Do I Need a Custom Night Guard?

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Night guards are a great way to protect your teeth at night. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, they can save more than just chipped or disintegrating teeth. Below, we’ll look at how night guards in West Bradenton, FL work and whether you need a custom-fit one to reap the full benefits.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is an oral appliance that you can wear while asleep to stop yourself from inadvertently grinding or clenching your teeth. They often look like mouth guards or even like clear aligners, though different brands and companies have very different designs to stop the same problem.

Where Can I Buy a Night Guard in West Bradenton?

You can pick up a night guard at the drugstore or online. Or you can visit an orthodontist in West Bradenton for a custom fit. Keep in mind that night guards will have different looks depending on where you purchase them from. Some are little more than a piece of plastic on either side that you bite down. The plastic pieces are the only barrier between you and teeth grinding.

These cheaper, over-the-counter options may stop the worst effects of teeth grinding, such as teeth cracks or loss, but they may inadvertently shift or otherwise put pressure on the rest of your mouth.A custom-fit night guard is not only more comfortable to wear, it’s also more effective at maintaining your smile from the inside out.

Find Night Guards Near You 

If you’re looking for a night guard near you, visit the team at Orthodontic Specialists. We’re here to help you find custom solutions that work!

Comfort Tips For Wearing Nighttime Dental Appliances

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One of the more frequent complaints that patients mention is the discomfort that comes from wearing nighttime dental appliances. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t to not wear the appliance when you’re sleeping, since this is a crucial period of time for yourBradenton, FL orthodontic treatment. But there are plenty of helpful tips to try to alleviate some of the discomfort, so that you can get a more restful sleep.

Ensure a Proper Fit

First off, visit your orthodontist with your appliance so that your orthodontist can ensure that the nighttime dental appliance is fitting properly. It’s common for these to get bent out of shape, which can make them more uncomfortable, so this is an important first step.

Change Pillows

Try using a soft feather or down pillow instead of what you have now. Feather and down pillows can be easily molded into a shape to suit your face and dental appliance so the appliance isn’t being pushed into your cheek as you slumber.

Use a Blanket as a Prop

If you can’t adjust the pillow sufficiently, try balling up a corner of your blanket so it props up the dental appliance into position while you lie on your side.

Sit Upright a Little

Another idea is to sit upright a little bit by propping up several pillows behind your back. This position isn’t going to be comfortable for everyone, but it’s worth trying.

Change Sleep Position

Laying on your back while you sleep is the ideal way to wear a nighttime dental appliance. This way, the appliance isn’t pushing into your face, and any discomfort is avoided. It may take some getting used to, but many people find this is the best solution.

For more tips and help with your dental appliance, contact yourorthodontist in Bradenton, FL. Contact us today to book your appointment.