If you have a condition known as bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching and grinding of your teeth and jaw during the night, then your dentist in Fort Saskatchewan may suggest that you get a mouthguard to wear at night. At the least, wearing a mouthguard during your sleep can help protect your teeth from the damage caused by clenching and grinding. But which option is better? The cheaper, store-bought mouthguard or a custom-made mouthguard? In this blog post, our team at Fort Smiles Dental Centre breaks down the difference between the two.
Constant clenching and grinding can cause some pretty serious damage to your teeth and jaw, and if left unchecked, can lead to fractured and broken teeth that require expensive major dental restorations. Regardless of whether you opt for store-bought or custom-made mouthguards near you, both do their jobs well enough as far as protecting your teeth. The real question is which fits more comfortably and is more reliable.
Store-Bought Mouthguards
While these are the cheaper option when it comes to mouthguards in Fort Saskatchewan, they are not the ideal option. Store-bought mouthguards are often one-size-fits-all, which means that they don’t fit very comfortably in your mouth because they aren’t tailored to your specific mouth structure. Additionally, these guards are not as durable as custom mouthguards, and their thickness will interfere with your quality of sleep. This means that store-bought mouthguards may prevent you from damaging your teeth while you sleep but can also prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep in the first place.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
While a custom-made mouthguard is much more expensive than a store-bought one, it is well worth the investment. The materials, fit, and comfort provided by custom-made mouthguards make them the ideal option for those suffering from bruxism.
When you visit Fort Smiles Dental Centre for a custom mouthguard, our dentist near you will begin by taking impressions of your teeth which will be sent to a dental laboratory where your mouthguard will be created. The mouthguard is customized to fit your mouth, making for a snug and comfortable fit while you rest.
Your dentist can also adjust your mouthguard to be thinner or thicker depending on the severity of your bruxism, which can help relieve jaw tension and strain, making it easier to keep your teeth apart during the day.
Other Treatment Options for Bruxism
While a mouthguard is the best way to protect your teeth and alleviate jaw pain from nighttime clenching and grinding, there are other things you can do to alleviate the pain associated with bruxism. Work on minimizing stress wherever you can, and stick to a soft food diet to allow your jaw time to heal. Finally, you can use anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen to alleviate your discomfort during flares of bad pain.
Interested in Custom-Made Mouthguards?
If you would like to learn more about custom-made mouthguards and how they can help you, please get in touch with our team of dedicated dental professionals at Fort Smiles Dental Centre. We are happy to provide you with the appliances you need to get a good night’s rest and alleviate your pain. Please contact us to book your consultation today!