw in a stable position while sleeping.
- Eases the pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
- Provides a barrier to prevent damage from grinding/clenching.
Over-the-counter guards can give short-term help, but they typically don’t last long and can feel bulky. The best outcome in terms of comfort and protection will be a custom guard made by your orthodontist or dentist.
What Are the Main Night Guard Benefits?
There are several benefits of night guards for patients with TMJ disorders. The benefits are:
- Pain relief – Decreases pressure in the jaw, headaches, and facial discomfort.
- Protection – Provides prevention from wear and cracking of teeth because of grinding.
- Better sleep – Provides prevention from clenching at night for more restful sleeping.
- Preventative – Keeps small jaw issues from turning into bigger, painful problems.
For those who wake with jaw pain or grind their teeth, night guards can greatly improve the comfort in daily life.
Why Choose TMJ – Anti-Grinding Night Guards in NE Calgary?
If you live in Calgary, you might be thinking about TMJ – Anti-Grinding Night Guards in NE Calgary. When you choose a local orthodontist, you can get a guard custom-designed to fit your bite.
There are many advantages when you visit a local clinic, such as the following:
- The night guard professional has many options for fitting to allow for the comfort and durability that is needed for effective TMJ treatment.
- If you get a night guard and it doesn’t fit right, you have options, as the dentist or ortho can adjust it professionally to fit correctly.
- Ongoing care and management of TMJ issues from the clinic can provide follow-up care and support for any TMJ issues that persist after night guard treatment.
Patients visiting a general dental clinic can have a custom-made night guard to deal specifically with TMJ issues. This is the best way to get protection for the long term.
How Do Night Guards Help With TMJ Disorders?
Night guards mainly provide a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This protects grinding and reduces stress on the jaw joint. Over time, night guards can:
- Relax muscle tensions in the face/jaw
- Decrease popping or clicking noises when the mouth is open
- Reduce the risk of chipped/cracked/worn teeth
- Align the jaw better while sleeping.
Who Should Use a Night Guard?
Not every case of jaw discomfort should be treated with a night guard, but night guards are recommended in cases when someone:
- Grinds or clenches their teeth while sleeping
- Has headaches or muscle soreness from the jaw area in the morning
- Has visible wearing of their teeth
- Has been diagnosed with TMJ like issues
In any situation where you have these recognized symptoms, a dental appointment can help you decide if a guard is a good option.
How to Care for Your Night Guard
Taking care of your night guard will allow it to last longer and remain hygienic. Here are some easy steps to follow:
- Rinse your guard after every use
- Use a soft toothbrush with non-abrasive soap to gently brush your guard
- Store in an open, ventilated case to keep bacteria from growing
- Do NOT expose it to hot water as it can warp the material
With good care a custom night guard can last you several years.
Wrapping Up!
TMJ disorders can lead to everyday pain, worn teeth, and poor sleep quality. A custom-fitted night guard is an easy and effective option to lessen discomfort and protect your smile.
The monetary investment is minimal compared to the benefits for your teeth and jaw in the long run. At Totally Orthodontics, we offer custom night guards as a treatment for teeth grinding and TMJ disorders.
Let us join hands and start a journey towards a better sleep. Mark your slot with our team today.
FAQs About Night Guards for TMJ
Do night guards fix TMJ?
No, night guards do not cure TMJ. They only reduce symptoms like pain, jaw pressure, and grinding.
Can I buy a night guard at the store?
Yes, you can buy one over the counter, but getting custom guards from a dentist fits better and protects more.
How long does a night guard last?
A night guard can last a few years. Heavy teeth grinding may wear it out faster.
Are night guards uncomfortable to wear?
They may feel strange in the beginning. After a few nights, most people get used to them.
